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he “Jesus Prayer” is one of Christianity’s most frequently
spoken prayers. While some varieties have weaved their
way into different Christian communities, the most classical form
of the prayer is purely:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
The words might be simple, but the sentiment is profoundly
significant.
Wordy prayers – filled with biblical allusions, eloquent phrases,
and vivid imagery – are usually well-appreciated. Over the years, prayer books have resourced
God’s faithful people for personal devotions and communal liturgy. Dating back to Old Testament
times, our tradition rightfully includes praying the wise words forged through years of wrestling
with God through difficult situations.
But simple prayers are altogether lovely, too!
Many ancient church leaders advocate using an “arrow prayer,” a brief thought shot through air,
aiming toward God. Similarly to an arrow traveling along a single path, with only one goal, the
trajectory of an arrow prayer carries a single purpose. An “arrow prayer” is easy to remember. It
can be said over and over again, regardless of one’s setting.
For example, consider praying “bring light to my darkness” throughout one day. In the morning,
you could quietly repeat these words, first in silence and then out loud. “Bring light to my
darkness… bring light to my darkness… bring light to my darkness.” Try this for just 3 full minutes.
Then pray these same words during other moments throughout the day: while battling traffic on
the road, before you enter the office, as you sit in the doctor’s waiting room, as you pay your bills,
after a difficult conversation, as you read the headline news, and then at the close of the day.
An “arrow prayer” can effectively open your life to staying connected to God throughout the day.
Can you imagine this? If so, what prayers might you carry in your quiver?
The Jesus Prayer reflects Christianity’s basis for personal transformation. Perhaps this is
why the Jesus Prayer continues to be prayed every day by a countless number of Christians
throughout the world. When I pray the Jesus Prayer, I grow more aware of three important
realities:
- professing who Jesus is (Lord, Christ, and Son of God),
- confessing who I am (a sinner),
- and humbly asking for what Jesus offers (mercy).
When the season of Lent begins later in February, let us pray together: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Pray these words over and over, day after day.
May God’s loving presence guide us,
Pastor Mark
REMARKST
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6:30pm Ash Wednesday Service
Midweek@First: Stations of the Cross
Palm Sunday
7:30 pm Performance of Bob Chilcott’s St John Passion
Midweek@First: Kids’ Easter Activities
7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service
12:00 pm Good Friday Service
Easter Day Services7:00 am Sunrise Service- Columbarium 8:30 & 11:00 am Easter Services with Communion
February 14
March 21
March 25
March 28
March 29
March 30
April 1
Lent & Easter Season Special Services
and Events
Congratulations to The Rev. Dr. Ken Walden
New President-Dean of Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia
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LOOKING FOR A COMPANION BOOK FOR LENT?
hen You Pray as a Family
Rueben P. Job and Leanne Ciampa Hadley This weekly devotional guide (for the whole year) is
designed to bring your family together as you explore
Scripture, share and listen to each other, and pray. Each
week, you and your children will begin to develop a
practice of prayer that will lead to a lifelong journey with
God. Kindle edition available.
The Upper Room Disciplines 2018: A Book of Daily Devotions Ed. By Rita CollettFifty-three writers from diverse Christian backgrounds
encourage us to immerse ourselves in scripture and
apply its truths to our lives. Each day of this powerful
devotional guide (which covers the calendar year) offers
a selected Bible reading, a meditation on the scripture
passage, and a prayer or suggestion for reflection. Large
print and Kindle editions available.
Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter This collection of over 70 Lenten and Easter readings is
accessible and represents the classic and Contemporary
Christian writers over centuries, such as: Blaise Pascal,
C. S. Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Fleming Rutledge,
Frederick Buechner, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Jürgen
Moltmann, Kahlil Gibran, Karl Barth, Martin Luther,
Meister Eckhart, Saint Augustine, Simone Weil, Søren
Kierkegaard, and Thomas à Kempis.
A Way other than Our Own: Devotions for Lent
Walter BrueggemanGod has always called people out of their safe, walled
cities into uncomfortable places, revealing paths they
W would never have chosen. Walter Brueggemann’s
thought-provoking reflections for the season of Lent
invite us to consider the challenging, beautiful life that
comes with walking the way of grace. Kindle edition
available.
The Art of Lent: A Painting A Day From Ash Wednesday To Easter Sister Wendy BeckettFor visual learners, lovers of art, or those looking for a
different practice for Lent. The author describes and
interprets a series of paintings for each day of Lent.
Kindle edition available.
Word in the Wilderness: A Poem a Day for Lent and Easter Malcolm GuiteFor every day from Shrove Tuesday to Easter Day, the
bestselling poet Malcolm Guite chooses a favorite poem
from across the Christian spiritual and English literary
traditions and offers incisive seasonal reflections on it.
