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CDC News

Once again the CDC would like to send out a big thank you to our church family for so much support. Through the month of April we were blessed with art supplies from Hearts in Action circle group. Some of these wonderful ladies also surprised the CDC staff to a yummy breakfast and lunch on April 16th. We thank you for embracing the CDC as a part of FUMC. The center has such a bright future a head.

5/1 Joyce Byrd Kyle Watson 5/2 Bruce Whipple Christian Patton Ransom Vance 5/3 Jim Clemmer Ryan Cook Alexis Harbison 5/4 Rhiannon Butler 5/5 Pat Sanders June Biggs 5/6 Jeff Toner 5/7 Sharon Cossey Keith Bowers 5/8 Bo Vance 5/10 Mary Helen Cornelison Spencer Cash Will Link 5/11 Mildred Hallyburton 5/12 Sydnor Thompson Sis Erwin Joe Causby

5/14 Jennifer Beam Tanya Witherspoon 5/15 Vance Patterson Noah Murray 5/16 Pam Hallyburton 5/17 Jamie Allman Kristy Price Beth York Isenhower Reed Carswell 5/18 Tom McCombs Todd McCullough 5/19 Geneva Reinhardt Russ Sprehe 5/20 Tasha Orders Amber McCullough Carolyn Reep 5/22 Reid Sudderth 5/23 Mildred Roberts Nelson Fletcher, Jr. 5/24 Britt Lytle 5/26 June Blakley Riley Caraway 5/27 Dottie Branch

MAY BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS

Dear Friends in Christ,

Margie and I are pleased to be in ministry with you during the next eleven weeks. Having served in five previous appointments for four, nine, eleven, six and seven years; eleven weeks seems like such a short time.

As some of you know, I retired in June of 2011 after serving for thirty seven years in the Western North Carolina Annual Conference. I have enjoyed my nine months of retirement and never thought I would return to serve another church. When my district superintendent called and explained the situation at First UMC in Morganton and asked if I would serve as the interim pastor for eleven weeks, Margie and I both felt called to serve in this short term ministry. I am not here by accident; I am here because the Lord has led me this way.

During the last week I have had the opportunity to meet with the church staff and become better acquainted with each one. First United Methodist Church is blessed to have such a caring and dedicated staff. I look forward to working with them and being a supportive arm in the outreach ministry of this church.

I invite you to let me be a part of your life for this short time. I will be in the office most of the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I look forward to meeting with you as the need arises.

Margie and I will join you and will be keeping Sydnor and Kelly and their family in our prayers during Sydnor’s season of service in Afghanistan. Again, thank you for your gracious welcome to First United Methodist Church.

In Christ’s love, Don & Margie

Dear Church Family! What a remarkable sendoff you gave Kelly and me last Sunday! We are quite overwhelmed by your astonishing display of love and appreciation for the time we have spent with you. Thank you for all the ways you extended the warmth of Christian love and hospitality to my family and me!

As I prepare for my mobilization and upcoming deployment, I am thankful not only for the blessing of the relationship we have shared while I have served as your Senior Pastor, but for the ties that will bind us together even while I serve in far off Afghanistan. It is a great and rich blessing for me to know that Kelly and I and my family will be in your prayers in the coming year. Please pray also for the men and women with whom I will serve and for our mission of building a peace and stability in Afghanistan that will make us safer at home.

Thank you not only for a Sunday that I will cherish forever, but for sharing with me your love and support these last six years. I thank God for each of you and am confident that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus!" With much love and affection, Sydnor

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Faith - Hope - Love in Action United Methodist Women

Recently I had the pleasure of visiting the lovely ladies of Circle #1, who meet in the airy Table Rock Room at Grace Ridge. The scones were delicious, the conversation lively and the program very enjoyable. Thank you ladies for your warm hospitality. If anyone is interested in joining this group of wonderful 'young at hearts', please contact Josie Speas at 437-4625 for more information.

I am looking forward to visiting the Seed Group, Hearts in Action and Murphy's Girls in May.

The Susanna Wesley Circle sponsors the fourth Monday of each month at the BUCM Soup Kitchen. This has been going on for over two years and we have had wonderful response from the members and other volunteers. If anyone is ever interested in volunteering, please contact Barbara Heavner at heavner@compascable.net with your email information and she will gladly add you to the volunteer list. All volunteers are welcome and you do not have to be a member of the UMW.

Over the past few months materials were collected to assemble Birthing Kits for distribution through UMCOR. Between the Susanna Wesley Circle and the Hearts In Action & Murphy’s Girls, a total of 22 birthing kits and/or monetary donations were sent.

