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Volume 38, Issue 7 September 30, 2016
Tri-AnglesDear FUMC Family,
Fall is one of my favorite times of year. There’s always a spring in my step when I walk outside on that first crisp, cool morning signaling cooler weather. I feel like a detective watching the leaves for the first sign of orange or red, marking the change of seasons. The change of seasons always reminds of how we look for God’s kingdom. In Luke 13, Jesus tells us the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed: it’s small, seemingly insignificant. But if we wait and watch for it, we will see it and know it coming in our midst.
One of my dearest friends and mentors in ministry has an eye for seeing the signs of God’s kingdom. With a sly smile on his face, he’s fond of saying, “Do you see it?! It’s happening!” That’s surely how we know God is alive and at work: we look attentively and patiently and celebrate the signs we see among us.
I’ve found myself repeating my friend’s words these past few months. “Do you see it?! It’s happening!” Truly, signs of God’s coming kingdom are dawning all around us as we continue to be and become more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond. Here are just a few that come to mind as I write to you:
+ Over 40 of you have joined our newly formed Care Teams, reaching out to minister to those in our community, hoping to build long-term relationships with them in the Name of Jesus. + A new worship team will begin this month to help lead us in singing and praising God at our 8:30 service of worship. + Over 60 youth and their families are committed and involved in our regular youth ministry this year, an incredible sign of growth and promise for our church and community. + We’re actively exploring the possibility of helping an entire community of orphans in Africa, over 80 youth and children, to become self-sufficient through ZOE Ministries.
I could easily go on and on… There are so many signs at FUMC-Belmont that God’s kingdom is real, that it’s here and it’s coming among us as we reach out and commit to be more like Jesus together. Thank you for all you do and are doing for the sake of our ministry.
Keep your eyes open! It’s happening!
In Christ,George
Oct. 1 - Dinner Groups Meeting
Oct. 4 - Disciple I class begins
Oct. 5 - Meet in the Middle returns
Oct. 11 - Christian Believer class begins
Oct. 16 - Annual spaghetti lunch
Oct. 23 - Child Development Center 40th anniversary celebration
Oct. 23 - Methodism class begins
Oct. 26 - Administration Council Meeting
Oct. 30 - Charge Conference
Oct. 30 - Trunk or Treat
Nov. 6 - All Saints Sunday
COMING SOON
CELEBRATING 40 YEARSChild Development Center Anniversary
For forty years our Child Development Center has been living our mission, offering the love of Jesus to children and their families in our community. Join us on Sunday, October 23 as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of this ministry, including the 40th year of service for Linda Smtih, our CDC Director. We’ll include a special recognition for Linda and the CDC staff (past and present) during our 11 o’clock worship service. Following worship, join us for a fellowship meal in Carpenter Hall. The Family Life team will provide the main dish, drinks and desert – just bring a side to share!
MEET IN THE MIDDLE RETURNS
“Liz McGraw is one of the greatest cooks we know!” That’s been a common refrain a�er our Meet in the Middle Wednes-day night meals, which resume on October 5 at 5:30 p.m. Liz and her team of helpers will again be graciously preparing and serving a delicious home-cooked meal on Wednesday nights, October 5 – November 9. No reservations are required and the cost is $5/ person. It’s easily the best meal in Belmont, not only because of the food but also the wonderful fellowship with your FUMC Family. Plan now to join us for dinner each week! If you’d be willing to help on the kitchen crew, please call Betty Pennington at 704-825-2219.
Following dinner, there will be a brief (15 minute) Service of Holy Communion in the sanctuary. Everyone is welcome and invited to join us.
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6
On Sunday, November 6 we will observe All Saints Sunday, remembering all those in our church who have died in the past year and joined the Church Triumphant. We will welcome family members and friends of church members who have died, and recognize all those we love but see no longer. Plan now to join us, at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m., for this very powerful day in the life of our church.
WANT TO LEARN ABOUT METHODISM?
Pastor George and Kristen Surratt will be leading a class on Methodism beginning October 23rd during the Sunday school hour. Whether you have been in the Methodist Church all your life or are new to it, this class will help you learn about our denomination and understand what it means to be a United Methodist. Email ([email protected]) to let us know you will be joining. The class will take place on October 23 and 30, November 6, 13, and 20.
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL/CHARGE CONFERENCES SCHEDULED
The Administrative Council will meet on Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend as we consider and approve ministry plans and budgets for the coming year. Also, our new District Superintendent, Angela Pleas-ants, has authorized Pastor George to conduct a Charge Conference for the purpose of considering Kristen Surratt as a candidate for ordination in the United Methodist Church. This called Charge Conference will occur at the beginning of our regular business meeting.