Near the Cross: A Lenten Journey of Prayer
Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. Bishop Kenneth Carter invites readers to a deeper life of
prayer and spiritual transformation this Lenten season.
You’ll learn how prayer nurtures faith and encourages
spiritual growth with practical, everyday applications.
Each chapter offers questions for personal reflection
or discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week.
Large Print and eBook editions available.
Also look for the Lenten calendar to prepare us for our Rise Against Hunger meal packing event on April 14!
begins Wednesday, February 14
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Colin Lynch
“Colin Lynch is an impeccable performer with compelling musicality and technical command..."
first
$ $
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FUMC AFTER-SCHOOL CAREappy New Year! We are back from the holiday break! We enjoyed
some time off and are ready to get back to playing hard AND working hard. We are reading books about winter and Martin Luther King, Jr. The children are doing winter word searches and coloring winter pictures. We are playing outside as much as weather permits and trying to play in the fellowship hall when we have to stay inside. We enjoy having hot chocolate on some of the colder days. We continue to do homework every day except Friday; a few of the children just practice reading aloud to us. Everyone is working hard!
Anyone is welcome to come by anytime and see what all we do!
“Kids go where there is excitement, they stay where there is LOVE.” – Zig Ziglar
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FUMC PRESCHOOLur FUMC Preschool has had a fantastic school year! We have learned, grown and played with
46 wonderful children from our church and community families. It is now time to offer our program for the 2018-2019 school year. We still have openings. If you have any family or friends with preschool-aged children, please spread the word about our program. If you have any questions about our program, please contact Patsy Langlais at 704-754-0443.
OPatsy Langlais, DirectorFirst United Methodist Church [email protected](704) 754-0443
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Donna Frederick, Lead Teacher, First United Methodist Church After School [email protected]
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SALISBURY YOUTH
lease keep our confirmands in your prayers over
the coming months. They have begun their journey
toward Confirmation Sunday (May 20) where they will
have the opportunity to join the church as members.
We have eight students in our class, all of whom are in
the seventh grade. From January to May they meet to
discuss who God is, who we are, learn about important
forefathers and mothers of the faith, and explore some
distinguishing points of Methodist theology. It is an
exciting time for these students to take their next steps
of the faith journey, choosing how they will make their
faith their own, and for the church to walk alongside them
as they do. The names of this year’s confirmands are:
Corbin Barber
Meg Bivens
Alfreda Chea
Connor Conforti
Austin Hedrick
Nate Shaffer
Griffin Smith
Courtney Williams
Confirmation 2018 has Begun
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ast year the youth led a wonderful event called Stations of the Cross.
Participants from the church and community were invited to travel from
station to station in the church, each station telling part of the story of Christ’s
journey to the cross. It was a wonderful intergenerational event, and this year
the youth will be hosting it again.
Wednesday, March 21, the youth will host Stations of the Cross as the after-
dinner programming for Midweek@First that night. Stations will include
student’s artwork, Salisbury youth students will be your guides through the
stations, and you will be able to participate in the story by interacting with the
stations. We hope you will join us for this meaningful experience as we prepare
for Easter together.
L
HEALTHY
NEW SERMON SERIES Starting on February 18
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METHODIST CONNECTIONresidents’ Day, Mardi Gras and Valentines are all celebrated this
month. Come and enjoy these 3 events by attending Methodist Connection Tuesday February 13, 12 noon. Bring your favorite dish to share. Karen Bowyer is our speaker on Presidents. Feel free to dress as a president, wear beads in celebration of Mardi Gras, or wear a Valentine heart. Call Carol Bachl at 704-637-2333 to make a reservation. There is no cost, as you are bringing a favorite dish. Reservations are to know how many to plan for.
P
Ash Wednesday Service
February 14 at 6:30
Sunday, March 18 12:15 pm
Fellowship Hall
Free lunch, live music, & fun times togetherRSVP to the church office by Wednesday, March 14
The goal is to WELCOME everyone from the congregation for this fellowship meal.
Welcome Tablethe
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Published in November 2017, this beautiful new book shares the unique history of the 12 liturgical banners which adorn our beautiful sanctuary. Through the generosity and extraordinary vision of Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Koontz, these banners have provided tremendous inspiration for members and guests of our church for many years. Dedicated to the banners’ designer and creator, Kerstin McDaniel, TAPESTRIES OF FAITH shares McDaniel’s fascinating life story, the process by which she created each banner, and her meaningful association with First United Methodist Church.
