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CLARKSBURG, WV

PERMIT #74

F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

117 N. Second Street

Clarksburg, WV 26301

Phone: 304-623-3397

website: www.cfumc.org

E-mail: cfumc@wvdsl.net

FUMC Staff Rev. Rick Sale, Senior Pastor Rev. Carolyn Nettles, Associate Pastor Don Gardner, Director of Music and Operations Carrie Whaley, Director of Youth Ministries Elizabeth Jones, Director of Children’s Ministries Elizabeth Etnoyer, Pianist/Accompanist Debby McCune, Secretary John Greaver, ReenAllen Bailey Custodian

O P E N H E A R T S . . . O P E N M I N D S . . . O P E N D O O R S T H E P E O P L E O F T H E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H .

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 A.M. …… SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10:45 A.M. …… ALL ARE WELCOME!

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T : ♥ J U L Y C A L E N D A R ( I N S E R T ) ♥ S T E W A R D -

S H I P ( I N S E R T )

T H E G R A P E V I N E

J U L Y 2 0 1 3

CLA

RK

SBU

RG

FIR

ST

UN

ITED

MET

HOD

IST

FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

F R O M T H E A S S O C I A T E P A S T O R

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L I G H T & L I F E 3

M U S I C & W O R S H I P

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C H U R C H D I -R E C T O R Y /W E L C O M E R E V . N E T T L E S

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“ B R E A K I N G B R E A D ” & S U M M E R V E S -P E R S

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O U T R E A C H O P P O R T U N I T Y

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S T E P H E N M I N I S T R Y / F U M C I N F O

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B I R T H D A Y S , G R E E T E R S , M E E T I N G S

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C A N - D O K I D S 1 0

B R E A K A W A Y Y O U T H

1 1

“Freedom” “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This phrase is synonymous with Independence Day. It is the foun-dation on which we live our lives. It is engrained in the very fiber of our exis-tence. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Several years ago, my niece

Karli was at a dance recital in Okla-homa where my brother and his family live. The theme of the recital was “God Bless America.” Karli’s mother was busy getting Karli’s older sister and her friends ready to perform at the recital. So, Karli’s grandmother (my mom) was watching Karli. As grandmother and granddaughter sat in a back room, it was rather boring for Karli. She was afraid she was missing out on some of the recital action. At a very young age, Karli felt her rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, were in jeopardy, so she proceeded to leave the room. As she dashed for freedom, gramdma said, “Karli, we have to stay here until your mother comes back.” In response to this, little Karli put her hands on her

hips and said, “Grandma, I live in the land of the free and I am free!”

You and I do live in the land of

the free and we are free! So let us be appreciative of our freedom and use it wisely. It is important to be grateful for the freedom we are blessed with as a country and as individuals. And many of us will celebrate this on the fourth as we get together with family and have a cookout. So have a wonderful fourth! But it is equally important, or maybe more important, to appreciate the free-dom God offers us through Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. So if the Son of man makes you free, you will be free, indeed.” (John 8:31b-32, 36).

So on this Fourth of July, may

each of us rejoice in the freedom God offers us through Jesus Christ --- free-dom from our sinful nature and actions; freedom from those things which bind and shackle us, like anger, disappoint-ment, sadness and loss; freedom to live as God’s children and to continue in his word as disciples of Christ. When we do this, we are not only appreciative of our freedom but we use our freedom wisely.

From One Who is Free,

Rick

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FROM THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Greetings! I am Carolyn Nettles and as of July 1st I have been appointed by the Bishop as the new

Associate Pastor of First UMC, Clarksburg. I am very excited about journeying together with you in the days ahead! My husband of nine years, Jonathan Nettles, is also an elder in the United Methodist Church. He is serving as the pastor of St. Matthew UMC in Weston, WV, where we currently reside. We have lived there for seven years. As I come to First UMC, I will be leaving my first appointment as pastor at Stone Coal and Horner UMC’s on the outskirts of Weston. Prior to being appointed in Weston, I was the Minister of Discipleship at St. John UMC in Scott Depot, WV for three years.

I was born in Huntington, WV, but grew up in Canton, Ohio. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics at West Virginia University, as well as a Master of Arts in Secondary Education. I taught mathematics in Monongalia County for ten years before receiving a call to ministry. I then pursued and re-ceived a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree with a specialization in Christian Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary, and soon will have completed half of the requirements.

