January 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

P. 4 Outreach | p. 6 Children's | p. 6 Youth | p. 10 Getting to know families of FUMC

Here we are, beginning another year. There are a couple of ways to approach a new year. One is with

hope and excitement and the other is with anxiety and trepidation. Truthfully, it would be very easy to enter

2020 with the latter. There is a General Conference in May that is likely to be more divisive than the Special

Called Conference in 2019. Then there is the election that will probably be uglier than the one in 2016.

Despite these reasons to be anxious, I want to encourage you to be optimistic and excited.

I believe that First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs is special. It would be easy to attribute that

to our proud history but I think this church is special for reasons beyond a rich and powerful history. The

church of 2020 is just as special and full of potential as any time in our history.

I am often asked how I like it here in Hot Springs and I usually answer “Hot Springs is just weird enough

for me.” While this is true, I have fallen in love with Hot Springs for a different reason. It is the people of our

church. I think Jesus best explains what I mean in Matthew 12: 46-50:“While Jesus was speaking to the

crowds, his mother and brothers stood outside trying to speak with him. Someone said to him, “Look, your

mother and brothers are outside wanting to speak with you.” Jesus replied, “Who is my mother? Who are my

brothers?” He stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, “Look, here are my mother and my

brothers. Whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven is my brother, sister, and mother.”

What I have found at First United Methodist Hot Springs is family. It is not a family connected by DNA

or marriage, but a family connected by Christ. That is a bond that is more powerful than any blood tries. It is

a bond eternal. You are not just people that I long to worship with, but to share a meal with, to see a movie

with, to laugh with and to cry with. In other words, you are a people that I long to do life with and I hope you

have found the same in our congregation.

I know many of you have because I have witnessed the Sunday School classes, both new and

decades old, that share their lives together beyond the walls of our church. I have seen the smiles and the

joy as you welcome each other on Sunday morning. I have watched you work side by side to help eliminate

hunger in Hot Springs at the Open Arms Food Pantry. I have also witnessed the care and love that so many

of you offer at the Caring Place.

Our church is a special place and if we can remember that we are a family formed by Christ, then

our best days are not behind us but ahead of us. Let 2020 bring whatever it wants because I know “who are

my father, my mother, my brothers and my sisters.” It is you and I know this family has a miraculous future

ahead of it.

Bill Sardin

Counting Our Blessings Cyndee Metcalf |cmetcalf@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext 102

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BUDGET REPORT January thru November

Year to Date Budget Annual Budget

Income

Pledged Offerings $948,054.91 $967,747.00 $1,055,725.00

Non-Pledged Offerings $387,658.59 $389,576.00 $425,000.00

All other budgeted giving $69,531.89 $109,926.00 $154,300.00

Total Income $1,405,245.39 $1,467,249.00 $1,635,025.00

Expense

Apportionments (Conference support) $188,641.71 $197,379.27 $215,323.00

Salaries/Related Expenses $727,175.33 $717,861.00 $781,693.00

Church Administration $471,307.08 $510,945.62 $569,409.00

Ministry Programs $49,811.93 $62,187.50 $68,600.00

Total Expense $1,436,936.05 $1,488,373.39 $1,635,025.00

NET INCOME ($31,690.66) ($21,124.39) $0.00

MISSION / MEMORIAL REPORT January thru

November Receipts

January thru November Disbursements

Missions (Restricted Funds) $94,164.65 $89,002.88

Memorials $25,374.30 $13,639.98

PROPERTY LOAN REPORT January thru November

Payments (P&I)

Loan Balance as of November 30, 2019

Property Loan $104,118.52 $1,315,375.34

(Original Principal Balance - $1,594,420.53)

Happy New Year !! We have been blessed in 2019 by your pledges, tithes, and offerings as these generous

donations are crucial to the vitality of First United Methodist Church Hot Springs. Your gifts allow us to support

missions across the globe, provide worship opportunities to our congregation and the community, and

operate a very large, historic facility. None of this could happen without you! If you have not yet fulfilled your

2019 pledge or would like to make a donation designated for last year, you may still do so until January 10,

2020. Please make sure your check is dated no later than December 31, 2019 and the memo line is marked

"2019".