Announcing the publication of
TAPESTRIES OF FAITH
by BETTY DAN SPENCER
$20 per copy. Limited number available. Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Banner Fund
for preservation and maintenance.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRYamilies often ask for book or devotional guide suggestions that can be utilized by the whole family.
Many families seek to create sacred moments at home on a regular, ongoing basis. One of my favorite resources to recommend is a book entitled, When You Pray as a Family by Rueben P. Job and Leanne Ciampa Hadley. This book is written in a weekly format, following the church year. The season of Lent is a wonderful time to add this practice into the rhythms of your family. Below, I have shared an excerpt from this book from week 3 of Lent. Please let us know how we can all further support and nurture at home practices for your family’s spiritual growth. Many Blessings, Reverend Abby Hedgecock
Lent Week 3 from When You Pray as a FamilyListening for GodSay: This is the third week of Lent. In our scripture reading, Jesus has come to Jerusalem for a special celebration called Passover. But on his way, he discovers that people are selling things in the Temple and taking money from the poor. These people were doing bad things in God’s house, and it made Jesus become angry. Read aloud John 2: 13-22. Take turns reading the Scripture, or have a different family member read the Scripture passage each week. Family Share and Reflection TimeSay: When some people read this story, they are surprised to learn that Jesus got angry. Some people think Jesus never got angry, but he was completely human, and all
F people get angry. Jesus had good reason to be angry because people were turning God’s house, which was supposed to be a house of prayer, into a marketplace. He has what is called righteous anger, and he took actions to demonstrate that what the people were doing was wrong. We have to be careful how we handle anger. Sometimes we have good reason to be angry, like Jesus, and sometimes we do not. But we always need to respond to our anger in appropriate ways without hurting others. We need to learn how to “let out” our anger in positive ways, such as drawing a picture, talking to someone, or running really fast until we have let out all our anger.
Activity: Give each family member a blank sheet of paper and ask everyone to think of something that makes him or her really angry. One at a time, have family members share the things that make them angry. As each person shares, have him or her tear the paper as a way of letting the anger out. Or, invite family members to punch a pillow or hammer a nail into a board. Be as creative as you like. Make this a fun way to remind children and teens there are non-hurtful ways to express our anger.
Discussion QuestionsDoes it surprise you that Jesus got angry? Why or why not? What are some good ways to let you anger out?What are some ways you might peacefully confront or talk to someone who has hurt you or others?
Midweek@First Cookbooks!
The “With These Hands” craft group has produced a collection of recipes from Midweek@First Wednesday night meals. The books are available for purchase in the church office for $10.00. Proceeds benefit the church kitchen upkeep.
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AN INVITATION
FOR BELL CHOIR
Dear Friends,Glener & I want to express our gratitude to the Congregation of First United Methodist Church for your care & concern due to my recent fainting episode. We are grateful for the excellent attention by the medical persons who immediately came to my aid, and for the care of the pastors. We are thankful for the prayers, the prayer shawl, the flowers, along with the visits, cards & calls. Though raised in Rowan County, Glener & I returned after 66 years away. We were strangers & you took us in. Thank you. Glener & Jim Gilland
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to help make the Paper Bag Pageant so meaningful – our dedicated church staff, altar guild, soloist, ushers, and behind-the-scenes
coordinators, including Beverly Hartsell and “With These Hands” craft group.
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MISSION MOMENThe word orthodoxy emerged in the 16th century with the Protestant Reformation. It is a combination
of two Latin words “ortho” meaning right and “doxa” meaning praise or beliefs. It is the same root word that gives us our English word doxology. The debate over orthodoxy or right beliefs became a dividing force that splintered the once dominate Roman Catholic Church into a multitude of new Protestant churches. Methodism, however, had a very different beginning. Unlike doctrinal churches, it arose out of a disciplined emphasis on Christian living or orthopraxis. John Wesley believed that true religion involves practicing the faith Christians claim to believe. The earliest Methodists who met at Oxford University carefully and methodically set about living a devout and holy life. This involved visiting prisons, instructing children, studying the Bible, caring for the poor, and praying. These early believers were so methodical in their discipleship that other students called them Methodists. Orthopraxis remains at the heart of what it means to be a Methodist. We do more than just talk about our
T faith. In fact we often disagree about issues of orthodoxy. What makes Methodists different from doctrinal churches is that we emphasize putting faith into action. Nowhere is this more visible than in our church’s outreach missions. When you tutor a child at Isenburg School, repair a flood damaged home in Lumberton, deliver a fresh cook meal to a homebound person, cook a meal for the homeless at Rowan Helping Ministries, or set a child on the right moral path through Scouting you are part of Methodism’s great tradition of orthopraxis.
