NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

Community Garden -- Fall Vegetables are growing!! Please come share yourgardening talents by helping maintain the garden. All neighbors are welcome to take what they need. More raised garden beds will be constructed as the interest grows.

Little Free Library – The well-used FUMC Little Free Library continues to be a blessing to our community. We currently are in need of books,especially for children and youth. Your gently used book donations are greatly appreciated and may be left in the book basket located in the entry foyer.

First News is a regular publication for members and friends of First United Methodist Church. Articles for the newsletter should besubmitted to the Church Office no later than the 15th of the month before the Newsletter goes out.Church Office Hours: Monday – Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Phone (804) 458-8076Visit our website: www.fumchopewell.org E-Mail: Office@fumchopewell.org

CHURCH STAFFChris Andress, Senior Pastor

Patti Williams, Admin. Asst. Dennis Foxworth, Lay Leader Judy Blevins, Director of Music Mary Taylor, Tori Pierce, Gloria Donati, Nursery AttendantsNancy Honaker, Organist & Chancel Choir Accompanist Cindy Altman, Chapel Pianist/Children’s Choir DirectorScott & Patricia Honaker, Youth Directors Gloria Donati, Custodian

First News Non-Profit OrganizationFirst United Methodist Church U. S. Postage

P. O. Box 636 PAIDHopewell, Virginia 23860-0636 Hopewell, Virginia

Permit No. 32Address Service Requested

FIRST NEWS..............................October & November Edition U M C First United Methodist Church, Hopewell, VA

God speaks the loudest when we are the quietest.

Close your eyes now, if you can. Perhaps think of a favorite Bible verse and think of a wordin that verse that really resonates with you right now. Keep your eyes closed if you can. Let that word from that verse lead you into God’s presence. Follow it in, don’t be afraid. God is waiting in there in the silence to speak a word to you that will cause you great joy, or perhaps sorrow. But in the silence God can speak to you, and in the silence you can hear God speak to you. Perhaps with words, perhaps with that silent feeling of a warm embrace upon your soul. Are your eyes still closed? If not, that is okay. It is more important that the mouth of your mind is closed.

The monks have been known to say, “If your speaking doesn’t add something beautiful to the silence, don’t speak.” For many of us in the noise of our modern world of material, this silence is a way we can make space for God to speak to us into and through the same silence. Keep your eyes closed for a bit longer after you finish reading this article and before you move on to all the other important information in this newsletter and listen for God in the silence. God speaks the loudest when we are the quietest.

Psalm 62:5 says:

5 Only for God wait in silence, O my soul, because my hope is from him.

Joining you in the silence,

Chris

The Chancel Choir has resumed 7:30 PM Thursday rehearsals. We are blessed to have such a wonderful accompanist and faithful and dedicated Choir members,

but we need a few more voices! Please pray about singing in the Chancel Choir. The ability to read music is helpful but not required – section leaders will help new singers. Every Choir member will welcome you as part of our Choir family – join us, and you'll be blessed! Choir members who have not been singing with us for a while are encouraged to return to sing again! We’ve missed you!

The Handbell Choir will resume weekly rehearsals at 6:15 PMon Thursday, October 12th. If you are an experienced ringer,please plan to return. If you have never experienced ringing bells,please come and explore their majestic beauty! Instructions areeasy to follow, and you will receive help and support from other members. Adults AND youth are welcome!

There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to all my friends at FUMC. I appreciate your cards and emails, your phone calls and visits, the beautiful flowers, and the delicious food prepared for me during my recent surgery and extended recovery. Thank you to everyone who provided transportation todoctor visits and to the hospitals, and to those who helped take

such wonderful 24/7 care of me at home when I needed them the most! I am especially grateful for your thoughts and prayers and words of encouragement. I am reminded of how blessed I am to be part of such a wonderful church. May God bless you as you have blessed me.