It’s not too late to pledge your financial support for 2020. Your pledge allows us to create a sound budget

with the assurance of committed donations. Pledge cards are available in the church office or in the

Welcome Centers in the Sanctuary or the Christian Life Center. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge

of financial commitment to your church. If you have any questions, please contact Cyndee Metcalf,

cmetcalf@fumchs.com or 501-623-6668.

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January 2020 @ FUMC

Sunday January 5 Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 8:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Underground youth 9:30 AM Confirmation Class 9:30 AM Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 AM ConneXion Worship (CLC) 10:45 AM

Monday January 6 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise Class 9:00 AM Disciple IV Class 10:00 AM Handbells 11:00 AM Tuesday January 7 UMW Unit Meeting 10:00 AM Outreach Meeting 1:30 PM Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM Stephen Ministry Leadership Mtg. 5:30 PM Stephen Ministry Training 6:00 PM Stephen Ministry Supervision Mtg. 6:00 PM Wednesday January 8 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Intercessory Prayer Group 10:30 AM Knitwits 1:00 PM WAK/CLUB 45 3:30 PM Handbells 5:00 PM Underground Church/Life 6:00 PM Getting Ahead 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Thursday January 9 ConneXion Band Rehearsal 5:30 PM Friday January 10 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Sunday January 12 Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 8:15 AM UMW Cookies on a Mission after all services Sunday School 9:30 AM Confirmation Class 9:30 AM Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 AM ConneXion Worship (CLC) 10:45 AM Youth Ice/Roller Skating 1:00 PM Monday January 13 Pilates 8:30 AM Emmaus Women’s Reunion Group 9:00AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Disciple IV Class 10:00 AM Handbells 11:00 AM YAC 5:00 PM

Wednesday January 22 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Intercessory Prayer Group 10:30 AM Romeo 11:30 AM Bill Ruins the Parables 6:00 PM Getting Ahead 6:00PM Underground Youth Christmas Party 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Thursday Janaury 23 ConneXion Band Rehearsal 5:30 PM Friday January 24 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM Youth Winter Jam Sunday January 26 Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 8:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Confirmation Class 9:30 AM Underground youth 9:30 AM Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 AM ConneXion Worship (CLC) 10:45 AM See Everyone as Extraordinary 4:00 PM Monday January 27 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Disciple IV Class 10:00 AM Handbells 11:00 AM Tuesday January 28 Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM Stephen Ministry Training 6:00 PM Wednesday January 29 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Intercessory Prayer Group 10:30 AM WAK/CLUB 45 3:30 PM Handbells 5:00 PM Bill Ruins the Parables 6:00 PM Underground Church/Life 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Getting Ahead 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Thursday January 30 ConneXion Band Rehearsal 5:30 PM Friday, January 31 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM

Tuesday January 14 Helen Wilson Circle 10:00 AM O’Brien-Thornton Circle 10:00 AM Jane Murphy Circle 11:30 AM Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM Bible & A Brew 5:00 PM Stephen Ministry Training 6:00 PM Wednesday January 15 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Intercessory Prayer Group 10:30AM Romeo 11:30 AM Handbells 5:00 PM Pastor’s Through the Bible study 5:30 PM Bill Ruins the Parables 6:00 PM Underground Church/Life 6:00 PM Getting Ahead 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Thursday January 16 Senior Saints Dinner & A Movie 4:30 PM ConneXion Band Rehearsal 5:30 PM Friday January 17 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Class 9:00 AM Youth Retreat Camp Tanako 4:00 PM Women’s Gathering 6:00 PM “Hard Pressed but not Down” Saturday January 18 Women’s Gathering 8:00 AM “Hard Pressed but not Down” Sunday January 19 Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 8:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Confirmation Class 9:30 AM Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 10:45 AM ConneXion Worship (CLC) 10:45 AM Board of Stewards 3:30 PM Finance Meeting 5:00 PM Monday January 20 Pilates 8:30 AM Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise Class 9:00 AM Disciple IV Class 10:00 AM Handbells 11:00 AM Tuesday January 21 Methodist Men’s Breakfast 7:30 AM Open Arms Food Pantry 2:00 PM Stephen Ministry Training 6:00 PM

Outreach Ministry

Candy Poirier |cpoirier@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext 117

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Dinner & A Movie

J o i n u s o n T h u r s d a y , J a n u a r y 1 6 t h a t 4 : 3 0 p m i n t h e

Christian Life Center for dinner and a movie. We will be watching the movie

Overcomer” that has just been released. Basketball coach John Harrison's high school

team is crushed by the closing of the town's largest employer. Hundreds of families

move, leaving him running a struggling cross-country program. But then he meets

Hannah and begins helping this unlikely runner attempt the impossible in the year's

biggest race. Starring Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, and Aryn Wright-Thompson.