Most Christian intend to follow Jesus but have difficulty finding time to do it. Volunteering to help others doesn’t happen without intentionality. We need a plan or a method to keep us on the right track. After all, we call ourselves Methodists. As you think about the remaining eleven months of 2018 what is your plan to intentionally follow Jesus?
ADDITIONS TO YOUR DIRECTORYChanges:Ms. Quinn Scarvey1128 Jordan St. • Salisbury, NC 28144
Sherry Dillard704-216-1516
Additions of new members after the Directory was completed:Rhoda & James Calloway728 Klumac Rd., Apt. 112A • Salisbury, NC [email protected]
Carolyn Conrad300 N. Fulton St., #15 • Salisbury, NC 28144704-762-9332
Betsy & Larry Crowell105 Locke Cir. • Salisbury, NC [email protected]
Billie Moore811 Hidden Creek Cir. • Salisbury, NC 28147941-485-7096
Pat & Richard Paschall304 Majestic Heights Dr. • Salisbury, NC [email protected]
Carol & Tom Parker3212 Winged Foot Dr. • Salisbury, NC [email protected]
Meredith & Jared Rowland153 Rugby Rd. • Salisbury, NC [email protected]
Bailee & Ben Weisensel1034 Loganberry Ln. • Salisbury, NC [email protected]
If you know of any changes or you have changed information, please let Christine know ([email protected]). Thank you.
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FEBRUARY CALENDAR
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
12:00 PM Deadline for Ecclesia articles12:00 PM Girl Scout cookie pick-up-Fellowship Hall7:00 PM AA-108
9:00 AM Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Day7:00 PM AA-108
6:00 PM Cub Scout Pack6:00 PM Girl Scouts Meeting6:30 PM Hannah Circle-Sesekers Room7:00 PM Boy Scouts
10:00 AM Staff Meeting2:00 PM Chrismon Class3:00 PM Rowan Missional Network - Parlor6:00 PM SPRC-Conference Room
2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements4:00 PM Hannah Circle-Seekers Room5:30 PM Midweek@First-Fellowship Hall6:15 PM The Casting Queens-Conference room6:30 PM Bell Choir-Music Suite6:30 PM Eve Circle -Parlor7:00 PM Chancel Choir - Music Suite
Organ Rehearsal- Sanctuary
7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast6:30 PM Disciple Fast Track-Seekers Classroom6:30 PM RHM Supper7:00 PM AA-1087:00 PM Alanon-106
6:00 AM RHM Breakfast7:00 PM AA-1087:30 PM FirstArts Concert-Nave, Carter Lobby, Stanback Room
12:00 PM Adam & Eve Sunday School Valentine Dinner - Fellowship Hall7:00 PM AA-108
Boy Scout Sunday
Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive-offsite8:30 AM Worship9:45 AM Confirmation Class-Middle School Classroom9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship5:30 PM Salisbury Youth-Fellowship Hall
8:30 AM Worship9:45 AM Confirmation Class-Middle School Classroom9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship5:30 PM Club 45-Fellowship Hall5:30 PM Salisbury Youth-Fellowship Hall
6:30 PM Disciple Fast Track-Seekers Classroom6:30 PM Evangelism Committee-Conference Room7:00 PM AA-1087:00 PM Alanon-106
7:00 PM AA-1087:00 PM Mission Bridge Club-Parlor
5:30 PM Salisbury Youth Lock In-Fellowship Hall7:00 PM AA-108
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
8:30 AM Worship9:45 AM Confirmation Class-Middle School Classroom9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship
6:00 PM CDC, ASCC,Preschool Board Meeting - Conference Room6:00 PM Cub Scouts6:00 PM Girl Scouts7:00 PM Boy Scouts-Boy Scout Room
ASH WEDNESDAY
8:00 AM Preschool 3’s Valentine Party - Fellowship Hall2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements5:30 PM Midweek@First-Fellowship Hall6:15 PM The Casting Queens-Conference room6:30 PM Ash Wednesday Service -
7:00 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast6:30 PM Disciple Fast Track-Seekers Classroom7:00 PM AA-1087:00 PM Alanon-106
2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements5:30 PM Midweek@First-Fellowship Hall6:15 PM The Casting Queens-Conference room6:30 PM Bell Choir-Music Suite7:00 PM Chancel Choir - Music Suite
7:00 PM AA-108 7:00 AM Boy Scouts - old bus7:00 PM AA-108
25 26 27 28 7:00 AM Boy Scouts - old bus8:30 AM Worship9:45 AM Confirmation Class-Middle School Classroom9:45 AM Sunday School11:00 AM Worship5:30 PM Club 45-Fellowship Hall5:30 PM Salisbury Youth-Fellowship Hall
6:00 PM CDC, After-School,Summer Day Camp Board-Conference Room6:00 PM Cub Scout-Blue & Gold Banquet-Fellowship Hall6:00 PM Girl Scouts Meeting7:00 PM Boy Scouts - Scout Room
10:00 AM Staff Meeting2:00 PM Chrismon Class
6:00 PM Cub Scout Pack6:00 PM Girl Scouts Meeting7:00 PM Boy Scouts - Scout Room
10:00 AM Staff Meeting12:00 PM Methodist Connection2:00 PM Chrismon Class
10:00 AM Staff Meeting2:00 PM Chrismon Class6:00 PM Autism Society Meeting- rooms 110 (Christian Forum) & 1046:00 PM Trustees Meeting-Harter Office Suite