I am an only child, and my parents reside in Pinch, WV outside of Charleston. I also have a step-son, Keith Nettles, who resides in Charleston. My hobbies include reading, journaling, walking, and riding bikes or hiking in nature.

I have had the privilege of knowing Elizabeth “Butch” Baker, and Rick Sale and Carol Markstrom for many years. “Butch” was my Sunday School teach at Drummond UMC (before it became Suncrest UMC), and Carol was also a member of that class. I attended Rick and Carol’s wedding at Cooper’s Rock, and I am blessed to have them as friends. It is an honor to “come after” Elizabeth’s ministry in your midst. She is a very special lady, and I am blessed to have her for a friend.

I am very excited to come, meet you, and to serve with you. Please keep me in your prayers in this transition, as I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. I look forward to getting to know you, and being in ministry together.

Grace, Peace, & Joy, Carolyn Nettles

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F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

B R E A K A W A Y Y O U T H ! B I B L E S T U D Y

We will not be having a Bible Study

in July. However, the next Bible

Study series will be based off Susan

Collin’s series of books, The Hun-

ger Games. This Bible Study will

start Wednesday, August 7 6:30-

8:00 at Panera Bread.

Youth Council Meeting

Youth Council will meet Sunday, July 28,

after youth 7:30-8:00.

Vacation Bible School 2013

VBS will be July 29-31. It will only be three days long this year. If you are interested in helping out contact Lizzy Jones! They would LOVE your assis-tance!

NO BIBLE STUDY IN JULY

Breakaway Youth

Sunday nights 5:30-7:30. We hope to see YOU there!

Congrats to the youth who ran in the Greater Clarksburg 10K!

• Desiree Corder

• Haden Kersting

• Matt Kersting

• Kelsey Lantz

• Chelsea Faris– Ran the 2 mile

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Destinations Unknown July 12&13

• VBS July 29-31

• Church Picnic

• Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Sept. 15

• Autumn Glory Camp in September. PDF created with pdfFactory trial version www.pdffactory.com

Page 10 T H E G R A P E V I N E

Can-Do Kids News for Ch i l dren and the i r Fami l ie s ! Christmas in July

In July we are focusing on one of our big mission projects for the year:

The Annual Bazaar! Following the Children’s Sermon, kids

(Kindergarten– 5th Grade) can join Lizzy in the Clubhouse for making a new ornament

each week! Some are more difficult than others, so

adult help is also welcome! Let Lizzy know if you are interested!

Traditional Sunday School will resume on Sunday, September 8th at 9:30 A.M.

Important Dates In July July 7th: Nativity Ornament in Children’s Church July 14th: Reindeer Ornament in Children’s Church July 21st:Lollypop Ornament in Children’s Church July 20th: District Event “Caring for God’s World”

July 28th: Wreath Ornament in Children’s Church

July 29th-30th: 5:00 Meal, 5:30-7:30 VBS July 31st: 5:00 Potluck Meal, bring something

to share! The entire church is invited! 6:00 the VBS Program staring the kids!

VBS 2013 REGISTRATION July 29th, 30th, and 31st, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Ages Pre-School– 5th Grade FREE Meal at 5:00 PM For Kids and Volunteers

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________City ________________________ State _____ Zip ________ Date of Birth _____/_____/_____ Male or Female (circle) Age ________ Grade Entering ___________________ Parent/guardian___________________________________ Home Church __________________________________ Phone: Home ____________________________________ Cell __________________________________________ Other Contacts _____________________________ Email _________________________________________ Food Allergies: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Medical info we need to know: _______________________________________________________________________ Okay to go home with: _____________________________________________________________________________ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - REGISTRATION USE — DO NOT MARK BELOW THIS AREA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Parent/guardian working VBS: ___ yes ___ no Parent/guardian attending adult class: ___ yes ___ no

Please fill out the registration sheet below and bring to church … place in offering plate - pass this onto a friend, neighbor, relative … let’s all help get the word out … this is the place to be July 29th-31st!

Page 3 T H E G R A P E V I N E

There it was, one of those rare bumper sticker sayings that moved beyond trite to something significant.

“Don’t just go to church…

Be the church.”

Although, since we are now into summer, I find myself with other church leaders pleading, “Please make attending church a priority!” I must remind myself --- and you --- that “going to church” is only the first step.

God calls us to worship, to gather at the faith community in praise, in thanksgiving, in humility, in offering.