Our annual Charge Conference, to approve leadership and budgets for 2017, will occur on Sunday, October 30 at 3:30 p.m. at First UMC in Gastonia. Our new D.S. will lead us and we’ll be recognizing our 2016 Laity Service Award recipient.
DINNER GROUPS IS STARTING UP
On Saturday, October 1st, Preston and Martha Taylor are hosting a get together in their back yard (or inside if it rains), at 1106 South Point Rd., Belmont. They invite couples or partners to come around 6:00 p.m., bring your favorite appetizer, and fellowship with fellow church members. You can sign up or just come to see what Dinner Groups is about and how it works. This is a good way for members, old or new, to get to know each other better. If you are unable to come on October 1st you can call Martha at 704-825-7630 to sign up or for more information. Parking is limited. Please try to carpool or meet at the church and ride together.
October 1 Madison Pruden Allie Rice Carsyn RedmondOctober 2 Melanie BeamOctober 3 Walt Tomlinson Maggie MooreOctober 4 Kelly SetzerOctober 6 Earl Williams William Hendricks Alex Lowrance Kaylee ThagardOctober 8 Wes StoweOctober 9 Stacey Featherston Nancy Stamps Mary Moore Shawn KellyOctober 10 Shelly Gray Betty Cauble Leigh Shaney Derek Smith Jonathan Marr Genora Cheshire Mike GreeneOctober 11 John Earl McKee Julie Martin Kim Williamson Chantz Redmond Jake JenkinsOctober 13 Keith Lowe Reid McGraw
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
October 14 Thomas PenningtonOctober 16 Crystal Blanton Autumn DealOctober 18 Kim IngramOctober 19 Kendall Karr Joshua RuizOctober 20 Preston Taylor, Jr. Bill LayneOctober 23 Kendyll Levra Amy ThagardOctober 24 Taylor Henkel Melissa WilliamsonTuck Katie Rhyne Katie FangmanOctober 25 Price Feimster Carol Boiter AndrewsOctober 26 Jeff Kalmbach Tommy RedmondOctober 28 Mallory McCarn Peg PinkertonOctober 29 John MaynardOctober 30 Ken Davis Cindy Blanton Thomas Teders Shane Redmond
TWO NEW STUDY GROUPS BEGIN
Disciple and Christian Believer classes begin this week. Be sure and sign-up now if you had been contemplating participating in either of these groups. Pastor George and Kristen Surratt will be leading two different small-groups beginning the first week in October. Kristen will be leading a Disciple I class with options of participating on either Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Disciple Bible study leads participants through reading 70% of the Bible over the course of 30 weeks. The study uses the work of scholars, personal Bible study and group discussion in conjunction with videos to guide the class. If you are interested in participating or have questions, email ([email protected]). Books may be purchased at a discounted rate of $32 from Kristen.
Pastor George will be leading Christian Believer, a study that focuses on the classical teachings of the Christian faith in ways that participants are able to understand. We will read writings from ancient and modern Christian commentators and look at videos from scholars. Christian Believer will be on Mondays from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. If you are interested in participating or have questions, email ([email protected]). Books are available through Pastor George at a discounted price of $36.
TRUNK OR TREAT IS COMING!
On October 30th, we will be having our annual Trunk or Treat event for children. Mark your calendars now and begin thinking about possible trunk decorations for the evening! Trunks will need to be ready to receive children at 6:00 p.m., when the event begins.
SPAGHETTI LUNCH
On Sunday, October 16 the United Methodist Men will be hosting their annual spaghetti lunch following the 11:00 a.m. service. Don't miss this opportunity to get a home-cooked meal with none of the work. Come and enjoy fellowship and avoid the Sunday lunch rush. The menu will also include salad and garlic bread. All proceeds will go toward supporting our youth and mission efforts so donations are appreciated. Thank you!
YOUTH GROUP HIGHLIGHTS
Youth Kick-Off The youth group met at Goat Island Park on September 11th to kick off the new program year. Everyone had the opportu-nity to place their hand print on a sheet with our youth mission, "Existing to be More like Jesus". It was a great time to reconnect and spend time with one another. A big thank you to all the parents who brought food, and for all the leaders who helped make this night a huge success!
