march 2015 wellspring - fvumc

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Continued on page 12 The Wellspring Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church March 2015 Practice Makes Perfect: Lenten Readings Every week during Lent, we are offering an email that encourages you and your family to engage in a different spiritual practice for that week. The email provides information about that spiritual practice and provides three different ways that you could engage in that practice as a family. Our hope is that everyone in our church body does one of these three things each week to engage in a different spiritual practice. If you have not received the Practice Makes Perfect emails being sent on Fridays, please subscribe at fvumc.org/lent-email or read them online at fvumc. org/practice-makes-perfect. Noonday Lenten Worship Each Wednesday in Lent Come and worship each Wednesday in Lent at a prayer and communion service held at noon in the Centrum. This is an opportunity to be drawn closer into God’s presence during our 40-day Lenten journey. We hope this will be a true respite in your week. Come any Wednesday that you are able, and bring a friend or co-worker. Services continue on March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25. Worship is followed with a light lunch at 12:30pm. As they were walking along the road, a man said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to another man, “Follow me.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord.” Follow Jesus — Pastor Gene Tyson As I write this article, it is snowing again for the second week in a row, the temperature has been below freezing for days, schools are canceled once again, parents and kids are going stir crazy, church activities are canceled, and the weather folks are predicting more on the way. It seems Disney’s “Frozen” has invaded our communities and we are all residents of Arendelle! However, as we are reminded in the Scriptures, “this too shall pass.” Hopefully, this will pass sooner rather than later! Let the church say amen! Nevertheless, we have entered the season of Lent which is the highest and holiest season for followers of Jesus Christ. It is our “March Madness” in the Christian community as we “refocus” on what it means to follow Jesus. We live in an distraction-filled culture that pulls us away from living a life with Christ. You might say it is a 40-day trial run in changing our lifestyles and letting God change our hearts. How would you summarize the Christian faith in two words? I believe Christianity is best encapsulated with these: “Follow Jesus.” Throughout the Gospels, Jesus extends the invitation time and time again to whomever he met regardless of who they were, what they looked like, how they were living, or where they had been. Jesus said “Follow me” throughout those three short years as he made his way to Jerusalem to die on a cross so that all humanity could receive the gift of God’s marvelous Grace and

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Page 1: March 2015 Wellspring - FVUMC

Continued on page 12

The Wellspring

Fuquay-Varina United Methodist ChurchMarch 2015

Practice Makes Perfect: Lenten Readings

Every week during Lent, we are offering an email that encourages you and your family to engage in a different spiritual practice for that week.

The email provides information about that spiritual practice and provides three different ways that you could engage in that practice as a family.

Our hope is that everyone in our church body does one of these three things each week to engage in a different spiritual practice.

If you have not received the Practice Makes Perfect emails being sent on Fridays, please subscribe at fvumc.org/lent-email or read them online at fvumc.org/practice-makes-perfect.

Noonday Lenten Worship Each Wednesday in Lent

Come and worship each Wednesday in Lent at a prayer and communion service held at noon in the Centrum.

This is an opportunity to be drawn closer into God’s presence during our 40-day Lenten journey. We hope this will be a true respite in your week.

Come any Wednesday that you are able, and bring a friend or co-worker.

Services continue on March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25. Worship is followed with a light lunch at 12:30pm.

As they were walking along the road, a man said to Jesus,

“I will follow you wherever you go.”

Jesus said to another man, “Follow me.”

Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord.”

Follow Jesus— Pastor Gene Tyson

As I write this article, it is snowing again for the second week in a row, the temperature has been below freezing for days, schools are canceled once again, parents and kids are going stir crazy, church activities are canceled, and the weather folks are predicting more on the way.

It seems Disney’s “Frozen” has invaded our communities and we are all residents of Arendelle! However, as we are reminded in the Scriptures, “this too shall pass.” Hopefully, this will pass sooner rather than later! Let the church say amen!

Nevertheless, we have entered the season of Lent which is the highest and holiest season for followers of Jesus Christ. It is our “March Madness” in the Christian community as we “refocus” on what it means to follow Jesus.

We live in an distraction-filled culture that pulls us away from living a life with Christ. You might say it is a 40-day trial run in changing our lifestyles and letting God change our hearts.

How would you summarize the Christian faith in two words? I believe Christianity is best encapsulated with these: “Follow Jesus.”

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus extends the invitation time and time again to whomever he met regardless of who they were, what they looked like, how they were living, or where they had been.

Jesus said “Follow me” throughout those three short years as he made his way to Jerusalem to die on a cross so that all humanity could receive the gift of God’s marvelous Grace and

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Why Do We Skip Around So Much Between the Old and New Testaments in Covenant?— Pastor Kevin Johnson

As we continue in our 24-week study, my prayer is that through Covenant Bible Study you are encountering God in all of Scripture: Old Testament and New Testament, stories and letters and laws. As you study, however, you might be wondering why the Covenant Study skips around so often.

Variety is the spice of life.