The next general meeting of the UMW is Monday, May 07 at noon in the Fellowship Hall. The Seed Group will be hosting and our Marion District President, Jo Pyatt, will be the guest speaker. All ladies of the church are invited to attend. The cost of the lunch is only $5.00.

If you are new to FUMC or just curious about UMW and their purpose, please feel free to contact me at anytime for more i n f o r m a t i o n : p h o n e 8 2 8 - 2 2 8 - 8 6 9 5 o r e m a i l bunnyestes@gmail.com. We would love to have YOU join us.

Barbara Estes, President FUMC United Methodist Women

SAVE THE DATE - MUSIC CAMP 2012 This year’s music camp will be held Monday-Friday, August 6 - 10!

We will need actors, singers, maybe dancers, and certainly set designers. There’s something for everyone from rising 1st graders to

Reflections

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Anita Wilson Scholarship forms are available to all church members that are high school seniors and college undergraduates. Applications need to be completed and returned to the church office by May 31st. For more information, call Kay Childres at 437-0921 or Jenny Patton.

Be sure and sign up for the “STOP HUNGER NOW” meal packing event at the Morganton Recreation Center. Sponsored by FUMC and the Rotary Club. All age’s are welcome! Two shifts—9 am to 11 am and 11:30 am—1:30 pm. PLEASE contact Waits Gordon at 828-390-4343 or Reverend Todd McCullough if you are interested in helping.

SATURDAY, MAY 19TH, 2012

First United Methodist Church Staff Phone No. 828-437-0921 Fax No. 828- 437-2053

Web Site: www.fumcmorganton.org

Rev. Donald Shuman (Interim)...Senior Pastor…...Ext. 12 Rev. Todd McCullough…....Associate Pastor……..Ext. 14 Amalie Hinson, Ph.D. …Music Director………..…..Ext. 17 Sara Lynn Oakley…….……Organist………….....443-9886 Amber McCullough..Dir.,Contemporary Worship ..Ext. 15 Kay Childres……………...Dir., Adult Ministries… .Ext. 13 Valerie Hightower…Dir. Children’s Ministries…..437-0921 Renee Winters …………..Adm. Assistant …..…...Ext. 10 Lynn Sprinkle………….......Bookkeeper….………..Ext. 16 Denise Robinson…...Food Service Coordinator....Ext. 21 Gary Cole…...……………...Custodian…….…....437-0921 Kathleen Steinert…...Interim CDC Dir.…….…...433-9355

Elizabeth Whitener…….………..…….…..Organist Emerita

MUSIC NOTES from Amalie

Although Easter has come and gone, we are still preparing for music events this spring – and summer!

Our list of special events is as follows:

Sunday, May 13th Middle School Bells and Chancel Ringers

– 11:00 worship

Wed. May 16th Kid’ Closing Music Program (all kids’ choirs, dance and

Middle School Bells)

Aug. 6 - 10 Music Camp for kids rising 1st grade through high school – No musical has been selected yet;)

Music for 11:00 Worship May 6 – Chancel Choir

According to Thy Gracious Word – W.A. Mozart

May 13 – Chancel Ringers and Middle School Bells Antiphonal Praise - Schweizer

‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus – arr. McChesney

May 20 – Chancel Choir Clap Your Hands! (Psalm 47)

Youth Mission Trip

Severe County, Tennessee

June 24-30, 2012

As many of you know, our Senior High youth travels to Appalachia

each summer to participate in the Appalachia Service Project

(ASP). This will be our third summer participating in this

meaningful experience and our first time serving in Tennessee.

One of the most amazing parts about this experience is knowing

that all of you go to Appalachia with us. Some of you have

physically traveled on this weeklong mission trip, but all of you

have gone with us by financially supporting our efforts so

generously. This year many of you have already purchased

flowers, cakes, eaten pancakes or given gifts directly to support our

efforts. I want to let you know, there are two more upcoming

opportunities for you to go to Appalachia with us!

On Saturday, May 26th we will have our Annual Dog and Car wash

from 9am-2pm here at the church. I hope you will bring your car

for a bath and enjoy meeting our group! Also, over the next several

weeks our team will be selling stock for our Stockholders Dinner

when we return from our trip. I hope you will buy a few shares to

support our teenagers, but also so you will go to Tennessee with us!

Thank you so much for supporting our students so well and we look

forward to sharing in this meaningful experience with you for many

years to come!

See YOU Soon!