But, God also says, “Go.”

...“Go into all the world and share the good news.”

…”Go feed my sheep”

…”Go love your neighbors”

Go, be the church.

Ours is a majestic building. It can be a source of strength and comfort, of inspiration and peace. Or it can be a hiding place, or worse, a giant “safe deposit box”, where we keep God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit locked up away from our daily lives.

I challenge you to join me in being the church in Clarksburg, in Nutter Fort, in Bridgeport and Salem.

Be the church at Kroger’s and Wal-Mart; at Wendy’s and Panera’s, the Clique Club and the Wonder Bar.

Be the church at your kids’ soft-ball games and at your grandkid’s soccer tournament. At the Stealey Invitational and at Italian Heritage Festival.

Be the church with your bridge club and your country club

If not you, then who will be?

It is so easy to leave our faithful selves with God in that beautiful “box” we call First Church.

I pray, don’t.

The world always needs models of daily, quiet, compassion faithful people. Those who see through the facades to embrace the good-ness in others, the humanity in others, the “God-ness” in others.

Let’s each of us, all of us, be the church in our community.

Peace be with you and yours, Don Gardner

Light and Life Be the Church

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

— John Wesley

“BEYOND THE WALLS” WORSHIP THE 2013 SUMMER VESPER SERVICES

Wednesday, July 10th Wednesday, August 7th

Covered-dish Picnic at 6:00 p.m. ---- Vesper Service at 7:00 p.m.

Watch the bulletins and newspaper “Calendar of Events” for more details. Questions? Contact Don Gardner at dgardner55@yahoo.com or 304-623-3397.

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Sunday, July 21 It’s an easy song. In unison. Predictable melody. Comfortable range of notes. And, it is absolutely perfect in its simplicity, especially for this mid-Summer service. The text of “We Are an Offering” is a excellent counter to our selfish assessments that lead us to think that the toys we own are ours to keep for our own gratification.

“All that we are, all that we have

all that we hope to be, we give to You.

We are an offering.” Sunday, July 28

…”as they proclaim the blended mission of music, worship and justice.”

These are the words of dedication written by composer David Haas for his 2010 anthem “Sing a New Song”. He continues…. “The worlds of liturgy and social justice often seem at odds with one another. Our praise

and joy in worship is authentic only when its goal and product is the work of ministry

----of justice and peacemaking….of service.” Haas’ text and tune are wonderfully crafted to inspire us to move beyond the walls of First Church and to promote God’s peace and justice and freedom in Clarksburg….. in the world.

“Justice will win over evil. God’s reign will be our new cry;

You faithful, this is our song… God is justice, God is freedom!”

Sunday, July 7

On this holiday weekend when we gather with family to express our gratitude for our freedoms, we also gather as Christ’s family around the communion table to remember and be grateful for His sacrificial love. Last week’s service included the “premiere performance“ (nice phrase, eh?) of an anthem dedicated to the ministry of Rev. Elizabeth Baker. This week, the Chancel Choir will sing a song I composed to celebrate the tenure here of former senior pastor Rev. Tom Aitken. “Trust in the Lord” is taken from verses of Proverbs selected by Rev. Aitken….”Lean not on your own understanding, open your heart to the Lord.” What an excellent reminder to all of us as we gather at the Lord’s table on the Sunday after Independence Day. Perhaps we, as Christians, can also observe a sort of “dependence day”… trusting in God, leaning on the Holy Spirit. Lead us, Lord. Sunday, July 14 We were originally scheduled to sing “The Covenant Prayer” on the Sunday in May close to “Aldersgate Day” --- that occasion when we remember and celebrate the “heart-warming” experience of Rev. John Wesley.

“Lord, I am not mine, but yours alone.” Once again, we are reminded of the need for the guidance of God, the Lordship of Christ, the power of the Spirit, the fellowship of the church.

“This is my prayer, Lord, to you… That the covenant I make on earth,

May it be fulfilled in heaven. Amen”

MUSIC AND WORSHIP IN JULY

Light and Life

“THIS IS

THE DAY

THE LORD

HAS MADE!

===

LET US

REJOICE

AND

BE GLAD

IN IT!”