Have you ever tried to read the Bible straight through? If you have ever succeeded in doing so, you likely got stalled on many different occasions somewhere in the Old Testament. It probably got hard to get through all of the priestly laws in Leviticus, the kings all started sounding the same in 1 Kings, and somewhere in Isaiah you might have thought, “This book is really long.”

So, I think we skip around a lot in Covenant partially to “mix it up.” When you read one of the

gospels after reading 1 & 2 Kings, it’s kind of like a treat. And when you mix Paul’s letters

in amidst other readings, we are able to see the different nuances and thoughts in Paul.

The Themes: Creating, Living, Trusting.

Unlike some Bible studies, Covenant is a thematic study of the whole of Scripture. As a study, it is tracing this idea of covenant all throughout Scripture. At times in the Bible, these covenants are literal covenants (like Noah, Abraham, and David). At other times, the covenant is implied.

At all times, Covenant Bible Study is trying to show us this central theme of the Bible: God has made a real and lasting covenant with humanity that began with the people of Israel, and through Jesus Christ welcomes us into this covenant relationship.

This covenant is not an “equal partner” deal. God is always constant and faithful, and God’s steadfast love remains in spite of humanity’s faults and sins.

Covenant is ordered around these three 8-week

Spiritual Disciplines Produce Fruit— Pastor Valerie Tyson

While reading my Bible this morning, the words “forty days” jumped out at me.

No, I wasn’t reading about Jesus being tempted by the devil for forty days in the wilderness nor was I reading about Noah and his family afloat on the ark for forty days while it snowed...(oops, I mean RAINED)!

I was reading about that Philistine Goliath who, for forty days, challenged the Israelites to send forth an opponent that the two might engage in battle. There were no takers until David stepped up to the plate. We all remember how THAT went down!

As I reflected on the story, it seemed most appropriate that I should stumble upon that particular passage as we are currently engaged in our forty day Lenten journey.

It’s interesting that David felt well-equipped to take on Goliath when no one else volunteered for the

job. David defended his readiness before Saul who questioned David’s abilities since David was a youth. David, the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons, did bring up a good point. While he was indeed a shepherd and not a warrior, David had plenty of experience going head to head with the enemy.

While trusting in God for deliverance, David had battled lions and bears to protect his flock. David had “practiced” being a warrior in the wilderness and had been successful! Therefore, when Israel was being threatened by a giant, David was confident. He was well-practiced and skilled.

Practice Makes Perfect is the theme of our Lenten journey this year. Pastor Kevin has been sending out weekly emails to challenge us to “practice” a spiritual discipline together with family and church. Do you know what I like about spiritual disciplines? Spiritual disciplines produce fruit.

From OurPastors

Continued on page 12

Continued on page 122

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From OurPastors Due Diligence and Discernment

Your Building Committee has been assigned the task of determining the best way to address the pressing space needs we have here at FVUMC particularly in the areas of children and youth ministries and worship space.

This is no easy job, and I commend them on their willingness to work together to find viable solutions which can

be presented to the congregation.

Hopefully you have heard that the Building Committee recently voted to perform a 60-day due diligence and analysis on the possibility of purchasing the New Hope Presbyterian Church property at 2317 NC 42 Hwy, which is available because that congregation unfortunately had to close its doors.

This is just one option the Building Team is considering as a practical way to expand our existing facilities.

In everything, our foremost question is, “Where is God leading us as a congregation?”

The Building Committee will continue to explore other ways to address our space needs on the Judd Parkway campus and any other properties should they come available and appear viable for our ministries.

When they determine options for the church as a whole to consider, more details will be made available.

We also plan to have information sessions and/or open houses will be scheduled so that everyone can learn more about their recommendation and have the opportunity to view any proposed property or construction.

Please pray for your sisters and brothers on this team as they take on this task and seek to discern the best way to address our space needs and remain faithful to our calling of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

— Pastor Gene Tyson [email protected]

“Yea” and “Nay” - Share Your InputThe Building Committee recently approved a 60-day analysis of the possibility of purchasing the New Hope Presbyterian Church property at 2317 NC 42 Hwy.

For the 60-day evaluation period, our Building Committee has formed three teams which will investigate how FVUMC could use the property, the cost of purchasing the property, and the need for and cost of any repairs or modifications.

I have already had people to express their opinion from, “I think that is a great idea!” to “I think that is the silliest idea I have ever heard.”

But when I am asked what my opinion is, my answer is “I don’t have one yet — other than we need to look at this opportunity.”

Performing this due diligence process is much like serving on a grand jury. Our responsibility is to investigate and obtain enough information to make a decision as to whether we should or should not move forward with the property.

Just as in a jury, we must enter

this with a clear and open mind — otherwise we would only be looking for positions to support our own opinion.

Once this data is gathered, I expect there to be an open and objective dialogue by the members of the committee to determine if they will bring this forward to the Church in the same manner as if it were a new building project.

That means the same steps of presentation and approvals by our congregation and the required approvals from the conference level. So, this is simply step one in what may be a long path.

The Building Committee is continuing to seek other options, and I know that they welcome your thoughts and input as to how you see this opportunity both “yea” and “nay” and how you feel God is calling our congregation.

Please share these thoughts by emailing [email protected].