Call Candy Poirier at 623-6668 ext. 117 to RSVP. See you then!

Knitwits

Our church has been active in the prayer shawl and

chemo hat ministry for many years. They offer comfort,

hope and promise to the ill and shut-in. If you would like

to donate yarn, We prefer new yarn because of the low

immune systems of these patients. If you would like to

make a monetary donation, you can send a check to

the church office or give online. Please be sure to mark

your giving for the Knitwit group. If you knit or crochet and

would like to join this group, we meet the second

Wednesday at 1:00 in the CLC room 205-207.

United Methodist Women

United Methodist Women

Cookies on a Mission Update: From the United Methodist Women at First United Methodist Church:

A heartfelt and grateful “Thank you!” to all of the church members who bought cookies and made

donations during our final Cookies on a Mission sale in December. Purchases and donations totaled $505

which will be given to the Open Arms food pantry, plus any money that remained in our account at the end

of 2019. UMW Sunday: Sunday, January 26, 2020 is UMW Sunday, a day when UMW members are active

participants in the various elements of worship; a day when a special person invited by UMW speaks to the

congregation. This year, that person will be a representative from Methodist Family Health, one of the three

designated missions of the local UMW unit.

OPEN ARMS FOOD PANTRY

Thank you all for your gracious donations for the Reverse Advent Calendar food

drive. The over 80 boxes received were such a blessing to the church and to the

recipients. We greatly appreciate your donations. Open Arms Food Pantry has

been operating for nearly 7 years and has an outstanding group of committed

volunteers that we couldn’t do without. Through their hard work and your

donations, the pantry helped over 2500 people in 2019. However, monetary funds

are starting to decrease. Food for the pantry is purchased from a local food bank

at a greatly discounted price so we can really stretch each dollar given. Please

consider a commitment to the food pantry this year through your prayers, your

time, and your financial gifts. For more information contact Candy Poirier.

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CONGRATULATIONS

GETTING AHEAD CLASS 2019

2020 classes begin January 8 at 6:00 PM in the CLC Shelton Room.

Discipleship

Rev. Teresa Holt |teresa.holt@yahoo.com | 501.623.6668 ext. 103

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from

us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not

abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 Life can be overwhelming! Life events, high

expectations from others, commitments and an overextended calendar can bring a crushing weight on

us. But Paul reminds us that though life may press us on every side, God will not abandon us. Because God

is with us, we will not be crushed or destroyed. Despair will not win! Join us for a gathering of women, on

January 17th (6:30 – 8:30 pm) and 18th (8:00 am - 1:00 pm). We will have opportunities for fellowship,

creativeness, laughter and Bible study. This is your chance to see how God is with you in life’s hard pressed

places! Registration and schedule of events is available online at www.fumchs.com – click on adults and

then Women’s Gathering. Cost is $10.00 and includes art supplies and luncheon on Saturday.

WOMEN’S GATHERING January 17th – 18th 2020

Cupp Hall

See Everyone as Extraordinary

There is ministry that Jesus is calling us to, and much of it is right

under our noses. So many people walk or drive by our church, send their

children to our Child Development Center and children activities, and

receive help through our outreach missions. Seven years ago we

listened to our community and asked what did they want us to hear.

One comment was we needed to “see them”. That phrase has stuck

with me to this day. Do we really see those around us? If we truly saw

them, would they in turn see Jesus in us? You are invited to join us on

January 26th, 4-6pm in the Christian Life Center #205, as we start a

discernment process to see those around us. The two weeks following

the first meeting, will consist of individual study on scriptures about “seeing”. We reconvene on February 9 th

and 16th 4-6 to discern how God is working through us to see others and how our teams might take some next

steps in ministry. Family Life, Discipleship, Hospitality, Evangelism, and Children’s Council will be meeting as

one large group, but we would love to have all who are interested participate. We need you to help us

discern just where God might be leading our church. No requirements or experience necessary, except to

be willing to listen to the voice of God in our midst. If you have questions, feel free to contact Teresa Holt,

501-623-6668 or tholt@fumchs.com.

