august 2015 fvumc wellspring

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Group Life Ever wonder why the Trinity is so important to our faith? How does that belief shape our faith? Though we don’t see the Trinity explicitly in scripture, it is there. Paul writes in II Corinthians 13:13, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Throughout church history, the doctrine of the Trinity has remained important—that we believe God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all one and yet all different. While trying to understand the Trinity remains difficult, we do know that at the heart of God is community. God is in eternal relations with God’s self. Simply put, the Trinity is the first small group. We know, then, that community is important to God. And yet, we don’t feel like we are in community. We feel lonely, disconnected, and sometimes all alone. Those feelings point toward the brokenness in our society and ourselves. When sin entered into the world, it brought brokenness into our community with God and one another. We know that relationships and community are good and right but struggle to maintain them. At FVUMC, Group Life, our adult small group ministry, provides for us connection to community and to God. As a church that strives to form disciples in the way of Jesus Christ, we seek to be a church of groups. We desire for all who call FVUMC home to be in a group. Some have been in a group called a Sunday School class for years, some have participated in a Friday morning bible study, others get together and walk or ride bicycles while talking about their life in Christ, and this fall we will launch our Growth Groups. Whatever the title and focus of the group, each reflects the communal nature of the Trinity. The community into which the Trinity invites each of us is characterized by love. It is because of God’s love that we have community with God and one another. Again Paul writes in I Corinthians 13:4-7 about God’s love. It says that God’s love for us is patient, kind, isn’t jealous, doesn’t brag, isn’t arrogant, isn’t rude, doesn’t seek its own advantage, isn’t irritable, doesn’t keep a record of complaints, isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. God’s love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. God’s love never fails. Our Group Life desires to imitate this kind of love. To do so, however, requires a community gathered together to worship Jesus as He reveals to us the heart of the triune God. Pastor Matt Seaton, [email protected] Pastor of Christian Formation & Missional Outreach The Wellspring Adult Ministries at FVUMC Have You Ever Considered Leading an Adult Small Group? Come to the Centrum on Wednesday, August 12 at 6 pm to find out more about what it means to lead a small group. For questions, contact Matt Seaton, Pastor of Christian Formation & Missional Outreach, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 103. (Childcare available for those who register their children at fvumc.org/childcare-request.) August 2015 Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church

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Page 1: August 2015 FVUMC Wellspring

Group LifeEver wonder why the Trinity is so important to our faith? How does that belief shape our faith? Though we don’t see the Trinity explicitly in scripture, it is there.

Paul writes in II Corinthians 13:13, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Throughout church history, the doctrine of the Trinity has remained important—that we believe God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all one and yet all different.

While trying to understand the Trinity remains difficult, we do know that at the heart of God is community. God is in eternal relations with God’s self. Simply put, the Trinity is the first small group. We know, then, that community is important to God.

And yet, we don’t feel like we are in community. We feel lonely, disconnected, and sometimes all alone. Those feelings point toward the brokenness in our society and ourselves. When sin entered into the world, it brought brokenness into our community with God and one another. We know that relationships and community are good and right but struggle to maintain them.

At FVUMC, Group Life, our adult small group ministry, provides for us connection to community and to God. As a church that strives to form disciples in the way of Jesus Christ, we seek to be a church of groups. We desire for all who call FVUMC home to be in a group. Some have been in a group called a Sunday School class for years, some have participated in a Friday morning bible study, others get together and walk or ride bicycles while talking about

their life in Christ, and this fall we will launch our Growth Groups. Whatever the title and

focus of the group, each reflects the communal nature of the Trinity.

The community into which the Trinity invites each of us is characterized by love. It is

because of God’s love that we have community with God and one another. Again Paul writes in I Corinthians 13:4-7 about God’s love. It says that God’s love for us is patient, kind, isn’t jealous, doesn’t brag, isn’t arrogant, isn’t rude, doesn’t seek its own advantage, isn’t irritable, doesn’t keep a record of complaints, isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. God’s love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things. God’s love never fails.

Our Group Life desires to imitate this kind of love. To do so, however, requires a community gathered together to worship Jesus as He reveals to us the heart of the triune God.

Pastor Matt Seaton, [email protected] Pastor of Christian Formation & Missional Outreach

The Wellspring

Adult Ministriesat FVUMC

Have You Ever Considered Leading an Adult Small Group?Come to the Centrum on Wednesday, August 12 at 6 pm to find out more about what it means to lead a small group. For questions, contact Matt Seaton, Pastor of Christian Formation & Missional Outreach, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 103. (Childcare available for those who register their children at fvumc.org/childcare-request.)

August 2015Fuquay-Varina

United Methodist Church

Page 2: August 2015 FVUMC Wellspring

Living a Life That Is Fully Alive — Pastor Gene TysonAs you may know, Valerie and I recently returned from my son’s wedding in New York City.

Many of you have asked about the weekend and how things went at this most joyous occasion in our family’s life. It is always fulfilling to watch one’s child as they move through the seasons of life—particularly when they take the step of marriage with someone whom they love and cherish.

My response has been, “it was absolutely perfect in every way.”

As I watched Josh and Laura speak their vows, exchange rings and be pronounced husband and wife, my heart leapt for joy for the both of them. As a parent, our heart for our children is for them to be happy and secure in life and to pursue their own dreams and passions. I must say I was a proud father that day and so pleased for them as they began their lives together.