With love and prayers, Judy Blevins

Dear Friends at FUMC:I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, cards and notes during my recent open heart surgery. I’m healing an inch at a time with God’s help. Ben Farmer

Larry, Olivia and I would like to thank everyone for their prayers andwords of love and support the past several months. The cards and callshave helped us through the difficult time of my mother’s passing. A

special thank you to Thurman and Carol Elmore, Wil and Linda Frederiksen and Kim Taylor for their support and love during the celebration of life. Angela Hildreth

Thank you for your donations of $682.88 collected through the Baby Bottle Blessing to sponsor the work at the Pregnancy Support Center of the Tri-Cities. Generous gifts from groups like yours provide the financial and moral support needed to continue our mission. Together seventy-five groups collected a total of $40,432. Pregnancy Support Center

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Thank you for your gift to support the general Board of Global Ministries in Colombia and Cambodia.

On behalf of the Board, staff and the individuals and families we serve, thank you for your generous gift. CARES (Crisis Assistance Response Emergency Shelter)

Red Bird Mission sent a thank you note for our contribution to their organization.

On behalf of the future homeowners and Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity, we thank you for your donation of $500 that will help place families in safe and affordable housing.

Friends of Barnabas - Thank you for your gift of $200. Your gift makes our work in the mountains of Honduras possible. Last month our medical staff presented topic such as the importance of good hygiene and dental are. They also provided instruction on the food pyramid and the any was to enhance nutrition with the use of soybeans. The day ended with a discussion of proper medication administration. Thank you again for your support.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYSDavid Richey (1), Trisha Ahn (3), John Conover (4), Madison Frank (5), Christy Frank (6),

Tucker Martin (6), Dave Johnson (8), Max Kaufman (8), Marty Blaney (9), Helen Cross(9), Jack Seavy (10), Harold Shreves (11), Joe Orlando (12), Linda Lovelady (14), BristolPierce (17), Shirley Bishop (19), Angie Hildreth (19), Mike Moosman (19), Bobbie Lee

(20), James Gay (21), Audra Honaker (21), Robert Moseley (21), Libe Houser (22), RobertMoody (22), Jackie Tatum (22), Abby Williamson (22), Colton Dobbs (23), Tyler Smith

(25), Kathy Felton (26), Anne Kitchen (28), Beverly Johnson (30), Lisa Martin (30), LarryHildreth (31)

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIESFrank and Josie Cuffe (10), Kim and Richard Taylor (21), John and Louise Conover (23), Todd and Jan Butterworth (25), Bill and Anne Page Henry (26)

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS Greg Steininger (1), Eddie Henry (3), Billy Williamson (6), Wendy Drake (7), Bob Tinker (7), Vickie McCormick (12), Norma Nicholson (13), Jacquelyn Smith (17), Viola Watson (20), Kathy Hodson (22), Bill Duncan (25), Olivia Hildreth (25), Mike Robbins (26), Kathryn Thomas (27), Larissa Flournoy (28), Kimberly Smith (30)

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Drew & Mallory Di Stefano (5), Sarah and Robert Moody (6), Charles and Pat Steininger (23), Robert and Shirley Bishop (24), Randy and Cindy Sealey (30), Layman and Dolores Shreves (30)

Treasurer’s Report for month ending August 31, 2017:Operating fund:

Ending balance as of 7/31/17…………….. $27,508.14

Income for August………………………… 19,193.92Expenses for August …….……………… (20,047.03)

Balance as of 7/31/17 ……………………………… 26,655.03

Designated Funds Balance as of 7/31/17 ….. . 23,586.05Money Market Balance ………………………… 76,848.09Love & Needy (Separate Checking Account) … 500.00

UNITED METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP NEWS AND UPCOMING ACTIVITIES –

UMYF is back in session, having kicked off in September with a "Welcome Back, children & youth" breakfast (thanks to Cindy Altman for preparing this) and the Fall Bash community outreach event. This year, we're very excited to welcome 6th grader, Claire Richey, to the group!

