THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL

JANUARY 23, 2010

8:15, 9:30 AND 10:55 AM

Sermon

“Start F.R.E.S.H.: Energize Your Spirit!” Spiritual energy comes from constant conversation.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves

Hymns: Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Open My Eyes that I May See

„Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Head Ushers: Paul Dahl, Ronnie Twyford, Brooks Clem, Don Cassil

Acolytes: Micayla Landry, Lizzie Purnell and Paige Whitley

Angels

Ron Bailey, Sr.

Lee Richardson

Mildred Smith Brenda Richardson

Billie Ann Dishongh

Frances Simmons

Arlean Rogers

Peggy Smith Deborah Reynolds

Karen Reeves

Darrell Meyer

Jim Wisman

Mel Willess

Ginger Willess

THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL

JANUARY 16, 2011

8:15, 9:30 & 10:55 AM

Sermon

“Start F.R.E.S.H.: Reboot Your System” A F.R.E.S.H. start begins with Repentance.

Romans 6:1-5 Rev. William O. (Bud) Reeves

Hymns: Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior I Surrender All

Head Ushers: Paul Dahl, Kirby Williams, Brooks Clem,

Don Cassil

Acolytes: Bailey Wooldridge, Canyon and Sophia Geisleman

Angels

Latt Bachelor

Steve Burns

Mable Ross

Reba Nickels

Eardie Stadler

Ralph Stadler

Joyce Whitfield

Byron Jackson

Karolyn

Fankhouser

Louanne Louden

Bob Cochran

Sid and Joyce Heafner

Debbie Scrivner

IN THE HOSPITAL

St. Joseph: Carmen Drake

RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

Alfred Wright, Charlie Canterberry

JANUARY 9 ATTENDANCE RECORDS

8:15 Service ... 173

ConneXion .... 284

10:55 Service . 196

Wed. Night ...... 38

Nursery ............. 28 Total ............... 719

JANUARY 2 ATTENDANCE RECORDS

8:15 Service ..... 171

ConneXion ...... 234

10:55 Service ... 233

Nursery ............... 16 Total ................. 654

YEAR-END FINANCES FINISH WELL

We are so grateful for the support of our ministry at the end of our 2010 year. The race is often decided in the last few yards, and we won the victory!

In the ministry fund at the end of December, we had received 96% of our Ministry Fund Budget ($1,629,720) for the year. Our receipts in December totaled $184,873.85. Our ministry expenses for the month were $126,313.49. Our expenses for the year were $ 1,567,922.65, and our contributions for the year totaled $1,571,119.87. So we ended the year $3,197.22 ahead! Added to our carryover from last year, we will have a ―cushion‖ to pay our expenses through the lean months of the summer.

In the Holy Ground Fund, we received $40,495 in December. Since the first of the year, we have received $336,257. We have reduced the principal on our loans by approximately $176,308 and paid $4,2617 in interest. Our current indebtedness is $660,000. Our total pledges for the campaign were $1,595,405. Since May 2008 far we have received $1,249,313 (79%). That leaves us $346,000 to complete our Holy Ground Campaign by May of 2011.

Our commitments for 2011 totaled $1,182,579 from 348 families. Combined with anticipated unpledged giv-ing of approximately $390,000, we anticipate a ministry budget about the same as 2010. The ministry budget will be finalized by the Finance Committee and presented to the Board of Stewards on January 16.

Again, thank you so much for supporting your church and what God is doing through us. We are making a life-changing difference for children, youth, adults, and families, and we can’t do it without your help. God bless you!

BAPTISM SEMINAR

SCHEDULED JANUARY 23

A short class to explain United Methodist be-liefs and practices regarding baptism will be held in the Shelton Meeting Room of the Christian Life Center on Sunday, January 23, at 4:00 p.m. The baptism seminar is designed for any new parents who are interested in having their children bap-tized, or anyone who is interested in learning more about United Methodist views on baptism. All are welcome. Child care will be provided. Please call the church office if you plan to attend or need child care. Thanks!

OH WHERE, OH WHERE HAVE MY DISHES GONE? OH WHERE, OH WHERE CAN THEY BE?

If you can’t find your favorite dishes, they may be sitting quietly at the CLC Welcome Center Desk. We have lots of unclaimed dish-es that would like to go

home. Please stop by and pick yours up. I’m sure they are missing you!

