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Walking Where Jesus Walked
To be able to walk where Jesus walked
is an incredible experience. I have been to
Israel twice and each time I have gained new
insights into the presence of God in my life. To go to
Bethlehem where Jesus was born, where the Word
became flesh, is humbling. To go to his hometown where
Jesus grew up and lived for 30 years before his ministry
began, is to be reminded to wait patiently for God’s timing.
To go to the communities surrounding the Sea of Galilee
where Jesus ministered to people and trained His disciples,
is to be reminded that Jesus has a plan and purpose for my
life. To be on the Sea of Galilee and experience the wind
and the waves and then to experience the calmness, is to
be reminded that God is still in the miracle working
business. To go to Jerusalem where Jesus was beaten,
tried, convicted and sentenced to death, is to be reminded
of the price he paid for my sins. Finally, to go to the garden
tomb that is empty, is to be reminded that Jesus is alive!
The glory of Easter is seeing and experiencing the
Risen Christ. Easter Sunday, that great day of celebration,
is the centerpiece of April this year. What a magnificent
day April 12th will be for us here at First Methodist! I know
we will not be together in the flesh but we can be together
in Spirit. My hope is that God will give us a new awareness
of the price that Jesus paid on the cross. I am praying that
God will give us all a better understanding of the finished
work of the cross. (Continued in the next column)
From Our Pastor
In Jesus’ life the cross was the ultimate
expression of obedience to His Father’s will. Unless we
go to the cross with Jesus, we will have no fellowship
with Him. However, our journey does not end in
crucifixion; by the Lord’s grace, our journey ends in
glory. Easter is the victory that we can share now,
until God calls us home to glory. The goal of every
disciple of Jesus Christ is to do the Father’s will.
Jesus only asks us to do the things that we can do
through His strength and grace.
May God bless you and your family during the
month of April and may this month be the greatest
month of the year for us here at First Methodist.
Join us on-line April 12th as we worship our Risen Lord
together.
In Christ’s arms, Brother Matt
How can I be praying for you? Dear Church Family, We are living in a difficult and perplexing time. With the
effects of COVID-19 being placed on our health,
economy and personal well being, it’s easy to find
ourselves discouraged. YOU are a valued member of
our family and as your pastor I would like to pray for
you and be an encouragement to you during this time
of uncertainty.
We don’t know the future but we know the One who does. Here’s what we do know: 1. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. 2. The sovereignty and Will of God is still being carried out even in the midst of this virus. 3. God loves us with an unfailing love and promises to never leave us. I hope you find this note to be an encouragement. I invite you to respond to me [email protected] with any pressing prayer needs – your requests will be kept confidential (unless you ask that they be shared). Know that God loves you and I love you! In Christ’s arms, Brother Matt
Join us online at Facebook
and our church website:
www.wetumpkafumc.com
Hey hey everybody! I sure do miss all your sweet faces! Just think of how much fun we’ll have when we get back together! Don’t forget that challenges are being posted on our church Facebook page twice a week for your child to participate in some wacky way. These are super fun challenges that they are sure to enjoy! Plus they will also get rewarded when we get back together with some yummy candy for each challenge they complete! Trust me… They won’t want to miss out! We will be doing our Easter egg hunt a little different this year, but it’s still going to be awesome! We will be hiding some eggs in each child’s yard for them to find. If you live in an apartment, no worries! We can deliver some eggs straight to your door. Since we are limiting our contact, we will simply leave them on your doorstep of your apartment. You could hide them in the house or let them eat the candy straight out of the basket. ** If you want us to “egg” your house, please text me your current address to (334) 220-2207. Last, but not least, be sure to remind your kids to tune in every Sunday for our Children’s Minute on our church Facebook page. I love and miss you all so much! Ms. Michelle
VBS
You've probably heard of Jesus. You might even think you know a lot about Him. We all have some idea of who we think Jesus is. We might think of Him as a nice guy, a great teacher, a carpenter, or a guy who could walk on water, but who is Jesus really? This month during our online hangouts we'll look at what other people have said about Jesus, some key moments in Jesus' life and ministry, and even Jesus' own words to help us see that Jesus is God, Savior, truth, and better than a best friend! Speaking of online hangouts, there has still been a ton going on with the 1335 Student Ministry! For starters, after many rounds of discussion and voting, the students selected a verse and logo to embody the focus and direction they want for their ministry moving forward: John 13:35. Verse 34 is closely tied to it as well, and they read “34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” How awesome is it our students want to live into these