This is also true in our relationship with God. It pleases our heavenly Father when we find our niche in life, discover our passions and gifts, and live in union with Jesus as we journey through life.

Jesus said “I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.”

St. Irenaeus, one of the early church fathers of the

second century, is attributed with this saying, “The glory of God is man (humankind) fully alive.”

So how do we live a life that is fully alive?

The good news is God has given us a “Game Plan” for life, a strategy, a plan for living a full and fulfilled life as followers of Jesus Christ. That plan is found in the lives of those early Christian converts as they began to live into being followers of Jesus Christ.

They worshiped regularly, developed meaningful relationships with each other, were taught how to live life through the teaching of the Apostles, and ministered and cared for each other. As a result, many people came to Christ through their witness.

Our August sermon series is centered on this theme, “The Game Plan.” I hope you will make a point to join us for each of these messages as we discover and live into God’s “Game Plan” for our lives.

Why not invite a neighbor to join you? Let’s search the Scriptures together as we seek to be a “Christ-centered community who is loving, learning, serving, and sharing God!”

See you Sunday! Gene Tyson, Lead Pastor [email protected]

Starting Point: Find Out About FVUMCOur Starting Point gatherings are an introduction to the church, pastors, staff and leaders of our

ministries. We’d love to help you connect with the small groups, ministries, and activities that resonate with your life and interests. The Starting Point gatherings are open to anyone, whether you’re new to FVUMC or have been attending for a while. Upcoming gatherings (please note date/time changes!):

• September 13 at 11:00am in room 117 on the Adult Wing. Children’s Sunday School and Nursery available.

• November 1 at 9:30am in room 125 on the Adult Wing. Children’s Sunday School and Nursery available.

Come when it works for your schedule - no registration necessary! For questions, please call the church office at 919-552-4331 or email [email protected]

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Welcome Pastor Matt!My name is Matt Seaton, and I am the new Pastor of Christian Formation and Missional Outreach. (Say that ten times fast!) I am elated to be joining the FVUMC family.

A little about me, I grew up in Rapid City, SD. I know! That is a long ways away. Though my family has moved away from there to various parts

of the country, I still consider that “home.” If you ever have a chance to visit that area, I recommend it. Mount Rushmore and the beautiful Black Hills are nearby and worth a visit.

I grew up in The Wesleyan Church, which is a cousin to the UMC. I went

to college at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. My undergraduate degree is in Pastoral Ministries, and I studied theology, Christian history, and Pastoral Care. I graduated from there and attended Asbury Theological Seminary for a year.

After a year, I decided that I had had enough of higher education. So, I went and served in the church world. I have served as a pastor in a variety of capacities, from solo pastor to associate pastor. Consequently, after having acquired my degree and served in the church, I was ordained in The Wesleyan Church in 2010.

In 2012, I began my time at Duke Divinity School. I had always wanted to finish the graduate degree I began some years prior at Asbury. Another reason for finishing my Masters of Divinity was that the Lord was drawing me out of The Wesleyan Church

and into another tradition. Long story short, the Lord has led me to The United Methodist Church and specifically to FVUMC.

Most recently, I married the love of my life, Lacey. A few random facts about us are that we plan on adopting in the next few years and we are both vegetarians (I’m actually 90% vegetarian, as I enjoy a White Castle hamburger from time to time).

We look forward to meeting everyone!

Pastor Matt Seaton, [email protected] Pastor of Christian Formation & Missional Outreach

Group Life: Adult Ministry

Leadership TrainingAre you a group leader? Do you teach Sunday School or a weekly Bible study?

Are you a future Growth Group leader?

Have you wanted to refine your skills as a facilitator of a small group?

Come to the church on August 22 from 9 am to Noon for a time of fellowship, and training for all those planning to lead any type of small group this coming fall and spring.

Breakfast, snacks, and childcare will be provided. If you need childcare, please complete the form online at fvumc.org/childcare-request.

Questions? Contact Matt Seaton, Pastor of Christian Formation & Missional Outreach, at [email protected] or 010-552-4331, ext. 103.

Fall Kickoff for New Growth Groups On September 13, FVUMC will kickoff our new fall semester Growth Groups. Each Growth Group will explore further what’s talked about on Sunday morning. These sermon-based Growth Group begin the week of September 13 and will end the week of November 15. During those 11 weeks, each group will

celebrate together, serve together, and study together. This fall, we are studying the book of James and how faith and good works belong together. Enrollment is open August 23 to September 20. Sign-ups will be available online, in the lobby on Sunday mornings, or by calling the office at 919-552-4331.

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2015 Budget SummaryDetailed monthly financial reports are always available

in the church office for your review.

Total Annual Budget $ 1,514,405.35Budget needed YTD - 7/26/15 $ 767,390.48Received YTD - 7/26/15 $ 783,103.84 Difference $ 15,713.36

Building Fund Restricted Account - 6/30/15 $ 68,012.56Building (Brick & Mortar Expenses Only) Restricted Account $ 20,000.00 Total - 6/30/15 $ 88,012.56

YTD Budget Expenditures as of 6/30/2015 $ 663,855.44

Sunday Worship AttendanceJuly

5July 12

July 19

July 26

Monthly Average

2015 Average

8:00am 81 68 63 60 68 779:30am 327 274 358 303 316 38211:00am 210 287 232 218 237 288Total 618 629 653 581 620 747

Your Generous Giving Is Making an ImpactAs of June 30, 2015 (the most recent date for which revenue and expense financial statements are available), your tithes and offerings to the general ministry fund of the church totaled $679,433 and outpaced budgeted amounts by $13,000. Thank you!