Start

We were blessed on Sunday to have all our church services before the snow moved in. All the services were a

blessing, and we welcomed new members in all three, so that was especially nice. But the snow starting coming down while we were eating lunch. I went back to the church to take care of a few things, and soon the white flakes were swirling and dancing all over the church lawn. I was supposed to attend a conference meeting in Little Rock at 5:00 p.m., but our Super-intendent mercifully told me not to worry about traveling in the bad conditions. By the time I got away from the church, Central Avenue was cov-ered. I got more and more anxious as I crept along Malvern Avenue. I didn’t exactly have my ―snow clothes‖ on; I was still in my suit from Sun-day morning. At least I had my overcoat and hat in the back seat. As I turned on to Carpenter Dam Road, I saw the first car in the ditch. At the bypass, I had to weave through several cars that had slid side-ways. I knew what was coming. If I could just make it up the hill on the south side of the Car-penter Dam bridge, I would be home free. It was not to be. As I crossed the bridge, there was a teenager waving his arms to warn me of problems up ahead. Two large vehicles were off in the ditch. My momentum failed about half-way up and I slid to a stop about a hundred yards from the top. But I did not go into the ditch. I got out in my slick Sunday shoes and went back to see what their situation was. A wrecker had been called, but they were all tied up with accidents and

other cars. A four-wheel drive Jeep went past and yelled out the window, ―Do you have a chain?‖ But I didn’t, and it kept moving anyway. After several minutes, the men from the vehicles in the ditch and a couple of guys who had walked down from the top of the hill volun-teered to give me a push. I guess I was looking a little forlorn in my Sunday clothes and soaking feet. At least they had boots and coveralls on! They told me if I got started, not to stop, and I did-n’t. But that meant I didn’t get to thank them for helping me. I was right about one thing. Once I got over the hill, I made it home just fine, with no fur-ther mishaps. So here is my public statement of gratitude toward those unnamed ―snow angels‖ that helped me last Sunday. They got me out of a tight spot. It was a blessing, an act of grace. I certainly did-n’t deserve any special treatment just because I was dressed inappropriately. I don’t know if they were Christians or not, but they sure acted like it. They were my ―Good Samaritans‖ on a snowy Sunday afternoon. I hope I get the chance to return the favor someday—in honor of them. If we think about it, we can probably all think of people who have helped us along the way or incidences where we received better treatment than we deserved. How can we return the favor? I believe God will give us the opportunity, if we will just be on the look-out. Blessed to be a blessing,

Bro. Bud

CAROLYN ELIAS RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

Carolyn Elias, a member at FUMC in Hot Springs, was given the Edmund W. Robb, Jr., United Methodist Re-newal Award at the recent meeting of the national board of directors of the Good News movement. The award is given to ―a United Methodist who has made a significant contribution to renewal within the United Methodist Church.‖ Carolyn has been active in the evangelical renewal of the UMC for over twenty years. She has served for many years on the Good News board, and she has been elected to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2000 and 2004.

In presenting the award, James V. Heidinger II, former president and publisher for Good News, said, ―In Car-olyn, we see a mature, gracious, theologically-grounded, and discerning United Methodist laywoman. She is highly respected by all who have worked with her. She has a warm, kind spirit, but Carolyn can also be firm when firmness is needed.‖ That’s our Carolyn, and we’re proud of her!

Mike Lovelady, mlovelady@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 107

Michelle Wilkins, michellewilkins1@yahoo.com 623-6668, Ext. 127

IT’S NOT TOO LATE...

JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS!

We still have a few openings left in our “W.A.K.” 1st-4th grade group. “C.L.U.B. 56” for 5th & 6th graders is currently full. W.A.K. and CLUB 56 meet from 3:30-4:30 for games, bible story, and crafts, then from 4:30-5:30 it‟s off to one of our children‟s choirs for some MUSICAL FUN!!! We would LOVE to have you! Just ask mom or dad to go to the “Children‟s” page on our website: http://fumchotsprings.org/ and click on the “Wednesday Afternoons” tab to get you signed up! Transportation from school is provided each week, so we hope to see you next Wednesday!

2011 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SAVE THE DATE!!!