6:30 PM Disciple Fast Track-Seekers Classroom7:00 PM AA-1087:00 PM Alanon-106
2:00 PM Deadline for Bulletin announcements5:30 PM Midweek@First-Fellowship Hall6:15 PM The Casting Queens-Conference room6:30 PM Bell Choir-Music Suite7:00 PM Chancel Choir - Music Suite
1 2 3 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
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________________________________
1 James Johnson ________________________________
2 Rick Parker________________________________
3 Dean Crider Greg Mason Leon Newman Andy Swanson Sutton Webb________________________________
4 Caroline Clark Starling Johnson________________________________
5 Rachel Buchanan MO Culler Ken Hollar________________________________
6 Sierra Braun Samuel Howe Earle Koontz Garrett Miller Sandy Powell________________________________
7 Roger Malone________________________________
_______________________________
8 Connor Conforti________________________________
9 Regina Faggart________________________________
10 Michael Anderson Glener Gilland Debbie Insley Curtis Rusher Carole Young________________________________
11 Mary Sue Leonard________________________________
12 ________________________________
13 Ryan Anderson Erma Scarlette________________________________
14 George Noble________________________________
15 Scotti Webb________________________________
16 Barry Gainer Nicholas Peltz Amelia Steinman William Steinman________________________________
________________________________
17 Lauren Williams________________________________
18 Wes Hartsell Melissa Thornton Neely Whittington______________________________
19 Tommy Lewis Barbara Riggs Spencer West________________________________
20 Dorothy White Barbara White________________________________
21 William Clark Kaleb Robinson Mel Smith________________________________
22 ________________________________
23 Greg Shuler Hannah Smith Schroeder Walker ________________________________
24 Jeff Matthews Ruthann Melvin________________________________
25 Ben Weisensel Dwight Wilhelm_______________________________
26 Barbara Saleeby Pete Stout________________________________
27 Laura Koontz Hannah Lineberry Robert McGee________________________________
28 Faye Cline Debbie Kolkebeck Will Koontz
________________________________
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
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CHURCH STAFFThe Reverend Doctor Mark Conforti ............................... Senior Pastor
The Reverend Stacey Lundy .................................................. Associate Pastor
The Reverend Abby Hedgecock ......................................... Children’s Ministry Consultant
Mrs. Becca Blackmon ................................................................ Business Administrator
Mr. Matthew Brown .................................................................. Director of Music and Organist
Mrs. Christine Maloney ........................................................... Administrative Assistant
Ms. Jenni Fogt .............................................................................. Youth Director
Mr. Mike Fansler ......................................................................... Building Superintendent
Mrs. Donna Fredrick ................................................................. Lead Teacher of After-School Child Care Program
Mrs. Patsy Langlais ..................................................................... Director of Preschool
Mrs. Casey Swanner .................................................................. Director of Child Development Center
Ms. Beth Yelvington ................................................................... Lead Teacher of Summer Day Camp
In Remembrance:Please keep these families in your prayers.
Lisa Toler December 12, 2017 cousin to Sara & George Hill
John Koontz December 22, 2017 son-in-law of Sara & George Hill
Suzanne Carter Storch December 31, 2017 daughter of Marcia & Al Carter
Wayne Oakes January 3, 2018 father of Sid Oakes
Robert Wilhelm January 7, 2018 brother of Jean West
Robert “Sonny” Doyle January 14, 2018 nephew of Bobbie Melton
Laura Joyce McFalls January 17, 2018 mother of Susan Eldridge
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1
FUMC FAMILY AND EXTENDED FAMILY TRANSITIONS
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ECCLESIAPublished by:
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH2 1 7 S O U T H C H U R C H S T R E E TSALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA 28144
FIRSTUNITEDMETHODISTCHURCH
SALISBURY, NCest. 1783