“GLOBAL TREATS” --- A DESSERT CONCERT! Music by ChoralArts of West Virginia

Saturday, July 27, in the sanctuary of First Church

$10 for music and sweets See Cheryl Moorhead for tickets

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JULY BIRTHDAYS

JULY 7 Narthex - Rita & Harry Looker Elevator - Nancy & Phil Ferber

JULY 14 Narthex - Scott & Patty Wilson Elevator - George & Susie Faris

JULY 21 Narthex - Cheryl Moorhead & Lillie Colombo Elevator - Millie Lantz & Sharon Grega

JULY 28 Narthex - Jean Allen Elevator - Laurel Klein

JULY GREETERS

07/02 Justin Tayman 07/03 David Young, Jr. 07/03 Sarah Barratt 07/03 James Allen IV 07/04 Ike Skidmore 07/05 Trey Schindler 07/06 Jack Chipps 07/06 Heather Finly 07/06 Avery Dyer Thrush 07/07 Dee Preston 07/07 Michael Reinhart 07/07 Brittany Davis 07/08 Scott Wilson 07/09 Wanda Hyde 07/11 Kiersten Davis 07/12 Kathy Morrison 07/12 Josh Israel 07/12 Abram Jenkins 07/13 Bernice Noe 07/15 Barbara Rodriguez 07/15 Drake Jenkins 07/16 Suzanne Lopez 07/17 Todd Davis 07/18 Susannah Ayscue 07/18 Lachlan P)lache 07/19 Jim Turner 07/19 Alexander Burton 07/20 Jean Marshall 07/20 Mathew Rodriguez 07/21 Millie Lantz

07/21 Sharon Etnoyer 07/21 Mark Grega 07/22 Kathlenn Brannon 07/23 Paige McElwain 07/24 Sally Hall 07/24 Jason Preston 07/28 Nancy Ferber 07/28 David Stingo 07/28 Amy Schindler 07/29 Rachel Brill 07/30 Jerry Baker 07/30 Nikki Gibson 07/31 Jennifer Sayers

Happy Birthday to All!!

COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE

JUST A REMINDER …

Monday, July 8 5:30 pm SPRC Meeting Tuesday, July 9 (Note: Finance Committee meets next week) Tuesday, July 16 5:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting

5:15 pm Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm Church Council Wednesday, July 24 5:00 pm Trustees Meeting

PLEASE MAKE NOTE AND PLAN TO ATTEND.

If there are corrections

or omissions, please accept our

apologies, and let us know.

Thank you

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STEPHEN MINISTRY … CARING MOMENTS

Referring persons to receive care is a vital part of keeping Stephen Ministry. It takes the whole church to identify persons who need care. Do you know anyone who is going through a rough place in their life?

Someone struggling with an illness or who has been given a disheartening medical diagno sis? Lost their job or had to change departments due to downsizing?

Is hospitalized or homebound? Is retiring unwillingly or is retired and not coping well? Is separating or divorcing?

Whose child is moving across the country for college or a new job? Or being sent across the world to a dangerous situation?

Someone who is in despair due to aging and ill parents or an ill child? Someone experi-encing grief from the loss of a loved one near or far.

Someone new to the area who grieves their lack of friends and family? A person facing single parenthood?

Let these people know that our church has a Stephen ministry and encourage them to call 304-623-3397 and talk to Cheryl Morehead, our referral coordinator or a minister, or better yet, ask if you can give their name and number to Cheryl. She will return their call and discuss Stephen Ministry with them. Remember to let them know that Stephen Ministry is both caring and confidential. All discussions between Stephen Ministers and those seek-ing and/or receiving care are kept strictly confidential. Think Stephen!

WOMEN of the FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The JULY meeting will be held on

Thursday, July 18, 2013 at noon.

YOU ARE INVITED to join us.

The meeting will be a social gathering.

The picnic chef will be Don Gardner and the hostess will be Barbara Patton.

-------------------------------------------------------

Jim Turner, David Preston

Susan Wilmerink, Rick Squires

Head Usher: Jim Turner

JULY USHERS

VAN DRIVERS FOR JULY

Phil Ferber

and

Carl Lantz

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FUMC OPPORTUNITY

WELCOME REV. CAROLYN NETTLES

On Sunday, July 21, following the worship service, everyone is invited to join the SPRC in the

Parlor to welcome Rev. Carolyn Nettles to First Church. This will be a joyous occasion as Rev. Nettles

begins her ministry here, sharing her gifts and graces in the years to come!