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Children’s Ministry

Michelle Wilkins |mwilkins@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext. 130

FUMC Kids Spring 2020 January

5 & 6—Spring Musical 1st rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

8– WAK begins

12– Children’s Sunday in Traditional services

12—Spring Musical rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

15—WAK

13—Spring Musical rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

19—Children’s Sunday in Connexion

22—WAK

29– WAK

30—Spring Musical rehearsal

February

4—Spring Musical rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

5—WAK

6—Spring Musical rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

9– Children’s Sunday in Traditional services

10 & 11—Spring Musical rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

12—WAK

16—Children’s Sunday in Connexion

17 & 18—Spring Musical rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

19—WAK

23 & 24—Spring Musical rehearsal 6:00-7:30pm

26– WAK

26—Ash Wednesday service @ 6pm

30—Spring Musical rehearsal

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Underground Youth

Shane Staton |thatshaneguy@gmail.com| 501.623.6668 ext. 131

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Why would Bill want to ruin the parables? Well actually he’s not ruining them, but hopefully after this study you

won’t read them the same again. Each week, we will examine a different parable taking into account: The

Gospel writer’s theological emphasis; historical context; cultural context; the scriptural passages that inform

the parable and the implications the parable has the followers of Christ both in the first century and

today. Hopefully, this will provide participants with a deeper understanding and increased love of the

parables of Christ.

WEDNESDAYS 5-6 pm

Beginning January 15

CLC Room 211

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Tenth Annual Men's Summit is coming soon! Thursday February 27, 2020 in the Christian Life Cen-

ter at 5:00 p.m.

Look for details in the Church Bulletin’s and the February Messenger.

Men’s Summit Meeting

Coming Events

METHODIST MEN'S BREAKFAST: The men of First United Methodist

Church in Hot Springs get together for breakfast on the third Tuesday

of every month. There is always a delicious breakfast served (for only

$5) and a program of interest to the men. Programs often

emphasize what is going on in FUMC HS, such as speakers giving

details about church ministries and how to get involved. Sometimes

the programs are of general interest with information about activities

in our city and county. Regardless of the program this is a great

opportunity for fellowship among Methodist Men! Each meeting

begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Christian Life Center. Coffee is ready early

so come and visit with other Methodist Men. Men are always encouraged to bring along a guest. Doug Miller

will lead the program for January. He has arranged for a presentation by those who are involved in the

Getting Ahead program, which is sponsored by our Church. He will also have a speaker from CCMC, which is

the organization that brought Getting Ahead to Hot Springs.

Methodist Men’s Breakfast

Special Gifts & Memorials

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In memory of Mary Cox Given by Wayne Ranson Given by B.J. and JoAnn Smith Given by Don and Mary Ann Schnipper Given by Bill and Bernard Cluck Given by John and Sue Brunner Given by Richard and Donna Cragen Given by Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Goolsby, Jr. Given by Luck Cox Given by Edith F. Irwin Given by Betty Lou Fanning

In memory of Nina White Given by Gretchen and Kristin Kaufman Given by Wayne Ranson Given by Dr. and Mrs. Stuart Fleischner Given by Frank and Sylvia Thomas Given by B.J. and JoAnn Smith Given by Mildred Smith Given by Don and Mary Ann Schnipper Given by Friendship Sunday School Class Given by Neva O’Brien Given by John and Sue Polk Given by Ken and Sandra Kennedy Given by Glenn and Sarah Beth Duncan Given by John and Karen Poe Given by O’Brien-Thornton Circle Given by Lauren J. Heronema and Judi Butz

In memory of John and JoAnn Miles Given by John and Deborah Shannon

In memory of Ronnie Kerr Given by John and Deborah Shannon Given by Walter and Kay McCall

In memory of Gene Thomason Given by John and Deborah Shannon Given by Preston and Rose Rudisill Given by Sandra Cornish Given by Rick Pierce