Todd <><

Mother’s Day Offering ~ Sunday, May 13, 2012

Givens Estates is a community blessed with people from all economic levels, each of them sharing life together and enjoying their diversity. Last year the Givens Estates’ ministry to residents with significant financial challenges provided encouragement and vital support to seniors on its two campuses, Great Laurels of Junaluska (Waynesville), and Givens Estates (Asheville).

Many are facing difficult choices, and their fears and struggles are real. As a ministry partner in the Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference, we can help make a heartwarming difference in the lives of these residents by supporting the Mother’s Day Offering. Every penny given benefits the Resident Assistance Ministry. Our offerings and prayers are indeed lifting burdens and enabling these special people to continue their life journey with confidence, security and hope. Please help plant a seed of hope on this special day which recognizes the nurturing spirit of our mothers. Please give or take a moment to consider a gift in memory or in honor of your mother or a special person that has nurtured and supported you.

Kay’s Corner Senior Adults, as always, are very busy. We have knitted many prayer shawls, baby blankets, hats and scarves. Believe it or not, we have even sewed made pillowcases for breast cancer patients at Grace Hospital. These ladies have worked tirelessly on these projects.

Now it is time for a new project. Since Sydnor will soon be deployed and to show some support for him we decided to begin a project with Soldiers’ Angels which is a nonprofit organization providing aid and comfort to soldiers serving their country. The group is now knitting small take-along blankets that will be sent to soldiers who have new babies. The soldier will sleep with the blankets for a short period of time then send it home to the new babies. When the babies use it and sleep with it, the baby can pick up the scent of the soldier and that is a way of bonding. So far we have about 25 of these ready to be sent.

The meeting dates for Charlotte’ Knitters for May will be May 3 and May 17. On May 3 the group will have lunch in Valdese and then visit a yarn shop there. On May 17 we will meet at the church.

Keepers will meet on May 15 at 9:00 at the church to travel to Wilkes County to visit Whippoorwill Academy and Village. On that day the group can visit Whippoorwill Academy, Smokehouse Gallery, Matt’s Store, Daniel Boone Replica Cabin, Chapel of Peace, Tom Dooley Museum and Kilby’s Blacksmith Shop and Weaving Room. Waits and his mission team group will be preparing a delicious lunch for the group. This is sure to be a fun day so everyone please plan to go. There will be seating for those wishing not to do a lot of walking.

Companions Along the Way, our Grief Support Group, has a new meeting time. They will now be meeting on the fourth Thursday morning at 10:00 in the family parlor.

Children’s Ministry

FOOTHILLS CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE ~

HOTDOG DINNER FUNDRAISER

Join us for our hotdog dinner fundraiser May 3rd and 4th at 11

am - 2pm and 5 pm -7pm (both days). For a cost of $5.00 you

get 2 hotdogs, chips and drinks. This fundraiser is for

constructing a multipurpose building at the minimum security

facility. See Renee in the church office for tickets or call Waits

Gordon at 828-390-4343.

CHAVEROT LADIES GROUP

On Saturday, April 21 the Chaverot group traveled to the Charlotte to visit the Billy Graham Library. Our first impression was of how neat and trim the grounds were. The colorful azaleas and lovely plantings were postcard pretty. Mrs. Graham is buried in the lovely Remembrance Garden. We toured the reconstructed home place which was beautifully decorated to reflect how the family lived. We entered the Library through the 'foot of the cross' constructed of glass doors. The library is not so much a collection of books as a walk back through time, Each room has its own part not only in Rev. Graham's life, but also the history of our country and indeed the whole world. I don't think I had ever realized the far-reaching impact and influence his ministry had world-wide. After the tour we had a delicious lunch in the Dairy Bar and browsed through 'Ruth's Attic'. All in all, it was an educational and enjoyable day and I encourage everyone to plan a day to visit there. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Chaverot is a support group for any lady in the church who is not married for whatever reason. Please contact me if you would like more information: Barbara Estes 828-228-8597 or email: bunnyestes@gmail.com

The Missions & Outreach Team invites You to the

National Day of Prayer Events!

May 3, 2012 National Day of Prayer on the Square – FREE 12 noon until 1pm at the Burke County Historical Court House in downtown Morganton. At the Noon event on the courthouse square, there will be music and a number of ministers who will lead in prayer for our nation, families, local and state governments. We pray that all the churches in the area will strongly encourage their members to attend. We would love to see the streets filled to overflowing as a witness to this town and county that Christians are concerned and believe that prayer is our only hope. This is the one time in the entire year that Christians all across our nation in every state gather together in one accord and lift prayers to God for our country. It is a part of our heritage as Christians, as well as a teaching from Jesus, that we are to come together in prayer for the nation and for our leaders. It is our privilege to be able to provide the vehicle for that. You can help that hope to be fulfilled by strongly stressing participation in the county’s National Day of Prayer events. Thank you ahead of time for your emphasis and personal participation in this. May 3, 2012 National Day of Prayer Observance at Comma – FREE 7pm until 8:30 pm. Special music presentations and keynote speakers from area churches. The emphasis of the evening event at CoMMA is the Godly heritage of our nation and founding fathers who believed that our hope for a strong and powerful nation rested in an all-powerful God, and that we as a nation need to repent, turn back to God and seek His mercy. There will be 4 local ministers who will deliver brief messages around this theme. Please attend and support these events put in place for the county.