— Rick Dupree Church Council Chair

BuildingCommittee

Any time there are updates from the Building Committee, they are posted on the church website at fvumc.org/building

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Serving & SharingOne Great Hour of Sharing Offering:

Supporting UMCOR - March 8Have you heard of UMCOR?

The United Methodist Committee on Relief is our denomination’s

humanitarian agency.

UMCOR’s work reaches people in more than 80 countries, including

the United States.

UMCOR provides humanitarian relief when war, conflict or natural disaster

disrupts life to such an extent that communities cannot

recover on their own.

Gifts to the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering underwrite “the costs of doing business” so the humanitarian arm of The United

Methodist Church can promise that 100 percent of any gift to a specific

UMCOR project will go to that ministry, not administrative costs.

UMCOR picks up broken pieces by providing tangible tools to

rebuild and renew lives and by partnering with agencies already established in struggling regions.

Highly-respected throughout the world, UMCOR has a 75-year

history of remembering people in need — whether in war-torn Syria, where traumatized children crave a childhood; in Haiti, where children are sold into servitude; or in the United States, where flood survivors seek everything from cleaning buckets to counseling.

Once a crisis or tragedy has moved from the headlines, public interest often dwindles, especially in global issues. One UMCOR executive said, “There can be a tendency to forget human tragedies on the international scene. We at UMCOR are intent on not forgetting these people.”

One Great Hour of Sharing is about helping people who hurt. Through UMCOR, the People of The United Methodist Church deliver that help.

If you miss the opportunity to give in person during worship on 3/8, send your check to the church office made payable to FVUMC with “UMCOR Offering” on the memo line, and your gift will be forwarded to UMCOR. Throughout the year, you can also go online to umcgiving.org/give-now to make a donation.

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.

Sort clipped coupons into “Food” and “Non-Food” piles and put each pile into a labeled envelope. (However, clipping and sorting are NOT required—we have a team of volunteers.)

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

Upcoming Opportunities to Serve & ShareMarch 8 ~ One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering

March 21 ~ Main Street Kitchen

March 22 ~ MHC Special Offering

April 18 ~ Main Street Kitchen

May 6-8 ~ Clothing Closet Setup

May 9 ~ Clothing Closet Give-Away

May 10-17 ~ WIHN Week

May 16 ~ Main Street Kitchen4

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Serving & Sharing Seeds of Faith

Preschool Supports Methodist Home for Children - And You Can, Too!

Along with groundhogs seeing shadows, special days for spirit week, sharing valentines, learning about how to take care of our teeth, and winter weather, our Seeds of Faith Preschool families have raised $1000 for the 1 K for 1 Kid Program for the Methodist Home For Children!

The 1 K for 1 Kid Program was developed because MHC must supplement by raising $1,000 in private gifts to provide one year of care for one child or youth. State and local contracts alone do not cover the funds needed to change a life.

On Sunday, March 22, everyone is invited to give to a special church-wide offering to support the Methodist Home for Children. If you are unable to give on March 22, donations may also be made online at mhfc.ejoinme.org/Sunday.

Founded in 1899 as a traditional, campus-based orphanage in Raleigh, Methodist Home for

Children now provides community-based services for children, youth, and families throughout NC.

MHC works with children who’ve been in revolving short-term foster placements, who were born addicted to drugs, who’ve suffered abuse.

They serve teenagers who are lost to themselves because of substance abuse, mental illness and learned behaviors.

Their programs help stabilize families and open kids’ futures to new opportunities through higher-education grants.

Sunday, March 22

Main Street Kitchen -Meals for the CommunityOne 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!

The next MSK is set for March 21 starting at 10am and continuing through the early afternoon. Volunteers are welcome to help with tasks including setup, delivery preparation, cooking & cleaning. Food donations are welcome. Contact Paula Cade at 919-753-8168 for more information.

When Bringing Your Donations for the Clothing Closet...

Because of the volume of donations that are processed every quarter for the Clothing Closet, it is a huge help to our volunteers if you take a moment to pre-sort the donations into separate bags by gender/size. Please be sure to clearly label each bag so they can be easily organized when the team is unloading the sheds.

Our next give-away is on Saturday, May 9. Your help is appreciated during the setup (Wednesday night, 5/6 through Friday, 5/8) and cleanup Saturday morning following the giveaway.

Contact Heather Williams for questions at 919-818-0453 or [email protected].

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In Our Thoughts and PrayersWe offer our sympathy and prayers to:

The Jeff Miller family upon his death 

Dan Sass, family of Chip Love, Mary-Anne Hatch, Bruce Crofts, Fran Sykes, family of Chris Whonsetler, Karen Johnson, Carter & Willie Williams and family, Virginia Jones, Mike Tucker, Dale Sullivan, Nick Powell, Linda Riley, Bill Ervin, Diana Koenig, Ann Hull, Polly Sheets, Koyla Knox, Bonnie Green, Joan Lesher, Doug Jones, Judy Dolan, Dona Stanley, Cornelia Coble, Vicky Croft, Paige Wallace, Meredith Kimbro, Tom Myatt, Rebecca Williams, Carol Chambers, Lynn Rosado, David Stuart, Jakob Kish, Mario Marchese, Rob Matney, Cindy Travers, Iris Brown, Tristan Wachter, Logan Thomas, JoAnn Heiser, Dee Chisenhall, Jeff Fox, Emily Ashworth, Craig Judd, Clay King, Jill Zatyko, Sue Simkiss, André Carson, Mary Rose, Bill Young, Bob & Katharine Kinton, Howard Hanmann, Fran

Applegarth and PJ Ramsey

UMW Circle of Faith Meets March 3The monthly Circle of Faith meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 10am in the choir room. All women are encouraged to attend.