Join us June 20-24 from 9:00—noon where we will take a faith journey with Jesus! We are currently searching for this year‟s VBS Director and Co-Directors! If you are inter-ested in one of these rewarding leadership roles, please contact me. We will need LOTS of volunteers to make this a success!!! So, when you get your phone call asking for help with VBS this year, please prayerfully consider your answer! PLEASE consider leading a class this year, or helping in

some way. WE NEED YOU!!! If you want to know more about getting involved, please contact me anytime: 501-318-3977.

2011 CONFIRMATION CLASSES WEDNESDAYS, FEBRUARY 2ND– APRIL 27TH

For all current 6th graders, or anyone above 6th grade that has not previously attended! Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. in the Underground. Watch your mailboxes for further details!

Sunday, Jan. 30th, 4-5 p.m. in the Christian

Life Center (room #207) NEW! Now for ages Kindergarten-6th grade!!

If you have a child in Kindergarten - 6th grade that has not been to a meeting, please bring them to the January meeting, so we can sign them up as one of our newest “secret agents”! It will be a fun-filled hour as we complete our top secret mission project! We are special agents doing God‟s work! Come join us!

I made the comment to my wife Kelley that 2010 totally flew by. She agreed. I‟m still having to remember to put 2011 on checks when I sign them. But it‟s here and we dig in and start things FRESH ( I even cleaned my desk to start the new year!). But before I dive into 2011 I want to thank so many of you that made 2010 such a wonderful year of ministry. Each week we have a wonderful hour of worship in The ConneXion. There are A LOT of folks that make that happen; the custodians that set up the chairs, ushers, greeters, nursery workers, The Tribe of Dan, the musicians, singers, Audio/Visual Technicians, our Pastors. It takes a great number of ministry partners to make it happen. The Praise Team puts in extra hours of rehearsal to make sure the message in song is something people can connect to. To all of you that make it happen, THANK YOU! I thanked all of our Children‟s Choir leaders last week, so I won‟t repeat myself. But, thank you leaders, you‟re awe-some at what you do. To Kelley Lovelady, Tina Seel, Frank Huggins, Dr. Ron Hall and Bro. Bud, thank you for making Wednesday night‟s music fun and uplifting. If you haven‟t been, you‟ve missed some great specials. We can always use more… To a group that has grown before my eyes, Audience of One, you‟re incredible beyond your years. Your dedication, spirit and talent is a God-given gift, continue to use it for His glory. As we get ready for Summer Tour „11, let‟s roll up our sleeves this Spring and give it all we‟ve got, then we‟ll hit the road and proclaim the Good News in song and deed. It takes a lot of people, but we can always use more. More singers, musicians, audio/visual techs, Audience of One members, singers on Wednesday night, greeters, ushers, children‟s choir helpers, a lot of ministry partners are needed. So

this year, 2011, “dig in”, let‟s lock arms and proclaim the love of Christ together. Mike

OUTREACH NEWS

We would like to thank everyone for their support in 2010 with the loose dollars in the offering plate. We are continuing to collect the dollars for community mission opportunities. Last May we were able to give the Open Door Project at Jones Mill $4500 which was a great help to their mission. The committee will be selecting a ministry to help this year in the next cou-ple of months and we graciously thank you again for your support.

SOUL FOOD CAFÉ

Soul Food Café and Worship is back up and run-ning. Dinner is at 5:15pm and Worship is at 6:00pm. We have a guest chef on Jan. 19th, member Joy Bennett, is preparing King Ranch Casserole, cole slaw, and dessert is cookies and ice cream. Don’t forget to sign up in worship on Sunday mornings if

you plan to come to the ―Best Deal in Town‖ for $4 a meal. Also if you would like to be a ―Chef for the Day‖, call Candy at 623-6668 and we will get you on the calendar. See you there!!

FUMC, RUSSELLVILLE

TRIP TO MACKINAC ISLAND

First United Methodist Church in Russellville is sponsoring a trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan on June 4 – 12. The cost is $775 per person which in-cludes lodging, 14 meals, guided tour of Mackinaw City, and much more. If you are interested you can call Bob Moore or Charlotte Hurlbut at 479-968-1232. The information is at the Welcome Center in the Christian Life Center and the Sanctuary. They have 10 openings left and the deposit of $75 is due by Feb. 4, 2011.