Because of your generous giving, we are making an impact in our community and our world as we seek to carry out the mission of The United Methodist Church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

At the same time, your church staff and lay leaders have sought to be good stewards of the funds under our oversight by being frugal while carrying out that mission. As a result, expenditures of $663,855 were $65,943 below budgeted amounts. Overall, through June 30, ministry offerings have exceeded expenditures by $22,211.

This is extremely good news! You may recall that the budget adopted for 2015 projects expenditures to exceed collections by almost $115,000, requiring us to spend some of our reserves for this year’s ministry efforts.

That budget was prayerfully established in response to what your staff and lay leaders believe we are being called to do from this congregation; however, we recognize that expenditures exceeding collections is not a sustainable model.

Your Finance Team is very encouraged that you have been generous givers for the first half of our year! Throughout this newsletter, you’ll see many of the ways in which your offerings are supporting our local ministry as well as missions both locally and globally.

On June 28, an organization named Generis conducted numerous meetings in our church and reviewed a plethora of reports on the history of giving, attendance and mission in our church.

They have issued their reports, and staff and lay leaders of the church are reviewing these reports and considering our ‘next steps’ as we seek to continue growing in giving our time, talents, gifts, service and witness in the world.

Susan Smith, Finance Committee Chair [email protected]

Stay in Touch with FVUMC News & EventsIn addition to signing up for our church-wide emails (by contacting the office or visiting fvumc.org/subscribe), you can always check up on the latest news online at fvumc.org/news.

The News page includes current articles and links to the online versions of The Wellspring newsletter, the weekly bulletin and sermon recordings.

If you have news to share, please email [email protected] and/or [email protected].

The submission deadline for the bulletin is Tuesdays at noon and for the newsletter is the 20th of the month prior.

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Hospitality Isn’t Just For Greeters! — Pastor Valerie Tyson

Attention All Sunday School ClassesImagine this scenario: You’re a first-time guest looking for a Sunday School class. You walk into a room filled with people chatting away as though they have known each other for years. All of the chairs are filled. Somebody grabs a chair, and you sit down quickly so that you are not standing in the middle of the room drawing attention to yourself. When the class is over, everyone resumes their conversations while rushing out the door to their next destination. Uh-huh! Pretty uncomfortable! Hopefully, this does not describe any of our classes on Sunday! However, it never hurts to brush up on some tips to make those checking out a Sunday School class feel more comfortable.

1. When a newcomer enters the room, get up and invite them to take your chair while you find another place to sit.

2. Sit next to the newcomer, introduce yourself and make them feel welcome.

3. After class, allow a few minutes to go

around the room and introduce yourselves with perhaps a brief tidbit so they can connect with you if you mention a ministry that interests them. Examples:

“ I’m John Bigfoot, and I serve on the lawn mowing team!”

“ I’m Jane Happy, and I serve on the greeting team!”

4. Take the initiative and offer to show the newcomer around the wing where you are and include the bathrooms on the tour.

5. Invite them to sit with you if you are attending the next worship service.

6. Introduce them to one of the pastors after worship.

7. After picking up on their interest, connect them with someone in that ministry.

Thanks for making FVUMC an easy place to fit in!

Blessings, Pastor Valerie Tyson, [email protected] of Welcoming & Congregational Care

Next GriefShare Session Starts August 20At some point in our life we experience the pain of losing someone for whom we care deeply.

Many find this a monumental task to move through while others are not as outwardly disturbed by their loss. Whatever your attitude toward grief, we all grieve for a period of time when we lose a loved one. Zig Ziglar states, “If there were no love, there’d be no grief.”

In GriefShare, we walk each person through a 13-week program of video seminars, group discussions and then grief work that is finished at home and discussed the following week.

The videos are encouraging and helpful. They include experts in the field of grief and others who are just like us—grieving people who have found joy again after a journey of mourning.

GriefShare is held Thursday evenings from 6:30- 8:30pm in room 117. A $20 registration fee (paid by cash or check) covers all supplies. Classes are

starting soon, and it would be helpful if you preregistered. For any questions, please call Kerry Vitkus 919-740-6464 or Kathy Davis 919-801-0929. Anyone who has lost a loved one is welcome—participants need not be active in our congregation to attend.

Opening for Childcare Paid StaffWe are looking for people who enjoy spending time with children to work in our nursery/childcare program (infant-10 years old).

In addition to working one of the Sunday morning services, you will be asked to work a minimum of one evening during the week along with special events as needed. A background check is required. If you’d like to learn more, please contact Toni Drapkin at [email protected]. 5

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Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry

Requests: Single-serve fruit cups,

cereal, and bath soap - no glass jars, please

¡Hola! from Costa Rica NOTE: We celebrate the Page family as they answered God’s call on their

lives, received training as UM General Board of Global Ministries Individual Volunteers, moved to Monte Verde, Costa Rica, and started an outreach ministry. We celebrate that the generosity of our congregation made it

possible for our Missions Committee to make a $10,000 gift from the budget to help cover relocation costs, ministry seed money,

and housing costs for the Pages’ ministry.