verses?! Also our schedule since COVID-19 social distancing measures were put in place has looked like this. God is moving in amazing ways amidst what is happening in the world! • Sundays: FUMC Wetumpka Worship Online at 10:30 am and Video Devotion/Update via text, Instagram, and Facebook • Tuesdays: Fortnite | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm • Wednesdays: Wednesday Night Live | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm on Zoom for games and devotion (be sure to have your Bible on hand!) • Thursdays: Games, Devotion, and Hangout on Zoom | 2:30 pm- 4:30 pm (be sure to have your Bible on hand!) • Weekly: Video and post devotions, encouragement, and games/challenges via text, Instagram, and Facebook We are looking for more ways to get everyone con-nected digitally, and share the love of Christ! HAPPY EASTER!! In Him, Jamie
We hope everyone is “laying low” and staying home during this time. What a sweet, sweet, happy fellowshipping time it will be when we are able to gather again! We are not accustomed to being off the grid like this and not being able to fin for our-selves. If you need anything or know of someone who is struggling to get necessary items during this time PLEASE call the church office at 334/567-7865. We want to make sure that everyone has what they need. Prayers for continued safety and good health... In His Light, Celestra
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR OUR FUMC FAMILY CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Our church office staff continues to work staggered shifts from 8 am until 12 noon and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Fridays 8 am until 11 am - unless something warrants a change to this schedule. We are taking every precaution to keep our staff and church family safe and healthy. As posted earlier and REMAINS IN EFFECT: ALL WORSHIP SERVICES, SUNDAY SCHOOL, AND ALL ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Updates will be shared as available. It is important for us to Stay Connected!!!! How? Join the Wetumpka FUMC Facebook group to be able to view important posts and watch for emails from the office to keep you up-to-date. Some of our committees and groups are putting into place "virtual meetings" through the software Zoom. If you are interested in starting one for your group and need help, contact Andrea & Jamie. If you just want to say hello and stay in touch, give the church office a call at 567-7865. Have you been listening to Brother Matt's inspiring videos? They can be found shared through our email lists, on Facebook (join us at Wetumpka First United Methodist Church), and on our church website at www.wetumpkafirst.com. Just scroll down the page and click on the sermon of the day! Maybe one particular day really spoke to you and where you are in your faith journey - feel free to watch it as many times as you like and maybe share with a friend. HOW TO CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TITHES & OFFERINGS: If you want to contribute your tithes and offerings, but would rather not be out and about: Checks can be mailed to: FUMC Wetumpka, 306 W. Tuskeena Street,
Wetumpka, AL 36092. Donations can be made online by going to the church website at
www.wetumpkafirst.com and click on the GIVE tab. If you need help, call the church office.
If you prefer to stop by the church and drop off your donations, the staff can meet you at the door to make sure limited contact is made.
THANK YOU for your prayers for those in our church family who are
experiencing all types of serious health issues.
What a great reminder dur ing these t ry ing days . . .
Pastors Need Prayer Too
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.”
Jeremiah 3:15
A High Calling
Before pastors were ever called to shepherd churches, they were sheep (Psalm 100:3). Their need for God's grace, guidance, and edifying work of the Holy Spirit never goes away. For 365 days of the year, pastors are leading congregations in spiritual maturity and are expected to love, care, and tend to the hurts, pains, and victories of all that call their church their home. The health of a church weighs heavily on a pastor; nevertheless, it is a high calling that is never done perfectly. And thankfully, God doesn't expect perfection. God expects submission. So today we pray for Brother Matt and for all pastors that lead the body of Christ in the humbling work of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). We pray that their souls will be taken care of in a way that meets their needs and encourages them to submissively run the race that the Lord has set before them. We pray for individuals, communities, and organizations to come alongside them and build them up in the ways of the Lord. Lastly, we pray for God to continue to raise up pastors with knowledge and endurance so that God's Kingdom will never cease to deepen and grow all over the world. By BLAIR GOSSETT-AUGUST 9, 2018
ARE YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IN DESPERATE NEED? At times such as these we need more than ever to be good neighbors. We are working diligently to be aware of the needs in our church family and community and will address those needs as resources permit. We are especially concerned about those who are in the high risk and shut in category, for whom it could be dangerous for them to go out and get basic necessities. If you know someone who might be in need, PLEASE SHARE THAT INFORMATION WITH THE CHURCH OFFICE.