Candy Poirier, outreach@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 117

In honor of Nicholas Kindt EVSCO In memory of Dan Benton Ross and Susan Snarler Deborah Sparling In memory of Charlie Mae Dunn Glenn and Beth Duncan William and Anna McCoy Ben and Laverne Burton Louise Cain Joe and Gretta Kaufman Dr. and Mrs. William Mashburn Ron and JoAnn Cade Katherine J. Wilcox Sarah Riley Mildred Glass In memory of Randall Williams, husband of Joan Williams Charleen and Ed Copeland L.L. Marshall Mickey and LaDonna Twyford Saints & Sinners Sunday School Class The Family of Randall Williams In memory of Rena Lou Elliott Bruce and Nitalynn Sigman XYZ

Dr. and Mrs. William Terry Christopher and Sheri Fisher Babs Blagg In memory of William Yancey Monday Night’s Disciple I Class In memory of Steve Gundy Christopher and Sheri Fisher In memory of Jim Tucker Christopher and Sheri Fisher Harold III, Dawn and Melody Duke Doris Robey B.J. and JoAnn Smith Louise Cain In memory of Mary Jo McCorkle, sister of Helen Wilson Mildred Smith Louise Cain In memory of Ricky Frizzell Christopher and Sheri Fisher In memory of Maurice & Charlie Mae Dunn James and Brenda Works In memory of Sigma Fletcher Mickey and LaDonna Twyford

Teresa Holt, disciple@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 116

NEW YOUNG ADULT SMALL GROUP TO BEGIN

We are in the process of organizing a new young adult small group to begin on Sunday, February 20th, 9:30 a.m., in the Christian Life Center Holy Grounds Café (#201). We will have a get together the Sunday evening before, February 13th, at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Clint and Britani Martin, 124 Bay Ridge Loop. Children are welcome and childcare is provided at the home. Over light refreshments, we will have a chance to get to know each other a little bit better. If you are interested, or would like more information, contact Ellen Stiffler, team_stiffler@hotmail.com, or Britani Martin, bteale20@hotmail.com.

RECOVERY MONDAY

Recovery Monday started this week, but it is not too late if you still want to join us for Divorcecare, Griefshare, Financial Peace, or Boundaires. Go to www.fumchotsprings.org and click on recovery Mon-day for more information or to register. Childcare is provided.

SHORT TERM SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES

If the first of the year came upon you suddenly and you forgot to register for a small group study, there are

still some opportunities.

ABIDING IN CHRIST – Wednesdays 6:00 p.m., January 12 – March 2, Intercessory Prayer Team – Facilita-tors, CLC 201. In this study, the biblical concept of abiding in Christ (John 15) is explored and explained in practical terms. Not only will you learn about a prayer life, but you will be encouraged to practice it during the week between classes.

“SOLO TOGETHER” INTERNET GROUP, Kim Carter- Fa-

cilitator. Are you are seeking a more intimate devo-tional life and small group to share it in, yet your scheduled life can’t seem to find the time to fit it in? This small group is for you! You interact online (in a blog format) to share with one another and utilize a devotional book (Solo – available in the church office

for $12.00) that encourages praying the scriptures during the week. The group will meet once a month on a Tuesday. If you can’t make the gathering or would like more information, contact Kim at 501-282-8883 or carter_kim@ymail.com.

ADULT SINGLES SMALL GROUP

A big thanks to Robert Eichelberger who has led our Adult Singles Small Group for the past three years. We will be taking a short break, re-organizing and coming back later in the Spring. If you feel led to help in the leadership or facilitating of this small group, contact Teresa Holt 501-623-6668, ext 116.

DINNER GROUPS ORGANIZING

New friends and great food, it doesn’t get any bet-ter than that! Come join the fun of our small group dinner groups! Each group consists of 8-12 people (singles/couples of all ages) who arrange to meet monthly for dinner at a time and date to be chosen by each group. This is a great way to make new ac-quaintances whether you have been around for years or have just come recently. Our first meet and greet will be Sunday, February 6th, 5:30 p.m. (location to be decided later). Registration deadline is Sunday, Janu-ary 30th. To register, go to www.fumchotsprings.org, click on adults and then affinity groups; or e-mail Tere-sa at www.disciple@fumchs.com.

HO-HUM

We are currently searching for a leader for our Ho-Hum (Holy Older Healthy United Methodists) to help coordinate our Friday programs. If you are interested in helping in this ministry, contact Teresa at 501-623-6668.

THE CARING PLACE SALE/AUCTION IS A WEEKLY EVENT!!