We arrived safely in San Jose on July 6 after a train ride to Washington, D.C. and a flight from Baltimore–Washington International. We traveled to our new home in Monteverde on the 9th after it became apparent that our car would not arrive for a week or because the roads from the port were closed after heavy rain.

Our home is a two bedroom, one bath home that is typical in Costa Rica. It is one of three homes on a farm overlooking the valley and Gulf of Nicoya. As we settle in, we are gradually meeting members of our community. They seem excited when they find out we will be here for an extended period and are graciously helping us with our Spanish till we start school.

We are already observing areas where we can serve in the community. We will take this slowly as we want to come alongside the community and see what their needs are. When we visited Angelee’s school, The Cloud Forest School (CFS), yesterday we met Sarah who came for 6 months...16 years ago. She advised to do just this, start slowly and don’t over commit. Karen will be volunteering at CFS helping the little ones learn English as she did with ESL at FVUMC. We are looking forward to seeing where God will lead us in service in the future.

In the words of Paul, “We give God thanks for each of you every day.” Thank you for helping us step out in service and for your

prayers. Les, Karen and Angelee Page

Playground Cleanup Day Is August 22On August 22, please come help to clean up/revamp the playground used by our Sunday School and Preschool children. We’ll need lots of hands to help, but to help keep things safe, please don’t bring little children to the workday. Meet at the playground starting at 7:00 am. Thank you!

Serving our SeniorsIt’s that time again, when we plan a Senior Celebration for the ladies and gents over 60 years of age, and we need your help!

The celebration dinner is set for Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5:30pm. To make this a divine happening, we need table decorators, kitchen servers, cleaners, a photographer, and food servers.

This is a wonderful way to show our love and gratitude to many of those who are the foundation of our church. Make this a family project and come and help make this event possible!

If you can help, please call Lynne Sorrels at 919-557-1568 or email her at [email protected].

The Page family at the Continental Divide in Curi Concha Reserve. It is about a 20-minute walk from their home.

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Main Street Kitchen Is Saturday, August 15One way we serve and share God is through the meal preparation and delivery of our Main Street Kitchen ministry. The third Saturday of the month, FVUMC folks come together to prepare meals for people in the community. Cooking skills NOT required! Preparations start at 10am and continue through the early afternoon. Volunteers are welcome to help with tasks including setup, delivery preparation, cooking & cleaning. Food donations are welcome. Help to replenish the MSK supplies by donating pasta, biscuit or cake mix, frosting, large cans of fruits or vegetables, and brown paper bags with handles. Contact Paula Cade at 919-753-8168 for more information.

Hospital Pillowcase Party Coming Aug. 21The Quilting with Faith quilters of our church are sponsoring a sewing evening to make pillowcases to be donated to local hospitals.

We will gather Friday, August 21 at 7:00 PM at the Open Door Quilt House in Willow Spring (635 Mt. Pleasant Road) to make as many pillowcases as possible.

Our quilting group has put together kits for assembly, so the only cost for the evening will be a $2 donation to the Open Door Quilt House to defray the cost of making the building available to our group.

No special sewing skills are needed. If you can sew a straight seam and follow simple directions, you will be amazed at the pillowcase that you can make! If you wish to make a pillowcase to keep, you are welcome to bring your own fabric. If you would like, you may also bring a simple snack to share.

Please contact Ann Hull (919-552-6836) or Susanne Young (919-552-7503) to reserve your space. Be looking for more information about our 2015 Mission Quilt Sale to be held in October.

Thanks for Supporting the Ride for Life Cycling EventWe celebrate that the Ride for Life drew over 150 cyclists and raised over $5,000. Seven charities each received $750: Imagine No Malaria, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, Southern Wake Faith Community in Action, the F-V Emergency Food Pantry, Grab My Wheel (le Tour de Femme), Multiple Sclerosis Society of the Carolinas, and the American Diabetes Association.

Share God’s Grace with Families Who Have

Hit a Hard Time Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network is coming to FVUMC the week of Thanksgiving. Help us welcome the WIHN families as they make our church their home. Please consider whether you, your family, or your small group might help with evening hosting, meal slots, and overnight hosting and/or driving the van to the WIHN day center in Raleigh.

Overnight Coordinator Needed

We need a new overnight coordinator to help recruit, coordinate and assist people who will be staying overnight on site in the church with WIHN families. Please contact Stephen Woods at [email protected] or 919-696-1494.

From the Memorials Committee

You may have noticed the temporary change in seating along the hallways outside the lobby. The pews that are normally there are currently being refurbished in order to provide many more years of service to our congregation.

Now Is the Time to Learn More About the ColumbariumWe are very close to having the necessary funding to start construction on Phase 1 of the Columbarium and Prayer Garden! The price of each two-person niche remains at $3,000 until construction begins, at which time the price increases to $3,500. A multi-year installment plan is available. Now is the time to purchase a niche before prices increase. Learn more at fvumc.org/columbarium. 7

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Ready to Be Baptized?The September 6 Generations Worship services at 9:30 and 11:00am are focusing on baptism. We are hoping to have the opportunity to baptize some older children, youth and adults on that day. If you have been considering or wanting to be baptized, we would love to have you as a part of this special service! Please contact the church office at 919-552-4331 or email [email protected].

Seeds of Faith PreschoolWe have had a great summer playing/learning together during our summer camps. Now we are making sure all is ready for our students to return to Preschool. Our beginning of the Preschool year is on Monday, August 31. We look forward to seeing our little ones & their families!