Youth Mission Banner with youth, parent, and leader hand prints
Looking Ahead → → →
→ October 2 Youth Group 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. → October 9 Youth Group 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. → October 16 Youth Mystery Trip??? 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. The youth will be taken on a mystery outing for the evening including dinner. Parents, email Sara to get the inside scoop. → October 23 Youth Group 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. → October 30 Church Wide Trunk-or-Treat 6:00 p.m. Youth will be hosting and leading games in Carpenter Hall. Dress in costume and bring a bag of candy for prizes.
Youth Kick-Off Event Youth placing hand prints on the youth mission banner.
Youth Ra�ing Trip
In September, 16 youth spent the weekend at Lake Junaluska and ra�ed down the Nantahala River. A big THANK YOU to our adult leaders, Elizabeth Boney, Bill Fangman, Ben Millspaw, and Lisa Millspaw, for joining us on this weekend adventure!
Youth Family Committment ServiceOn September 18th, youth and their families gathered together in the sanctuary to pray for one another, share in Holy Communion, and commit to another youth program year. The parents were invited to add their hand prints to the youth mission banner as a sympol of their commitment to the youth ministry. It was a truly holy evening as some of the youth led us in worship and together we renewed our commitment to the ministry here at FUMC Belmont.
MUSIC NOTES
How can being a part of our music ministries help us to be more like Jesus? It’s obvious that music helps us to worship. It’s hard for me to imagine worship without music. Not all music is upbeat and happy, but it causes a stirring in our souls and puts words and melodies to our innermost thoughts and feelings. Nonetheless, it is still joyful!
Those who are involved in music ministry are very generous, especially with their time. They are here during the week, every week, giving their time and energy so that others may worship through their work.
There are close-knit relationships that come from our music groups. These are people who genuinely love each other. They pray for each other and for our church regularly.
So many of our Bible verses have been learned through songs. I can’t say how many times I hear or read scripture and sing a song in my head! The educational benefits of music have been proved over the years and that includes Christian education through music that is grounded in scripture.
I hope there are still people in our church who would like to be involved in music ministry! What a great way to fulfill our core values!
Adult Bell Choir – Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Chancel Choir – Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Middle School - Adults We are working on Christmas music for our December 18th Lessons and Carols from 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. each Wednesday night, learning pieces such as “Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head,” “All Through the Night,” “O Come, Emmanuel,” and “See Amid the Winter’s Snow”. You are welcome to come to this portion of our rehearsals if you’d rather make a short-term commitment to choir.
Godsquad – Mondays, 2:45 - 5:00 p.m., 3rd-5th graders You may still sign your child up for one of our a�er school programs. Space is still available both days on our church van for transportation from Belmont Central or Page.
We talk a lot about getting our adults involved in small groups. Our a�er school programs are small groups for our children. We want our children to reap the benefits of learning about Christ in a small group setting.
Sonshine Club – Tuesdays, 2:45 - 4:00 p.m., K-2nd graders
Youth Bell Choir – Sundays, 5:00 - 5:30 p.m., Middle-High School
Youth Choir – Sundays, 5:30 - 6:00 p.m., Middle-High School
We also are looking for people interested in leading worship through music during our 8:30 a.m. worship services. This may be the right fit for you if you have a gi� of playing an instrument or singing and enjoy our more casual service.
Please contact me ([email protected]) if you want more information or if you’d like to join us. It’s not too late!
Peace,Renee
KNITTING GROUP WELCOMES A SPECIAL GUESTBy Julia Armstrong
Our knitting group meets on most Sundays at 4:00. We began by knitting prayer shawls and later added baby blankets and hats to give our newborns. One beautiful day in August we were pleasantly surprised by a visit from three of our newest members: Andy and Megan Wilhelm and their daughter, Claire, personally delivering their thank you note! Several of our members missed that visit, but for those of us who were there, it was so special.
Please join us in this ministry if you knit or crochet. We are also available to teach you how if you are interested.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY A HUGE SUCCESS
We welcomed over 200 church members and community friends for our Food Truck Friday on September 16. The night was a huge success! Thanks to our Outreach Team for helping us welcome so many to our campus. Look for more information soon about future events, as well as opportuni-ties to help!
SECOND BLESSINGS CONSIGNMENT SALE!
Community members and church members alike came and shopped the great bargains available at our annual fall consignment sale in September. The Children’s Council fundraiser raised approximately $2,000. A big thank you to all who helped make the event possible.
NEW MINISTRY FOR OUR COMMUNITY
In September, our missions committee launched its new Care Team Ministry. Over the next year, our church will be focusing on creating relationships with six individuals in need in the Belmont and Gastonia areas. Forty members of our congregation have committed to sharing meals and conversation with our Care Team Recipients on a regular basis while helping with small tasks around the house and offering support to those in need from our community.