Items that you want to donate are sold every Monday night at Godbehere Auction Compa-ny. You can deliver your items on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday to Godbehere Auction Com-pany between the hours of 8-5. Let them know the items are for The Caring Place. If you need an item picked up and taken to Godbehere Auction Company, please contact Ken Krabbe at 520-0343 or 622-9341. Proceeds benefit The Caring Place Scholarship Fund.

Thursday, January 13 9:00 a.m. Disciple II A Heart Like His 5:30 p.m. Jesus in the Gospels 6:00 p.m. Mentors and Mentees A Heart Like His 6:30 p.m. ConneXion Practice Friday, January 14 8:30 a.m. Pilates 9:00 a.m. Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise Class Sunday, January 16 8:15 a.m. Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School The ConneXion Holy Communion in Humphreys Chapel 10:45 a.m. Connect Groups 10:55 a.m. Worship 3:30 p.m. Audience of One Rehearsal 5:00 p.m. Disciple I UMY Underground Board of Stewards Monday, January 17 8:30 a.m. Pilates 9:00 a.m. Companions in Christ 10:00 a.m. Intermediate/Beginning Handbells 11:00 a.m. Celebration Handbells 1:30 p.m. Staff Meeting 5:30 p.m. Wesley Ministry Network 6:00 p.m. Disciple I

Divorce Care/Divorce Care 4 Kids Financial Peace Griefshare Boundaries Tuesday, January 18 7:00 a.m. United Methodist Men’s Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Companions in Christ 5:30 p.m. Spanish Class Stephen Leadership Meeting 6:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Supervision Meeting Wednesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. Pilates 9:00 a.m. Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise Class 3:30 p.m. Children’s Choirs W.A.K. and C.L.U.B. 4:45 p.m. Intercessory Prayer Group 5:00 p.m. Jubilation! Handbells 5:15 p.m. Soul Food Café 6:00 p.m. Living Prayer Wednesday Night Youth Worship 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING A HUGE SUCCESS!!

The Outreach Committee would like to thank all the volunteers who gave an hour of their busy time be-fore Christmas to ring the bells at Kroger. The Salva-tion Army collected a total of $1280.38 the two days that First United Methodist Church folks manned the kettle. And another big thank you goes to all those who shopped at Kroger on those days and gave gener-ously to the Salvation Army. We really appreciate your support for this project. We look forward to ringing the bells again next year.

XYZ FELLOWSHIP

Xtra Years of Zest will meet on Thursday, January 20, for a potluck luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the Shelton Room of the CLC. Joe Dickson will present a program on ―Foods Around the World‖! We hope to see you there!

Periodicals postage paid at Hot Springs, Arkansas. The First United Methodist Church Messen-

ger [USPS 198-840] is published bi-weekly by First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central

Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Subscriptions are 50 cents per year. Postmaster: Send ad-dress changes to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Well, a new year has begun; „hopefully all of the Christmas decorations, tree, and wrapping paper have all been put away and that your new year‟s resolutions are „in place!‟ I have one more thing to take care of pertaining to 2010 and that is to say a big „thank you‟ to all involved with and supporting our Christmas Celebration 2010 last month! First of all, thanks to all who contributed to the orchestral fund. Your help always goes far on being able to have the or-chestral support we‟ve enjoyed the past four years. Also, there are some who are always „in the shadows,‟ helping in different are-as where there is need. Thanks to Trent Foreman and Bob Adams on video and sound, respectively; to Lynne Crow for her seem-ingly tireless work in accompanying the Chancel Choir rehearsals; to Shelly Hall and Barbara Tornquist for the character cos-tumes; and thanks to Kelley Lovelady for her help with the costumes backstage. There are so many others to thank. But let me just say “thanks” to all who played, sang, or acted in the production. The hard work that the members of the Chancel Choir, Celebration and Jubilation! Bells, and the Audience of One youth ensemble put forth in rehearsals truly showed in the excellence of their presentation. And thanks for the contributions that our own percussion-ists Mike Lovelady, Brandon Lovelady, and Gable Bradley, and our flautist, Amie Hill, gave to the orchestra—you were all equally at home playing with the members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra! Most of all, thanks to our Savior Jesus Christ for his love, guidance, and sacrifice for us all. He is truly the „reason for the

season‟ and all seasons of every year! Dr. Ron

Dr. Ron Hall, rhall@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 118