Blessings, Ms. Lynne

DivorceCare Leaders Needed

Have you been divorced? Have you healed from that divorce? Do you have a heart for serving others? Would you like to help others heal from their divorce experience? Can you commit to serving for just 13 weeks a year?

We are in need of both male and female facilitators to help lead a 13-week video-based DivorceCare group. Our groups are led by both a male and female leader working together to help others heal from their divorce experience.

Not interested in serving as a leader? Would you consider praying for this ministry once a week. Become part of our prayer team and receive a weekly email and pray for our ministry on the nights that we meet.

Please contact Thearon Willis at [email protected] for more information and to find out how you can be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need.

Walk the Walk! Exercise and FellowshipDid you know that 16 laps around the periphery of the Centrum equals one mile? Did you know that completing a figure-eight route through the Centrum and adult wing hallway 14 times equals two miles? On Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30am, folks gather to walk for approximately 45 minutes. The morning starts in the chapel for a brief time of scripture and prayer. Then, everyone walks (and talks) at their own pace. You don't have to commit to walking each week—come and walk any time you can!

Donate Coupons for Military FamiliesPlease donate your unused coupons to help support our deployed troops. These coupons are given to Military Missions in Action (MMIA) in F-V and mailed to military bases overseas.

Only donate “manufacturer” coupons – we cannot use store or restaurant coupons. The coupons must be current or have expired less than two months ago. Please sort clipped coupons into “Food” and “Non-Food” piles and put each pile into a labeled baggie or envelope. (However, clipping and sorting are NOT required—we have a team of volunteers who can do it.)

Please put coupons in plastic tub that’s labeled “Coupons for Troops” located in the lobby's Welcome Center. For questions, contact Tanya Page at 919-662-5565 or [email protected]

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The Cornerstones of Our Youth Program: Worship, Growth, and ServiceIf you’ve been at FVUMC for very long, chances are you’ve heard our mission statement: “Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church is a Christ-centered community that loves God, learns God, serves God, and shares God.” We repeat it often, from staff meetings to Sunday morning sermons. It’s always on the tips of our tongue because it functions more than a mission statement written on a wall; it is the guiding vision for how we make disciples for Jesus Christ in this local church.

Our Youth and Family Programming is guided by our church mission statement, and we filter all our activities on three pivotal areas: Worship, Growth, and Service. We want every youth and their family actively worshiping God on Sunday morning. We want every youth actively growing in their walk with Christ, through Lifeline, Life Groups, Sunday School, and Confirmation. We want every youth serving in mission, learning that loving our neighbor is a natural outgrowth of loving God.

To emphasize these core foundations, you’ll notice that they naturally blend in our youth programming. Life Groups, where we grow in our knowledge of God and our faith also have

service components built into them, where LG members serve together during the semester. At Sunday night Lifeline, where we also grow in our faith, we are led in worship by our youth praise band Pulse, and these are the students invited to join our summer mission work. And even our mission projects are chosen with an eye to how that group or camp leads our group in worship and greater knowledge of our servant King.

Worship, Grow, and Serve – those are the verbs that I want to define our program. Do we have fun? Absolutely. And sometimes we’re downright silly

(and there are pictures to prove it!). But at the heart of any great youth program, there must

be substance if we are to impact our youth beyond a couple of fun trips and some

great memories. To transform the world, to make disciples of Jesus Christ, we

must enter into this life-giving cycle of worshiping the living God, growing in

our walk with Him, and serving our neighbor to the Glory of God. May

that be the guiding mission for our youth program!

Bobby Rackley, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

[email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 106

6th Grade Q&A MeetingJoining the youth group is a big deal! 6th graders and their parents are invited to meet for a brief question and answer session on Sunday, August 9, at 4:15 p.m. in the Centrum (just before Study@FVUMC).

You’ll get to meet me, Bobby your friendly youth pastor, and hear about some of the great opportunities for you this year in our youth program.

If you’d like to talk one-on-one about our youth program, I’m always available to meet or talk. You can reach me by phone or text at 919.586.2023, or by email at [email protected].

Youth Music Info See Page 10

Worship

Grow Serve

Upcoming Dates• Laser Tag – Wednesday, August 12

• Youth Mission Teams Report in Worship – Sunday, August 30

• Baseball Game – Durham Bulls – Sunday, August 30

• Generations Worship – Focus on Baptism (No Sunday School), Sunday, September 6

• Promotion Sunday – Sunday, September 13

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‘Intro to Choral Singing’ Workshop Set for August 23

You’re invited to "An Intro to Choral Singing" workshop on Sunday, August 23 from 2-4pm in the choir room! The afternoon will include choral techniques, fellowship, and light refreshments. The session is open to current Worship Choir members and anyone who is interested in finding out what it’s like to sing in the 11:00 Worship Choir. We will preview anthems for Fall 2015. Register online at fvumc.org/choral-singing-2015! Come and sing on this fun afternoon! Questions? Contact Ashley Kotz, Director of Traditional Music, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 115.

Youth Music OpportunitiesCheck out these awesome opportunities for YOUTH to participate in the music and worship ministries of FVUMC, and register at fvumc.org/registrations. For questions, contact Jennifer Harrenstein, Director of Music Ministries, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105.