We also look forward to holding a much awaited lock-in on Oct. 6-7. If you know anyone who may be interested in attending the lock-in or other UMYF gatherings, please let us know and we'd be happy to reach out.

As always, we greatly appreciate everyone's continued encouragement and support. It is our privilege to serve. Trish & Scott H.

FAMILY MINISTRIESWe love that our kitchen is so busy! Please remember that if you put ANY food in the fridge to label and date it.

Trunk or Treat”SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28th5:00 –6:00 PM IN OUR PARKING LOT.

We will have our annual “Trunk or Treat” onSaturday, Octber 28th, 5:00 – 6:00 PM in our church parking lot. You are invited to come prepared to hand out treats from your vehicle trunk to our church and neighborhood children. Feel free to decorate your vehicle and/or dress in costume! There will also be a light snack supper provided. Come and join in this safe and fun event!

UNITED METHODIST MEN

NEWS AND UPCOMING ACTIVITIES –

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Fall is here and we can all get back into our normal routines! Remember ourbreakfast meetings have resumed. The speakers are good and the fellowship is always great!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS AND UPCOMING ACTIVITIES --

Fall Blessings to all! UMW is happy to report that we will have many opportunities for mission service in the upcoming months. We invite ALL women to join us for any or all of our meetings!

October 8th is our Fall Luncheon. An Italian lunch will be offered for a free will offering! Lunch will begin right after the 11:00 service.

October 21st UMW yard sale at Vigilant Storage Unit in Prince George. 8:30-2:00. Furniture, household items, tools, clothes, craft items and holiday decorations. We need volunteers to help price and move items beginning October 15th. Contact Linda Frederiksen at 452-2001 to volunteer!

November 5th District Fall Day Apart location to be announced.

November 11th Annual Yard and Bake Sale –Set up will begin Thursday, November9th and Friday, November 10th beginning at 10 am both days. Contact Linda at 452-2001 to volunteer or just show up!

November 12th Lunch and General Meeting right after the 11:00 service. Come join us for a lunch and quick program! Bring a friend!December 4th Annual Christmas Dinner and Program 6:30 pm. Bring a covered dish. Guilders Circle will be the host the dinner. New officers will be installed for 2018.

OCTOBER - STEWARDSHIPUshers: D. Patrick, R. Anderson, D. Calloway, G. Hamilton, D. JohnsonGreeters: 8:45 a.m. Worship Service October 1, 2017 Christy Frank October 8, 2017 Joyce Purr and Ben Farmer

October 15, 2017 Curly Moore October 22, 2017 Margie Dowden

October 29, 2017 VolunteerGreeters: 11:00 a.m. Worship Service – Bev Johnson & Tricia Patrick

NOVEMBER STEWARDSHIPUshers: R. Honaker, G. Bowman, M. Bujakowski, J. Moosman, C. MoseleyGreeters: 8:45 a.m. Worship Service November 5, 2017 Christy Frank November 12, 2017 Joyce Purr and Ben Farmer November 19, 2017 Curly Moore November 26, 2017 Margie Dowden Greeters: 11:00 a.m. Worship Service – Linda & Wilfred Frederiksen

SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR OCTOBERFear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Our fears hinder us on our journey to reach our God-given potential. There are many typesof fears and they all block out our faith that God is abundantly loving and caring for us. Fear limits God and forfeits what He can do for us. The fear of failure keeps many from fulfilling any vision God may give us. Failing doesn’t make you a failure, quitting does.Yes! You can do God’s will. Use the gifts God has given you, step out and take a risk based on faith, trusting God for success.The Bible is full of stories of God calling the simplest and even sinful people to do His will. God is calling each one of us. The more you have a relationship with God the more you willknow His voice and His directions. And when He calls you what are you going to do about it? Don’t be afraid, God will strengthen you and help you.The Son of God has died for each one of us, the least we can do is live for Him. When we know that deep relationship with God, when we respond with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, then we find His will is the best: good, acceptable and perfect.