In memory of Bob Draper Given by Inquirers Sunday School Class

In memory of Anna Belle Smith Given by John and Deborah Shannon

In memory of Jane Ranson Given by Allan and Rhonda Ranson

In memory of Anne Parker (sister of Joyce Whitfield) Given by Wayne Ranson Given by Jerry and Marlene Bush Given by Golf Links Gardens POA

In memory of Mrs. Johnny Vance (mother of Lori Fulenwider) Given by Gretchen and Kristin Kaufman

In memory of Andrea Hamby Given by John, Jennifer and Emory Dale

In memory of Anne Copeman Given by John, Jennifer and Emory Dale

In memory of Katherine Dale Given by John, Jennifer and Emory Dale

In memory of Susan Burton Given by Dr. Frances Dalme

In memory of Sammie Bachelor Given by Dr. Frances Dalme

In memory of Sue Chitwood Given by Dr. Frances Dalme

In memory of Gretta Kaufman Given by Dr. Frances Dalme

In memory of Marian Huggins Given by Dr. Frances Dalme

In memory of Nathan Robinson Given by Dr. Frances Dalme

In memory of Geraldine Wright (mother of Tracy Keaton) Given by John and Sue Polk

In memory of Osie Watson Given by Rev. David and Carol Moseley Given by Johnny and Laura Angel

In honor of Kay Provus Given by Elmer and Barbara Tornquist

In honor of Rev. David and Carol Moseley Given by Dr. Graham and Julie Holt

In honor of Intercessory Prayer Team Given by Sandra Cornish

In honor of Dot Brown Given by Beverly Wright

In honor of Church staff Given by Clarence and Brenda Durand

In Our Prayers: Christian sympathy to: Lori Fulenwider and family in the recent

passing of her mother, Mrs. Johnny Vance. Tim Webb and family in the recent passing of his mother,

Betty Jeanne Webb. Stacey Pierce in the recent passing of her Grandmother, Betty Jeanne Webb. Tracy

Keaton and family in the recent passing of her mother, Geraldine Wright. Jack Farr in the recent

passing of his wife, Cheryl Farr. To the family of Tonya Watson in her recent passing. Ellen Stiffler and

family in the recent passing of her mother, Angie Elcon. Clarence Durand and family in the recent

passing of his brother, Kenneth Durand. Gladys Watson and family in the recent passing of her

husband, Osie Watson.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOU

John, Jennifer and Emory Dale

How long have you been at FUMC, Hot Springs?

8 years

What is your role in the congregation?

We enjoy attending the Connexion service. We help with any

role required such as opening prayer, communion, greeter etc.

What Sunday School class/or small group do you attend?

Emory attends children’s Sunday School

What are your hobbies or interests?

We all enjoy playing tennis, hiking, boating, snow skiing. Emory plays the piano and

John plays the drums.

What is your favorite restaurant/dish?

Luna Bella, Via Roma, Newk’s and Café 1217

What is your favorite Christian song (or song in general)?

Jennifer—“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me and John—“Oceans” by Hillsong—and

Emory—“You Say” by Lauren Daigle

What most excites you about FUMC, Hot Springs?

The excitement our daughter has for all the children’s activities. We also feel very blessed

with all our close friends we have made since joining.

What is your ministry through FUMC, Hot Springs?

John—Worship Band and Jennifer helping with the children’s board and where needed.

FUMC Families

Candy Poirier |cpoirier@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext. 117

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Grand Central Christmas was a wonderful success

thanks to all of our participates from the Chancel Choir,

the Chancel Ringers, Sanctuary Bells, the ConneXion

Praise Band, the Youth Praise Band, Kidz Praize, the

Quarter Notes and the other soloist from our church

family. We all enjoyed this amazing concert that is a part

of our Holiday season every year. With the help of these

very talented people that practice hard & make it

happen we say thank you and look forward to next year!

Music Notes

Tim Tucker |Ttucker@fumchs.com | 501.623.6668 ext. 118

First United Methodist Church

1100 Central Avenue

Hot Springs, AR 71901

CONNECT WITH US (501) 623-6668 |

Child Development center

Dot Brown

Child Development Center Update

From Mandy Johnson, CDC Director, and all of the staff who attended the CDC Christmas party at

the SQZBX Restaurant: “A big THANK YOU to two church members, who will remain anonymous, for

paying for the Christmas party food.”

Shannon Jones, Assistant Director, added this: “They made us feel so appreciated.”