Rebellations Youth Handbells• For 6th–12th grade youth• Meets 7:00–7:30pm

on Sundays• 1st rehearsal September 20• No previous experience

required

Youth Choir• For 6th–12th grade youth• Meets 6:45–8:00pm on

Thursdays• 1st rehearsal September 10• No previous experience

required

Kids NPraise• Open to 6th grade youth• Meets 4:30–6:00pm on

Wednesdays• 1st rehearsal September 9• No previous experience

required

Pulse Youth Praise Band• For 7th–12th grade youth• Meets 3:30-4:30pm Sundays• 1st rehearsal September 20• Audition required–see

registration link for more information

It’s a Great Time to Join the Choir!God calls each of us to serve in unique ways, and for some that calling is to serve in the choir! Choir membership is not only a great way to offer back to God from the gifts He has blessed you with, but also proves to be a source of abundant blessing through fellowship with the body of Christ.

Praise Choir• Rehearses weekly on

Thursdays, 7:00–8:00pm in the Choir Room

• Sings weekly on Sundays during the 9:30am service

• No previous experience required

• Join anytime with no registration – just show up!

Worship Choir• Rehearses weekly on

Wednesdays, 7:15–8:45pm in the Choir Room

• Sings weekly on Sundays during 11:00am service

• No previous experience required

• Join anytime; no registration – 1st rehearsal is Sept. 2

For more information about any of our music ministries, contact Jennifer Harrenstein, Director of Music Ministries, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105 or Ashley Kotz, Director of Traditional Music, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 115.

Cantata Choir RetreatThinking about joining the choir for the 2015 Christmas Cantata? Consider attending the Annual Cantata Choir Retreat, held this year on Saturday, September 19, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Retreat attendees will leave from FVUMC at 8:00 am to travel together to Camp Agape for a day of cantata rehearsals as well as fun and fellowship! Retreat cost is $10 per person (includes lunch) and is open to ALL – new members are welcome! Retreat attendance is not required for cantata participation, but it’s a great way to get a jump start on the music and to know your fellow choir members! Register online to attend at fvumc.org/registrations. Contact Jennifer Harrenstein ([email protected], 919-552-4331 ext. 105) for more information.10

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Kids NPraise Children’s Music

• Online registration now available at fvumc.org/registrations

• Meets Wednesdays at 4:30 pm beginning September 9

• Open to 3 year olds through 6th grade

• Includes choir, rhythm instruments, handbells, handchimes, creative movement, drama, Bible lessons, games and more!

• Church and community members are welcome!

Questions? Contact Jennifer Harrenstein, Director of Music Ministries, at [email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105.

Instrumentalists Wanted!

The Instruments of Praise is FVUMC’s orchestral ensemble which plays in the 11:00 worship service. Additional instrumentalists are needed! The group includes woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion, and is open to adults and youth with at least 2 years playing experience.

We rehearse on Wednesdays from 6:30–7:15pm in the centrum, and our first rehearsal is September 2. All are welcome – please come and check it out, or contact Ashley Kotz at [email protected] or 919-552-4331, ext. 115 for more information.

Handbell Choir OpeningsThe FVUMC Handbell Program has openings for both beginning (no experience) and intermediate (some experience and/or music reader) ringers. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons during the school year (starting in September). Anyone interested in ringing should contact Jennifer Harrenstein, Director of Music Ministries, at [email protected] or 552-4331 ext. 105. Don’t wait: space is limited!

Beginner Handbell Class – Save the Date

FVUMC Handbell Ministries will offer a Beginner Class on Sundays, 3:30 – 4:30 pm beginning September 13 in the Choir Room. This free class will meet on September 13, 20, 27 and October 4 and is open to any adult interested in learning to ring handbells. No prior experience is needed—this is truly a class for beginners, and we will teach you everything you need to know. No performances required—simply come and learn! Space for participation is limited, so register today at fvumc.org/registrations or contact Jennifer Harrenstein ([email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105) or Ashley Kotz ([email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 115) for more information.

Audio Visual Operator TrainingFVUMC will offer two audio visual operator Training Sessions in August:

• Sunday, August 23 at 7:00 pm

• Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 pm

Any individual or group needing access to the FVUMC Audio and Visual Media Systems must have a FVUMC Trained and Approved AV Operator.

These training sessions are open to anyone from the church or community and will qualify attendees

as FVUMC Trained Operators. The two sessions are identical, and are being repeated for your convenience – attendance at both is not required. Each session will begin with Level 1 Operator Training (required for all) and then progress into Levels 2 and 3 training (optional, depending on your application).

Pre-registration is required online at fvumc.org/registrations. For more information, contact Jennifer Harrenstein ([email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 105). 11

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Get Involved in Children’s Ministry!Are you looking for ways to get involved in our children’s ministry? We would love to have you join our team! Volunteer to:

• Teach Sunday school. There are opportunities at 9:30 or 11:00. Materials are provided for you, and you may choose to teach 1-4 times a month depending on your schedule.

• Be a parent helper. Sign up for one Sunday a quarter to volunteer in your child’s Sunday school class. This is an easy and exciting way to be a part of your child’s Sunday worship experience.

• Be an administrative volunteer. If working directly with children isn’t for you, but you love organizing and other administrative tasks, there’s a weekly need for help. Examples include restocking craft supplies, entering attendance data, making copies, etc.

• Be a buddy. We are looking to pilot our first buddy program in September through which buddies are paired with children who have unique needs to ensure their success in our Sunday school and Kids NPraise classes.