Refreshments will be served. Check out her Grapevine article to learn more about Carolyn

and her husband Jonathan, who is also a United Methodist Pastor. Come and enjoy!

UPDATED CHURCH DIRECTORY

Church Council has voted to go forward with an updated church directory! This time we’re going to try to produce the directory ourselves. Watch for upcoming announce-

ments in bulletin and e-mail for location and time frames for picture taking .. staring in July. Bring your families to church … and your smiles. We’ll be updating church records -

address changes, e-mail addresses and phone numbers. For those that are unable to attend church, we will be reaching out to you on an individual basis to make sure you are

included in the directory as church family.

YARD WORK NEED

Our Handyman Ministry has been contacted with a need for some yard work by some members of our congregation. If you would be willing to donate a couple of hours, please contact Phil Ferber

(304-842-2547) or Harry Looker (304-709-0725). These services are offered at no cost, but a con-tribution to the church - if you are able - would be accepted.

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RETURN TO SERRV …… Mark your calendars now for our Mission Trip to work in the

packing warehouse at the Serrv “Greater Gift” facility in New Windsor, MD. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tentative Schedule: Nov. 24--27 Cost: About $225 See Don Gardner for Details

SUMMER EVENING VESPERS

July 10 —– August 7

Join us on these Wednesdays for the 2013 series Evening Vespers

Covered-dish dinner at 6:00 p.m. Music at 7:00 p.m.

Vespers from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. ---------------------------------------------

Summer Vespers are a wonderful way for us to minister to our community “Beyond the Walls” of our beautiful church building.

These casual gatherings provide a perfect occasion to invite friends to join our fellowship!

BREAKING BREAD Sharing Faith — Sharing Food

“We Have No King But Ceasar!”

Tuesdays — This Summer! July 16th ----- July 23rd —– August 6th

————————————————— We’ll enjoy a prepared meal ($5.00 each) in our fellowship hall

beginning at 11:45 am on these Tuesdays. Following the meal, at 12:30 p.m., guest teachers will lead us in a 1/2 hour program. Pastor Chris Mullett of the Clarksburg Mission will lead the first session on July 16th.

Rev. James Morley, chaplain at the United Hospital Center, is our guest speaker on July 23rd Rev. David Hulme of Clarksburg Baptist will lead on August 6th

Questions? Contact Don Gardner at 623-3397 or dgardner55@yahoo.com

MONASTIC MEALS — Tuesdays (There will be NO Monastic Meals on July 16, July 23, and Aug 6

due to the Breaking Bread events)

Prepared meal ($3.00 each) in our parlor, eaten in silence while scriptures and other sacred books are read.

12:15-12:45 a.m. Come earlier for silent meditation.

If you would like to attend, or to cook one of the meals, call Don Gardner at 623-3397

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OUTREACH INFORMATION

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ...

NO OUTREACH MEETING IN JULY!!!!

THANKS to everyone who took the time to help with the

rummage sale - setting up, boxing up, working the sale,

donating or buying. We appreciate each and everyone of

you. The total of the sale - $715.00. Proceeds will go

to the Outreach Projects.

=========================================

Save the Date: August 12

This is the date for the

Clarksburg Mission Picnic.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!! ROBERT C. BYRD HIGH SCHOOL KIDS’ MEAL PROJECT

During the school year, several teachers & parents have been providing meals each weekend for students in need. These are kids whose only meals are at school. A request from Liz Pigg (Martin Pigg is principal at

RCB) came to our Outreach asking if we, FUMC, could help with this project.

We’ll provide a small breakfast & lunch for 7 days throughout the summer for 15 - 20 kids from RCB.

We helped with this project last year and had a tremendous response from you - our church members.

Here are ways YOU can help….. Food Donations – only following items (we are on strict menu)

Juice Boxes Snack Packs (jello or pudding))

Cheese slices (indiv. wrapped) Cereal Boxes

Cheese Stix (indiv. wrapped)

Drop-off items at Volunteer Desk.

Large quantities can be economically bought at Sam’s Club.

Monetary Donation – Designate cash or checks to “Feed My Sheep – RCB Project” Send to or drop off at church OR place in offering plate Time Donaton - Sign up to organize for the remaining week …… July 30.

Contact Cheryl Moorhead (677-9859) or Anita Burns (782-3021)

Ways to Serve in July …. July - Mustard Seed ---- Needs Peanut Butter and Jelly July - RCB Meal Project Sign up to organize or donate

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