COLLEGE FRESHMAN CARE PACKAGE MINISTRY
We are still in need of people to “adopt” one of our college freshman and send occasional notes and care packages throughout the year. Please let Sara know if you would be willing to care for a college freshman: ([email protected])
ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCILHighlights of August 15 Meeting
The Administrative Council is the team of church leaders and staff that meets quarterly to share updates from across all church functions, as well as make decisions that impact our church.
Finance: Giving year to date is $249,000. This is up from 2015. Expenses are in line.
Communication: Based on our communications survey members appreciate the progress we are making. Most agree we need to replace our sign on the road. This was approved and the sign will be replaced at a cost of approximately $9,000. Money will come from the Griggs Estate and a plaque will be placed showing that it is dedicated to the Griggs.
Trustees: The parking lot quote was $25,000 to seal the parking lot. There was another quote of $3,500 to fix the concrete pad. Turner paving just gave a quote of $27,000 which would be $1,600 less. We would save about $200 per quarter to have another type of garbage pickup and we could also add about 16-18 parking spaces. There was a motion to seal the entire parking lot and add the parking spaces and it was approved.
The trustees recommended taking 10% of the Griggs Estate, which would be $18,520, and use it for mission work. It was recommended that a new committee be assigned to look at how to use the money outside of our walls. There will be representative’s coming from other committees to look at how to best use this money. The approval to form the committee to look at the best use of this money was passed.
Work on the parsonage bathroom started on August 8th.
Mission and Service: Our church hosted three (3) families in June with the Interfaith Hospitality Program.
Back Pack Program will support 300 kids this year.
Care Teams: there are currently four families signed up. Two in Gastonia and two in Belmont. There are two residents at Myrtle terrace and Quanna McAllister met with them.
Youth: Carolina Cross Connection: they had 19 youth and they had a wonderful experience. It was decided that they would not return again next year but would participate in the week to help the homeless locally. It is called “Urban ministries”.
Learning Formation Committee: Kristen Surrett reported they had met once to look at introducing a new series this fall. They are going to offer two long term group studies. Disciple 1 which is going to meet on Tuesday nights and Wednesday mornings. Also there is going to be a Christian Believer class on Monday nights.
As always, all church members are welcome to attend Administrative Council meetings, so stay tuned for upcoming meetingdates via the church bulletin or by checking the calendar at fumcbelmont.org
The Council will also continue to share meeting highlights via the church newsletter. If you would like more information aboutAdministrative Council activities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Administrative Council chair Richard Armstrong at ([email protected])
Bulk RateUS Postage Paid
Belmont, NCPermit No 26
807 South Point Rd. / Belmont, NC 28012Office: 704-825-2106 / www.fumcbelmont.org
PRAYERS Please remember the following people in your prayers...
Church Family: Keith Lowe, Pam Martin, Ginger Feimster
Extended Family and Friends Grandmother of Shawn Kelly, hospitalized in Michigan Sharon Lineberger & family (Cat Bashant) Debbie Ballard (mother of Chelsea & Josh Elmore) Tom Bingham and family (friend of Thomas & Heather Taylor) Kaylan Cuthbertson (friend of Renee Painter) Sam & Esther Garneau (friend of Shawn & Danielle Kelly Amber and Joan (Kristen Surratt’s step-sister and step-mom) Becky Cardwell (Rita Greene’s sister in-law) Ellen Adams niece’s son, Brody The 9/11 Victims Glenda Brown Hinnant (mother of Amanda Beaty) Ed Piltch (husband of Linda Piltch) Alex Harmon (grandson of Harold & Barbara Byrum)
Our prayers and sympathy are extended to the family of Shawn Kelly upon the passing of his grandfather in Michigan
Those in Assisted Living Carillon Assisted Living: Trudi Kinney Morningside of Gastonia: Tom Stephens Terrace Ridge: Mary Elizabeth Bowen
Those in the Military: Jay Feimster, McCauley Griffin
Our StaffGeorge Ragsdale - PastorJanice Pennington - Business Manager Renee Painter - Director of MusicKristin Surratt - Director of Discipleship MinistriesSara Clark - Youth DirectorLinda Smith - CDC DirectorCarole Bertino - Administrative Assistant
Please Note -- Articles for the November publication of the Tri-Angles are due no later than October 18. Please email articles to Carole in the church office ([email protected]) or drop them off at the front desk.