• Be a Sunday School Superintendent: Help us monitor our hallways, greet and direct visitors, and provide extra support to teachers on Sunday mornings.

• Help with evening activities. Provide extra support for FaithWeavers (2nd-3rd graders) or Kids for Christ (4th-5th graders) programs that meet on Sundays from 4:30-6:00pm.

• Help with special events. Volunteer to help plan and execute special events such as 3rd Grade Bible Retreat, Fall Festival, Birthday Party for Jesus, Palm Sunday, VBS, and more!

Please contact Amanda Rackley ([email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 113) for more details or to volunteer!

Promotion Sunday Is 9/13It’s that time of year again! Promotion Sunday is September 13, and this is the day that all children and youth are promoted to their next grade/age level Sunday school class.

It also officially marks the kick-off of our fall programming on Sunday afternoons: Faith Weaver Friends and Kids for Christ (KFC).

Sept. 13 is also the day that our 3rd graders receive their Bibles in worship!

Sunday school registration begins on Sunday, August 16. You can fill out a printed form and drop it off in the church office, or fill out the registration form coming soon at fvumc.org/registrations.

Parents, save some time on September 13 and pre-register for Sunday school!

Attention 3rd Graders!• Bible Presentation Sunday:

Sunday, September 13 is Bible Presentation Sunday for 3rd graders. If you have a child in 3rd grade for the 2015-2016 academic year, you can expect to receive an information packet that will be mailed to you this month. If you do not receive a packet in the mail or feel that your 3rd grader may not be on the list, please contact Amanda Rackley at [email protected] or at (919) 552-4331, ext. 113, to ensure that we have a Bible for your child.

• 3rd Grade Bible Exploration Retreat: All 3rd graders are invited to an overnight retreat here at the church on October 2-3 where they will learn about the Bible, how it’s arranged, and practice using their new Bibles in interactive and fun ways! The fun begins at 5:30pm on Friday, October 2 and goes until Saturday, October 3 at 2:00pm. More information about registration and deadlines will be coming soon. 12

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Children’s Ministry Leader Training to Include Disability Awareness, Safe SanctuariesIf you are a children’s wing greeter, nursery staff or volunteer, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher or substitute, or Kids NPraise Volunteer, you are invited to join one of our Children’s Ministry Leader training events on Monday, August 24 from 6:30-8:30pm or on Wednesday, August 26 from 9:30-11:30am.

We are trying to combine our training efforts so that you won’t have to attend so many meetings, but still know that you are adequately trained for your volunteer roles.

Please RSVP so we know which session you are planning to attend. Childcare will be provided for both sessions.

Monday, August 24• 6:30-7:00pm: Kids NPraise K-6 Leaders and

Assistants Training OR Sunday School Teacher Training

• 7:00-7:30pm: Disability Awareness and Strategies

• 7:30-8:00pm: Safe Sanctuary Review

• 8:00-8:30pm: KNP Juniors Leadership Team Training OR Sunday School Teacher Training

Wednesday, August 26• 9:30-10:00am: Kids NPraise K-6 Leaders and

Assistants Training OR Sunday School Teacher Training

• 10:00-10:30am: Disability Awareness and Strategies

• 10:30-11:00am: Safe Sanctuary Review

• 11:00-11:30am: Sunday School Teacher Training

Quay Kid NewsI would like to celebrate Jasper-Jax, a rising kindergartner and one of our very own Quay Kids! Every year, in lieu of having a birthday party, Jasper-Jax holds a food drive.

Last year, through his efforts, over 1500 lbs of food were donated to the Western Wake Crisis Ministry in Apex.

This year, Jasper-Jax is planning a big donation drop off event on Sunday, August 23.

If you are interested in contributing to this effort, you can contact Jasper-Jax’s mom, Christy, for more information by emailing her at [email protected].

Way to go Jasper-Jax! You are setting such a great example for all of us!!

Amanda Rackley [email protected] Director of Children & Family Ministries

Upcoming Dates:Aug. 9 Final Quay Kids Slime Zone (5-6:30pm)Aug. 22 Playground Cleanup (7:00am)Aug. 24 Leaders Training (see above)Aug. 26 Leaders Training (see above)Aug. 31 Preschool Begins

Sept. 9 Kids NPraise BeginsSept. 13 Promotion Sunday 3rd Grade Bible Presentations in Worship FaithWeaver Friends and Kids for Christ Begin (4:30pm) 13

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In Our Thoughts and Prayers

We offer our sympathy and prayers to:Caroline Jackson, on the death of her father

The family of André Carson, upon his death

The family of Virginia Jones, upon her death

Vikki Casanave, on the death of her parents

Larry Rose, on the death of his wife, Mary

In our prayers:

Doug Bennett & family, Paul Olson & family, Linda Riley & family, Fran Sykes, Robert Parrott, Mike Tucker, Joan Lesher, Micah Gaus, Nancy Patrone, Jim Cleary, Bob Pavone, Ron Richardson, Bob Sheets, PJ Ramsey, Bernard McLeod, Dan Sass, Mary-Anne Hatch, Koyla Knox, Bonnie Green, Judy Dolan, Cornelia Coble, Vicky Croft, Tom Myatt, Carol Chambers, Lois & David Stuart, Jakob Kish, Mario Marchese, Rob Matney, Iris Brown, Logan Thomas, Dee Chisenhall, Jeff Fox, Emily Ashworth, Craig Judd, Clay King, Jill Zatyko, Sue Simkiss, Mary & Larry Rose, Bill Young, Bob & Katharine Kinton, Howard

Hanmann, Fran Applegarth

Book Club Is Meeting August 21

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a brash British surgeon. Orphaned by their mother’s death and their father’s disappearance, bound together by a preternatural connection and a shared fascination with medicine, the twins come of age as Ethiopia hovers on the brink of revolution. Moving from Addis Ababa to New York City and back again, Cutting for Stone is an unforgettable story of love and betrayal, medicine and ordinary miracles-and two brothers whose fates are forever intertwined.