This is a community of women whose purpose is to know God, to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

Christ-Centered Community

PrimeTimers in MarchRescheduled from February: On Tuesday, March 24, a Walgreens pharmacist will speak at 10:00am in the choir room on topics including diabetes management, mental health, medication safety, and tips for choosing a Medicare plan.

Call Debbie Corr (919-557-7437) if you need transportation to the church. Remember, in case of inclement weather, we follow the Wake County schools’ decision.

Thank You from Caring Connections MinistryCaring Connections is grateful for the support our ministry has received from FVUMC these last two years. Your church and volunteers have been passionate and committed to our ministry and the women we serve.

We could not have built the program in Fuquay-Varina without your church. I am also truly grateful for the financial donations you give monthly to help us carry out our mission. We operate on a $25,000 annual budget that is 100% funded by donations from churches and individuals.

I would like to update you on changes taking place with how we carry out our mission in Fuquay.

This month, the Kinton Court residential recovery program for women with children is moving to a new location in Garner, and we hope to partner with a church near their new location since it will be too far to transport the women back to FVUMC for classes and workshops.

I am so disappointed as are the volunteers who have served faithfully through this class at your church!

However, we do not want our service to Fuquay to end. At the moment, we have eight women in Fuquay who have completed our classes and mentoring but still need our ongoing support as they continue to journey toward self-sufficiency and grow spiritually.

We plan to have workshops and support sessions for this group at your church and would like to continue offering our Caring Connections class to women trying to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Please be in prayer for our ministry, for the women living at Kinton as they adjust to their move, for all the women connected to CCM, and for God to bring women in need of Jesus and changes in their life to our ministry.

— Serving Him with joy, Cynthia Thelen, MSW Director, Caring Connections Ministry6

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Helping Children with LentThere are two periods of waiting and preparation in our Christian calendar – Advent and Lent. For our children, Lent can feel very “heavy,” especially in comparison to the preparation and excitement of Advent as we await Christmas. So what does this season of conversion and renewal really mean for children? And how can we help them participate?

Growing up, most of us probably experienced Lent as a time when we had to give up soda or sweets. And that’s not an altogether bad way to introduce self-discipline, but just giving something up without giving children a spirituality to enter into and a reason for doing it may leave children dreading Lent more than looking forward to it.

The first and most important help for children is that we as adults understand and enter into Lent with joy and devotion. As Lent makes its way into our homes, our conversations, and our practices, children see and grow up in an environment that embraces Lent and all it has to offer.

Secondly, for children, symbols are very important. Why do you think we find such joy and importance in putting up our Christmas trees and Advent wreaths? Symbols give us context and meaning, and children need context to explore and understand some of the concepts that we as adults take for granted. I’m not suggesting that you “decorate” for Lent like you might for Christmas, but try putting one or two symbols in a prominent place in your home. When you do this and you call attention to it,

it naturally leads children to ask why it is there and what it means.

Some objects you might consider are a bowl of water or a bowl of sand (or both!). The bowl of water reminds us of our baptism and how we are working daily to die to ourselves and live for Christ. The bowl of sand reminds us of the desert. God led the Israelites through the desert, and Jesus went to the desert to retreat where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. Like Jesus, we use this time to retreat and live more simply in order to grow closer to God.

Finally, in addition to being devoted to your own Lenten practices and placing symbols in your home, help your child experience, as a family, some of the important practices of Lent – fasting, meditation, solitude, service, and confession.

Don’t worry, we’re going to help you with that! Every week, you will receive an email explaining that week’s Lenten practice. In addition to the explanation, there will be 3 ideas on how to incorporate that practice with family options.

Please take the time to do at least one of the activities with your families each week. Make Lent a special time for your families as we are renewed together during this season. (Not receiving the emails? Subscribe at fvumc.org/lent-email.)

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

Palm Sunday CelebrationOur annual Palm Sunday celebration is on March 29 from 4pm-6pm.

We are currently looking for preschool room leaders and guides (responsible for leading groups from room to room).

To volunteer to help on Palm Sunday, contact Amanda Rackley at [email protected] or (919) 552-4331, ext. 113.

Looking for another way to help? Feed the hungry bunny in the church lobby – the Children’s Ministry is collecting donations of candy and plastic eggs for the egg hunt!

Children & Families

Vacation Bible School (VBS) PlanningBelieve it or not, VBS will be here before you know it! We are currently looking for those talented decorators among us. If you are artistic, like to make decorations, or enjoy decorating – we need YOU! Most, if not all, of the work on this team will be done before VBS.