FIRST NEWS Phone: 334-567-7865
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wetumpkafirst.com
April 2020
IN THIS ISSUE:
From Our Pastor
Our Ministries
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Reading the Bible Through Scriptures
Support Group
Support Group If you know of someone who is struggling, please let them know that the Fresh Start Recovery Group is here for them. Our goal is to help in overcoming problems, fears, and/or addictions. For more information, please contact Paul Henderson at 334-201-5428. If you are a member of FUMC and your birthday or anniversary is not
listed, please notify the church office so that we can celebrate with you.
Here is the scriptures for those Reading the Bible Through in a Year for April:
☐ 1 Joshua 7-8 Eccl. 4:7-16 John 7
☐ 2 Reflect on God as Friend
☐ 3 Joshua 9-10 Ps. 40 John 8
☐ 4 Joshua 11-12 Eccl. 5:1-9 John 9
☐ 5 Joshua 13-14 Ps. 41 John 10
☐ 6 Joshua 15-16 Eccl. 5:10-20 John 11
☐ 7 Joshua 17--18 Ps. 42 John 12
☐ 8 Joshua 19-20 Eccl. 6:1-6 John 13
☐ 9 Reflect on God as Lion and Lamb
☐ 10 Joshua 21-22 Ps. 43 John 14
☐ 11 Joshua 23-24 Eccl. 6:7-12 John 15
☐ 12 Judges 1-3 Ps. 44 John 16
☐ 13 Judges 4-6 Eccl. 7:1-13 John 17
☐ 14 Judges 7-9 Ps. 45 John 18
☐ 15 Judges 10-12 Eccl. 7:14-29 John 19
☐ 16 Reflect on God as Love
☐ 17 Judges 13-15 Ps. 46 John 20
☐ 18 Judges 16-18 Eccl. 8-1-9 John 21
☐ 19 Judges 19-21 Ps. 47 Acts 1
☐ 20 Ruth 1-2 Eccl. 8:10-17 Acts 2
☐ 21 Ruth 3-4 Ps. 48 Acts 3
☐ 22 1 Sam. 1-3 Eccl. 9:1-10 Acts 4
☐ 23 Reflect on God as Capable
☐ 24 1 Sam. 4-6 Ps. 49 Acts 5
☐ 25 1 Sam. 7-9 Eccl. 9:11-18 Acts 6
☐ 26 1 Sam. 10-12 Ps. 50 Acts 7
☐ 27 1 Sam. 13-15 Eccl. 10:1-11 Acts 8
☐ 28 1 Sam. 16-18 Ps. 51 Acts 9
☐ 29 1 Sam. 19-21 Eccl. 10:12-20 Acts 10
☐ 30 Reflect on God as Strength
It is important for us to Stay Connected!!!! Here are some ways…. 1. Be inspired by Brother Matt’s daily video
message on Facebook live and the church website. (More information on page 3)
2. Join the Wetumpka FUMC Facebook group to be able to view important posts.
3. Watch for emails from the office to keep you up-to-date.
4. Some of our committees and groups are putting into place "virtual meetings" through the software Zoom. If you are interested in starting one for your group and need help, contact Andrea & Jamie.
5. If you just want to say hello and stay in touch, give the church office a call at 567-7865. We’d love to hear from you!
04/01 Sandra Hill
04/05 Carol Bush
04/08 Hilton Knight
04/08 Judy Price
04/08 Shirley Brannan
04/10 Tim Emmons
04/11 Charlotte Whetstone
04/14 Carson Turner
04/14 Richard Knighton
04/18 Anna Spears
04/25 Brian Justiss
04/26 Charlotte Barber
04/28 Debbie Barnes
04/30 Misty Macon
16-Apr Sam & Susan Legvold
17-Apr Cal & Lynda Estabrook
18-Apr Grady & Celestra Rowell
19-Apr Clay & Martha Hutsler
21-Apr Mark & Cindy Langley
22-Apr Jim & Wanda Rushing
26-Apr Earl & Elizabeth Gillian
27-Apr Rick & Diane Tyler
28-Apr Mark & Donna Matthews