You may remember that Operation Christmas Child (an outreach project withSamaritan’s Purse) delivers joy to millions of children around the world throughshoeboxes that are lovingly and prayerfully packed with gifts that will bring delightto a child. After receiving a shoebox gift, the boys and girls are invited to enroll in a12-lesson discipleship program where children learn what it means to faithfullyfollow Christ and share their faith with others.FUMC has been participating in Operation Christmas Child since 2014 and thanks toyour generosity, we were able to ship 81 gift-filled shoeboxes last year that we knowbrought fun and joy to the children who received them. Your kindness in helping usagain this year would be appreciated! You can…

Pack a shoebox at home with small gifts and return it to church for shipping. This can be a wonderful and meaningful family experience. Give your child/grandchild a few dollars and take them shopping for gifts that they would like to have themselves. Let them help you pack the gifts in a shoebox (empty boxes available) to be given to a needy child who is the same age, but who might not receive any other gifts than what is packed in the shoebox.

Donate a gift item or two that will be combined with other gifts to fillshoeboxes. Gift suggestions for children ages 2-14 are toys, school supplies,non-liquid hygiene items and accessories that a child might like (t-shirts,socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, etc.). The collection bin islocated in the “Missions” area as you enter from the parking lot.

Make a monetary donation to help with shipping costs or to purchase additional gifts that may be needed. Please make check payable to FirstUMC and note OCC on the memo line.

The deadline for donations is Sunday, November 12 th .THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS MISSION PROJECT!

HOPEWELL FOOD PANTRY -- The HFP has become a distribution point for all Hopewell Meals-on-Wheels clients. The prepared food is delivered to us from the Feedmore MOW kitchen each weekday. The next morning our volunteers check that the meals have maintained the proper temperature and put the meals in the delivery order. They are then picked up by the MOW’s drivers and delivered to their clients for lunch. The

HFP is open for food donations and for client needs Mon, Wed,and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. located at 903 W. City Point Road.Monetary contributions may be mailed to HFP, PO Box 1532,Hopewell, VA 23860. Visit www.hopewellfoodpantry.com to seethe gallery of new photos.

The Red Box lose change ministry to the HFP continues to be a blessing to the community.Staple food donations for the HFP from FUMC may be placed in our HFP bin located in theFUMC Entrance lobby. The following items are always needed:

Peanut Butter Canned Tuna & Chicken Low Sodium VeggiesFruits Packed in Juice Spaghetti Sauce (No Glass) Canned or Dry BeansHot & Cold Cereal Whole Grain Snacks

HELP NEEDED FOR DOLLS ON A MISSIONDolls On A Mission is a national group of volunteers who share a ministry of teaching about Christ through individually handmade dolls for children and adults. Families around the world are suffering from poverty, natural catastrophes, or from the sadness of losing a

beloved friend or family member.

Each Doll has 2 sides. The first side is a sad face which represents life withOUT Christ. The second side is a happy face which represents life WITH Christ. Each doll also includes a prayer card which can be translated into any language that is requested.

Recently Vonnie Barglof and her team including Anne Kitchen, Marian Henryand Sally Sparks and a few others from Hopewell Presbyterian sewed 450 adorable 8” dolls.These were taken to the Buford Rd Baptist Church to be distributed by missionaries in Europe, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Vonnie’s group currently has 200doll patterns cut and 50 dolls completed. They are now taking orders for Christmas from various missions groups in our area. If you are able to help with your spare time at home, please call Vonnie at 804.446.3047 and leave a message. She will be happy to give you easydirections that could include your talent of cutting, sewing, hand sewing, gluing, stuffing, painting faces or even crocheting little hats. She also accepts financial donations to pay for the polyester stuffing. The fabric has been donated. More information may be found at www.handworkthathelps.com/dolls-on-a-mission.