So, if you want to help, but aren’t able to be a leader during the week of VBS, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Our first decorating meeting will be on Wednesday, March 4 at 7pm. Contact Angela Hinton ([email protected]) or Amanda Rackley ([email protected]) for more details.

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Lifeline Youth: Presenting the Confirmation Class of 2015!We begin the month of March with one of the highlights of our youth program – Confirmation Sunday!

This special service is the culmination of months of preparation, study, and conversation about what it means to claim the Christian faith for oneself.

Students 6th grade and older are invited to join these Confirmation classes each fall, committing to meeting every Sunday afternoon as they discuss important aspects of our faith such as the Apostles’ Creed, our Trinitarian understanding of God, our understanding of the Church, and the questions they will be asked during the Confirmation service itself.

Once Confirmed on Sunday, March 1, our newly-minted confirmands will join our Lifeline Youth Group – there will be a celebration for them that very evening during Lifeline, and they will join Life Groups on Wednesday, March 4.

So What Is Confirmation?United Methodists, like most Christians across the world, perform infant baptism.

We do this with the understanding that God’s prevenient grace is at work in each of us long before we realize or accept God’s salvation for ourselves. God claims the child in baptism, providing grace for that child to begin their faith journey.

During infant baptism parents and caregivers make promises to nurture the child in the faith, as does the entire congregation.

Confirmation is the chance for our youth, now old enough to reason and choose for themselves, to confirm those baptismal promises for themselves. Before, those questions were answered on their behalf; now they affirm that they choose Christ as their savior and wish to be confessing members of the church. In this way, infant baptism and confirmation go hand-in-hand.

Is Confirmation a Sacrament? Many of our members come from traditions that recognize Confirmation as Sacrament, meaning that

Confirmation is a service that imparts God’s

grace to the individual being confirmed. As United Methodists we do not recognize Confirmation as an official sacrament; Baptism and Holy Communion are the two sacraments in our church.

However, we do see Confirmation as a means of grace, one of the ways that we open ourselves to experience God’s grace in a special way.

Confirmation is one powerful way to grow deeper in our relationship to God, so we recognize it as an important landmark in the faith development of our youth.

Why Is Confirmation Important?When we baptize infants, the pastor asks us to dedicate ourselves to the formation of children in the faith:

Will you nurture these children in Christ’s holy church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept

God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?

To that profound question, we offer a short but binding answer – “We will.”

Confirmation, then, is the joyous celebration of our children, now teens, claiming our Christian faith as their own. It is the fruition of our children’s programming – Bible Retreat, FaithWeaver Friends, KFC, VBS, and Sunday school.

In January, the confirmands participated in DISCOVERY weekend, and now they will continue their journey through all of the youth programming opportunities – with Lifeline, Life Groups, Pilgrimage, and mission trips to continue nurturing their young faith.

Most importantly, Confirmation is the next step toward a life-long commitment to Jesus Christ. And that, brothers and sisters, is the very heart of our mission as a church: “To make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Confirmation is one of the principal ways we live out this commitment in the life of our church.

— Bobby Rackley, [email protected] Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Youth & Families

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Youth & Families

M25 Mission Camp for Senior High Students

July 20-25, 2015

For our senior high mission trip this summer, we’re headed to downtown Atlanta.

M25, a ministry of Mt. Bethel UMC in Marietta, GA, is a mission program designed to bring students together to serve God by serving others.

Sometimes going out into all the world means helping those in our own backyard, and with M25, our group will have the opportunity to help some of 20,000 homeless people in Atlanta. Not only will students be able to witness needs, but they will also get to fill them.

M25 focuses less on manual labor and more on relational ministry as students get a chance to meet, get to know, and minister to people from a different side of life. They will bring hope to the hopeless and be able to walk as Jesus did as they seek out the least of these.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for registration information!

F.H. Eason and Estelle Tilley Memorial Scholarship Applications Due by Sunday, April 12The F.H. Eason and Estelle Tilley Memorial Scholarships were established to provide financial aid for students who excel academically, have some financial need, and are connected to the life of Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church.

These scholarships are a one-time award and will be used to pay for college expenses such as tuition, fees, or room and board that are necessary for a recipient enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year post-secondary educational program as a full-time student.

The applications will be judged by the members of the scholarship committee. Their decision is final and is based on a combination of academic achievement, involvement in the church, financial need, and course of study to be pursued.

These scholarships are named for former teachers so some preference may be given to applicants seeking teaching credentials.

Awards will be announced in May, and the check

will be sent directly to the recipient’s college after he/she has provided a college letter of acceptance.

The Application Form is available online at fvumc.org/scholarship.

Completed applications may be returned to the scholarship awards committee by delivering to the church office (100 S. Judd Parkway, Fuquay-Varina NC 27526) or by emailing a complete PDF package to [email protected] by Sunday, April 12, 2015.

Other Scholarship Opportunities:• NC Conference United Methodist Women -

scholarship for women attending Duke University, Methodist University, Louisburg College or NC Wesleyan College. Application online at nccumc.org/laity/college-scholarship-opportunity-women/

• Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce - Several scholarships available. Contact Bobby ([email protected]) for an application packet.