Extra information can be found at the website: www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Church Members: Emory Alwran, Sarah Annis, Ira Bell, Viola Brandon, Johnnie Broome, Betty Brown, Margaret & Nelson Causby, Jim Clemmer, Hugh Connel-ly, Vonnie Corley, Alice Carey, Jim Connelly, Clarence & Jane Crouch, Inita Feimster, Marinetta Fisher, Larry Fleming, Norma Gibbs, Eliza-beth Gray, Kathleen Gibbs, Mildred Hallyburton, Diane Hamer, Tamra Haney, Floye Hood, Jack & Pat Howell, Thelma Isenhour, Lucy Maud Kibler, Alice Lineberger, Martha McFarlin, Fletcher Nelson, Jr., Sara Lynn Oakley, Ruby Pharr, Jan Robarge, Mildred Roberts, Charlotte Roorda, Alice Sakowski, Eloise Sanderford, Betty Smith, Helen Smith, Smaro Sossoman, Bib Talton, Bob Townsend, Madelyn Walker Extended Church Family: Jim Brown (Laura Scoggins’ father), Betty Chambers (Sara Lynn’s aunt), Dr. Andy Davis, Zack Falls (deployed to Afghanistan ~ Grandson of Roy & Sherry Lookadoo), Rowena Fink (Aunt of Nancy Barnett), Pas-tor Larry Fletcher, Irish Hatchel, Kelley Hipple (niece of John & Shar-lene), Rose Lynn Imbleau, Edward & Charlotte Lawton (Janie Saumell’s father & mother), Daniel Mayer, Rebecca McClure (Sara Lynn’s daugh-ter), Caitlin McKenzie (granddaughter of Jim & Cackie Connelly), Car-olyn Harris Noles (Marinetta Fisher’s sister), Liz Mills (daughter of Tina and Charles Conley), James R. Norman (Missionary in Nicaragua ~ John & Jane Greene’s grandson), Dottie Perkins, Mary Nelson Pierce (Fletcher Nelson’s sister), Cliff Pierce (Fletcher Nelson’s nephew), Pat Earley Puett (Marinetta Fisher’s long-time friend), Ronnie Rich (CDC Helena Maynard’s brother), Dallas Ridings (grandson of Renee Winters’ friend), Denise Robinson, Wade Sharpe (Wendell Sugg’s brother-in-law), Dr. Anne Sparks (Marinetta Fisher’s niece), Bill Sweeney (Connie Greene’s brother), Sydnor Thompson & Family, Harriette Thompson (Sydnor’s mother), Nicole White, Katie Wood (Sara Lynn Oakley’s daughter), All of our Troops serving our country.

Many thanks to those of you who attended our first planning

session for Vacation Bible School and also to those who

contacted me to let me know you are willing to help! We are

still in need of volunteers, so please contact me and let me

know if you are able to help this summer. There are lots of

opportunities available! The dates for VBS are July 8th

through July 12th, and the time will be from 5:30 until 8:15.

Mark your calendars, because the next planning session will

be on May 20th at 5:30. I will be in touch regarding the

location of the meeting. Please be in prayer for VBS, our

volunteers, the children who will be attending, and our

children’s ministry in general! I truly feel that our children

and young people are the future of our church and any

prayers offered up for them will not be wasted. Thank you

for all of your support and prayers!

Blessings, Valerie

FELLOWSHIP BOOK CLUB

The Fellowship Book Club will meet on May 20, 2012 at 5:00

pm in the private dinning room of Grace Ridge. The book we

will be reviewing is: Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by

Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. All you wish may join us. If

you have any questions please call Fletcher Nelson, Jr. at

828 437-8639.

RETREAT HOUSE CLEAN-UP DAY We will meet at the Lake Junaluska Retreat House on Saturday, May

12th at 10:00 am to do some much needed cleaning. If you are

available to help, bring your tools and supplies to work outside or

inside. Lunch will be provided, so please call Renee if you plan to

come. We look forward to a day of fellowship and work!