The FVUMC Book Club is open to all and meets monthly in a host’s home on Friday evenings. The first meeting of the new season is August 21 at 6:30pm. To join the dinner and discussion, contact Suzanne Jones at [email protected] or Matilda Storm at [email protected].

Thank YouThank you for the prayers, cards, and many expressions of concern during my recuperation and continuing recovery. The wonderful talents of the musicians who have come to my aid during this time have been so appreciated! Diana Thomas

Thank You for Supporting the Clothing Closet!Here are some tips if you’re planning to donate clothes for the next give away - scheduled for Nov. 7.

• Separate items by type/size (ex: Ladies Medium)

• Use bags that can be tied at the top and tie them so items can’t fall out

• Don’t overfill bags - it makes them difficult to manage

• If donating anything with sharp edges, use a box instead of a bag

• Eliminate a step by bringing donations directly to the Centrum the Thursday or Friday before a give-away instead of dropping things off in the sheds

Thanks to everyone who makes donations and gives of their time to support the quarterly Clothing Closet!

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Circle of Faith Hosts Guest Speaker Sharing About UMCOR’s WorkTuesday, September 1 10:00am in Room 117The United Methodist Women’s Circle of Faith invites you to join us for our September meeting for a very interesting presentation by our guest speaker, Carolyn Jackson. Carolyn is a member of Edenton Street UMC in downtown Raleigh. She and her husband, a retired United Methodist minister, reside in Knightdale.

As the daughter of Presbyterian missionary parents, she was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). She lived her childhood there until the family was forced to return to the United States due to political unrest in the DRC during the 1960s.

Carolyn will share with us about the UMCOR initiative in the DRC on sustainable agriculture involving natural pesticides, the value of the local trees and the importance of bees to sustaining the existing environment of the DRC and livelihood of its people.

She will also discuss some of the successes that UMCOR has made through this initiative, the challenges UMCOR faces daily due to the social, economic and political climate of the DRC and how we, as United Methodists, can be supportive of UMCOR’s ongoing work there.

Two Gatherings for Women

Women of Royalty Daughters of the King

What does being a daughter of a King look like? Just like you and me. Does that mean that there won’t be trials in this life? No. The Lord promises to always be with us, but there are no promises of a trouble free-life.

The good news is we have Jesus and the examples set forth in the scriptures of strong, godly women who walked before us. Our struggles in 2015 are not so different from the lives these women led thousands of years ago.

Come to our Women’s Retreat and hear how we can walk this life together. Explore how we can strengthen each other in our faith journey and in our everyday living.

Let us draw strength and guidance from the lives of those sisters who lived long ago. You’ll be renewed by this time set apart to share with other women of faith. Come be inspired, blessed, encouraged, and nourished.

• When: Oct. 23 - 24, 2015

• Where: Camp Rockfish, 226 Camp Rockfish Rd. Parkton, NC 28371  (910) 425-3529

• Register: Online or by calling the church office from Aug. 9 - Sept. 13

• Prices: Range from $15 - $150 depending on accommodations and attendance options (1/2 due at time of registration)

We all need a time away from the busyness of life — a time to relax with friends, share laughter and stories, and spend time with God. Join us for the Women’s Retreat and experience all this and more!

Be prepared to laugh and to reflect and most importantly, to take home some powerful Bible truths.

Registration starts on August 9—use the link at fvumc.org/registrations.

Women’s Retreat

Thinking About Greeting?We'd love to have you join the team!

Email Pastor Valerie [email protected] 15

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We are a Christ-centered community that loves God, learns God serves God and shares God

Our Pastors:

Lead Pastor

Gene Tyson

[email protected]. 101

Pastor of Welcoming & Congregational Care

Valerie [email protected]

Ext. 102

Pastor of Christian Formation & Missional Outreach

Matt [email protected]

Ext. 103

Our Staff:

Director of Children & Family Ministries Amanda Rackley

[email protected] Ext. 113

Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Bobby Rackley [email protected]

Ext. 106

Director of Music Ministries Jennifer Harrenstein

[email protected] Ext. 105

Director of Traditional MusicAshley Kotz

[email protected]. 115

Lead Accompanist Diana D. Thomas, CAGO [email protected]

Director of Finance & Administration

Joan Thomas [email protected]

Ext. 107

Director of Communications

Julie Brown [email protected]

Ext. 114

Administrative Assistant

Margaret Howell [email protected]

Ext. 100

Facilities ManagerWarren Chesson

[email protected]

Childcare Coordinator

Toni Drapkin [email protected]

Director of Seeds of Faith Preschool

Lynne Sorrels [email protected]

Ext. 110

Administrative Assistant - Seeds of Faith Preschool

Diane ChapmanExt. 109

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:30-5:00pm, Friday: 8:30-1:00pm