Important Youth Ministry Dates• Confirmation, March 1 at 9:30am Worship

• High School Retreat – March 6-8

• No Lifeline on Palm Sunday, March 29

• FVUMC Scholarship Applications Due April 12

• High School & College Seniors Recognized in Worship, June 7

• Senior High Mission Trip, July 20-25

Subscribe to Lifeline email: contact Bobby ([email protected])

@LifelineFVUMC

Give Bobby your cell # for text updates!

facebook.com/groups/LifelineFVUMC/

instagram.com/lifelinefvumc

Stay in Touch

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Starting Point: The Place to Find Out More About FVUMC

Our 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. We will also take some time to explore membership at FVUMC. No pressure—just a time for conversation about what it means to join the congregation and to be a United Methodist.

The Starting Point gatherings are open to anyone, whether you’re new to FVUMC or have been attending for a while. We meet in room 117 on the Adult Wing from 4:30-6pm. Our next gathering is on April 6. Free childcare is available. If possible, please help us plan ahead by signing up using the link at fvumc.org/

starting-point. Even if you’re not pre-registered, please join us!!

Worship All WeekInterested in carrying your offering of praise beyond Sunday morning? Check out these local radio stations playing contemporary Christian music. You’ll probably hear some of the same songs we sing during our 9:30 worship service:

• KLove 101.9 or 106.7 or klove.com

• Christian 107.3 or christian107.com

• His Radio on 90.1, 107.7 or 95.3 or hisradiowrtp.com

Book Club to Discuss The Light Between OceansOn March 20, the book club will gather to discuss The Light Between Oceans by H. L. Stedman.

After two miscarriages and one stillbirth, a grieving lighthouse keeper Tom and his wife Isabel hear a baby’s cries in the wind.. A boat has washed up onshore their isolated island carrying a dead man and a living baby. Against Tom’s judgment, they claim the child as a “gift from God” and keep her. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them.

To join the dinner and discussion on Friday, March 20 at 6:30pm, contact Suzanne Jones at [email protected] or Matilda Storm at [email protected].

Property MattersWe’ve all heard the saying, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” At FVUMC, we do a great job of keeping our church clean. Many of you provide hours of service, cleaning the church for mission functions, cleaning the backs of the centrum chairs, cleaning up after church-wide meals.

The church contracts with a service to clean our facility six nights a week, and I routinely clean something every day. The installation of new towel and soap dispensers has improved the tidiness in the restrooms.

Now here it comes: BUT, there is always something to clean! Yes, we have a commercial cleaning service, but the contract does not cover every area that needs attention. Staff is sometimes limited in addressing all the details.

This is where we could use your help! If you are called to join in the spring cleaning of God’s home at FVUMC, please contact me. I would be delighted to work with you in identifying and completing needed projects.

— Peace be unto you, Warren Chesson, Facilities Manager [email protected] or 919-285-8676

Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry

March Requests: Peanut Butter, Tuna, Rice - No glass jars, please

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Health Screening Offered on March 17Life Line Screening, a provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host a non-invasive and painless health screening on 3/17. Five screenings are offered that scan for potential health problems related to blocked arteries, abdominal aortic aneurysms, hardening of the arteries in the legs, irregular heart beat, and a bone density screening, for men and women. To register and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, call 1-888-653-6441 or visit: lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

Save the Date: Spring Fair Trade StoreOur spring Fair Trade Store, featuring items made by artisans around the world, is coming on April 24-25. Proceeds from the store will be donated to the Interfaith Food Shuttle (foodshuttle.org), a hunger-relief organization serving seven counties in and around the Triangle.

Featuring a variety of handmade creations including birdhouses, baskets, jewelry, spring clothing, books, planters, and garden, come find a unique gift for an upcoming wedding, graduation or Mother‘s Day!

Because the items are fairly-traded, you know that the people who created your purchases received a fair, living wage in safe working conditions. Sustainable practices are encouraged, artisans have access to financial training, and they develop long-range trading relationships with buyers.

The FVUMC Fair Trade event is made possible only by volunteers. If you would like to help with this effort, please contact Lindsi Hines at [email protected].

It’s a Great Time to Join the Community Garden!Everyone is welcome to participate in the Covenant Community Garden, regardless of your "green thumb" (or lack of one) or your level of experience. We provide fresh, organically grown produce to our garden member families, the Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry, Main Street Kitchen, and our WIHN guests.

To participate in the garden, you will pay a $10 annual fee per family, which includes a lidded compost bucket for your home use. In addition, each member family agrees to work one hour a week or 4 hours a month in the garden.

Contact Joy Brown at [email protected] or visit fvumc.org/community-garden to download the 2015 Garden Membership Form.

GriefShare Program Starts March 12The GriefShare program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally-respected grief experts, real-life stories of people, and a small group discussion following.

Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often, people tend to stuff their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended.

Confidentiality is very much a part of this program. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. Come find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving. Learn to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief, and know that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions. Learn about finding your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.

GriefShare is held Thursday evenings beginning March 12 from 6:30-8:30pm in room 117. A $20 registration fee covers all program materials. Pay by check made to FVUMC with “GriefShare” on the memo line or at fvumc.org/pay-online. To register, contact Kerry Vitkus ([email protected] or 919-740-6464) or Kathy Davis ([email protected] or 919-801-0929).

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live in the presence of God forever.

But here is what I know: We can’t just show up on Easter Sunday and expect to truly experience and comprehend the power of Christ on the cross and what God has done for all of humanity.

Rather, we need to prayerfully follow the journey of Jesus during these 40 days to prepare ourselves for the power of the Passion and the glory of Easter.

Therefore, I encourage you to commit yourself during these 40 days to “follow Jesus” by drawing closer to God through Bible study, prayer, service and especially through the many worship opportunities during this season.

I once heard someone say 90% of your job is just showing up. There is a lot of truth to that.

So, I invite you to “show up” in those places that cause you to follow Jesus. I promise you will not be disappointed.

— See you Sunday at the place we “follow Jesus!” Pastor Gene

segments of creating, living, and trusting. Creating the Covenant focuses on the covenant that God has made with humanity all throughout Scripture. Living the Covenant focuses on how we embody the covenant with our relationships and our ethical choices. Trusting the Covenant is all about how we can trust in God even when life doesn’t seem very fair. The scriptures that are chosen within these segments fit the given themes.

The Bible is a narrative that narrates our lives.

A hope that I have for our church as we study the Bible in Covenant is that we begin to see the over-arching narrative of Scripture. The theme of covenant is a helpful lens to see this narrative. When we begin to understand this narrative, we can encounter times in our lives

where we remember which Scriptures might inform or help us in specific life circumstances. For example, a couple who is having difficulty in marriage might turn to the first chapter of Ruth and focus on “faithful love.” Before studying covenant, a relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law likely was not one of the first places this couple would have turned to in Scripture during times of marital struggle.

When we understand the narrative of Scripture, the hope is that Scripture begins to “narrate our lives.” In other words, we can see ourselves in the stories, the letters, and even the laws. As we read Scripture in a “bounce-around” and thematic order, may we see how all of Scripture speaks to our lives today.

— Grace and Peace, Pastor Kevin

When we practice the disciplines of prayer, meditation, fasting, solitude, study, silence, etc., there is a benefit, a fruit to our efforts.

As a child, my parents gave we four children the opportunity to take piano lessons. I can tell you, I did not practice the piano. I did not take advantage of the opportunity though I was encouraged to do so. As a result, the extent of my piano skills is poor at best. I know where middle “C” is and I can perhaps pick something out well enough to “hear” the tune as long as there are not any sharps or flats. You get the picture.

My brother on the other hand, DID practice and his practice produced fruit! He can play the piano, sharps and flats!

As we continue walking out the forty days of Lent together, be encouraged to accept the challenge of practicing the spiritual disciplines.

Sometimes the fruit is readily apparent, and sometimes it might take a while to see the benefit. But no doubt, God is equipping us and strengthening us in ways that just might surprise us. Goliath sure was surprised when David let that rock loose. Practice Makes Perfect!

— Peace, Pastor Valerie

Covenant: Why Do We Skip Around So Much? from page 2

Follow Jesus from page 1Spiritual Disciplines from page 2

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A-Portion-Whats? Giving That Transforms the WorldApportionments. If you’ve been a part of a United Methodist church for a while, that’s probably a word that you’ve heard but perhaps not clearly understood. Just what are apportionments? How are they calculated? For what are they used?

As a denomination, The United Methodist Church is connectional. In addition to the mission and ministry we carry out in our local congregations, each church has a part in ‘making disciples for the transformation of the world’ by supporting mission and ministry worldwide. Apportionments are the amount of money the local congregation gives in support of the work done through their particular regional conference (ours is called the North Carolina Conference, or NCC) and the Church as a whole.

Each year, at the Annual

Conference business session held each June, lay representatives from each congregation gather with pastors from the NCC to vote to approve the formula used to determine the amount local churches are asked to give to support the apportioned funds.

The formula is based on the individual church’s annual expenses as calculated by adding all expenditures reported to the conference and subtracting any credits. Each church’s base is compared to the total of all base amounts for all other churches, and the budget approved at the last yearly Conference session is allocated to each church using the same ratio.

In our congregation, we hear about the ‘tithe’ – the biblical principle of giving 10% of God’s gracious gifts to us to support God’s work through the church. I like to think of apportionments as the local church’s ‘tithe’ to the

denomination – much like the ‘tithes’ of individual members to their local churches.

So where does the money go? The largest portion is dedicated to teams serving in connectional ministries –

• 4% for Outreach (ministry that transforms the world),

• 20% for Leadership (equipping leaders to implement the Vision of the church). Of that, 36% is for the development of new pastors,

• 12% for Christian Formation (forming and nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ), and

• 35% for Stewardship (supporting & empowering ministry).

Of the remainder:• 9% is used for benevolent

purposes around the world,

• 16% is required to fund past service retirement obligations for clergy, and

• 4% supports other programs.

So what’s our share? The 2015 expenditure budget for FVUMC is roughly $1,514,000. Our apportionments are $203,102 or 13.4% of our total budget.

Still have questions? Please stop by the church office to pick up a copy of the Conference publication, Mission and Service Commitments, or contact me via email ([email protected]) or phone (919-567-1714) for a more in-depth understanding.

— Grace and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Susan Smith, Chair, on behalf of your Finance Team

2015 Budget SummaryTotal Annual Budget $ 1,514,405.35Budget needed YTD - 2/22/15 $ 196,936.99Received YTD - 2/22/15 $ 212,301.56 Difference $ 15,364.57

Building Fund Restricted Account $ 66,064.56Building (Brick & Mortar Expenses Only) Restricted Account $ 43,500.00 Total $ 109,564.56

YTD Budget Expenditures as of 1/31/2015 $ 96,682.62

Sunday Worship AttendanceFeb

1Feb

8Feb 15

Feb 22

Monthly Average

2015 Average

8:00am 89 74 84 69 79 739:30am 386 461 383 498 432 42911:00am 326 355 251 386 330 306Total 801 890 718 953 841 808

FinanceCommittee

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We are a Christ-Centered Community that Loves God, Learns God, Serves God and Shares God.

Celebrating 2014

Thanks Be To God! Have You Picked

Up Your Copy of

the FVUMC 2014

Annual Report?

Can you guess?• Amount of Growth in Average Weekly Attendance

• Number of Pancakes Cooked by our Men’s Ministry

• Total of all Financial Gifts for 2014

• Number of Bags of Books & Food Donated by Preschool Families

• Middle & High School Students involved in our Youth Ministry

• Total of Riders & Volunteers for the Spring Ride for Life

• Pounds of Produce Donated to Food Pantry by our Garden

• Volunteer Hours Served in Various Ministries

1350+

firs

t-tim

e

guests

50+ families at

Starting Point

100 S. Judd Parkway SE Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526phone: 919-552-4331 fax: 919-557-7458 web: fvumc.org

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

Lead Pastor

Gene Tyson

[email protected]

Pastor of Welcoming & Congregational Care

Valerie [email protected]

Pastor of Christian Formation

Kevin [email protected]

16 baptized

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Raise Your Praises During Holy Week

Join us as we prepare music for the Holy Week: Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday!

For this short-term commitment, all are invited to come and sing traditional choral music accompanied by piano and our Instruments of Praise!

Weekly Rehearsal Schedule:

• Wednesdays through March 18 ~ 8:15-9 pm

• Or Thursdays through March 19 ~ 7:00- 7:20pm

Additional Rehearsals:

• Sunday, March 1 ~ 2:00-3:15pm• Sunday, March 15 ~ 2:00-3:15pm• Wednesday, March 25 ~ 7-9pm (Centrum)• Saturday, March 28 ~ 9am-12noon (Centrum)• Wednesday, April 1 ~ 7-9pm

Please contact Jennifer Harrenstein or Ashley Kotz if you are interested in singing! For questions or other rehearsal options, contact Ashley Kotz at [email protected].

Youth & Children’s MusicYouth Choir & Youth Handbells are open to current 6th-12th graders. Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings, 6:45–8pm. Bells rehearse Sundays, 6–6:30pm. Previous experience and the ability to read music are not required. Contact Jennifer harrenstein at [email protected] for details.

Kidz NPraise Children’s Music program meets Wednesdays at 4:30 pm for singing, instruments, drama, games and more! The program is open to all children three years old through 6th grade. The children gather each week to learn music for worship and to work on a spring musical. Register online at fvumc.org/kidznpraise-spring2015.

MusicMinistries

Support Music Ministries and Spruce Up Your Yard Pine Straw Sale – March 21The Annual Music Ministries Pine Straw Sale will be Saturday, March 21 with pine straw orders due by March 15. Through advance order, pine straw is available for pick-up or delivery to your home, at $4.25 per bale plus delivery fees. See the Pine Straw Order Form on page 16 for full details. Additionally, online ordering is now available at fvumc.org/pine-straw.

The Music Ministries Pine Straw Sale has supported many things within the life of our church, including a new sound board for the Centrum, the purchase of an organ for our traditional worship services, audio and visual media equipment, replacement parts for church-owned instruments, instruments for our Kidz NPraise program, handbell equipment, support for our annual choir retreat and much more! Thank you for your generous support of our Music Ministries.

Save the DateKidz NPraise Spring Musical, “In the Big Inning” - Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 pm

Holy Week 2015Join us for worship during Holy Week…

ª Sunday, March 29 – Palm / Passion Sunday 8:00 & 11:00 Worship – Choirs & Orchestra 9:30 am Worship – Praise Team

ª Thursday, April 2 – Holy Thursday 7:00 pm Worship – Choirs & Orchestra, Jubellation Handbells

ª Friday, April 3 – Good Friday 7:00 pm Worship – Choirs & Orchestra

ª Sunday, April 5 – Easter Sunday

6:30 am Sunrise Worship – Hosted by First UMC (402 Main St), music by One Achord

8:00 & 11:00 am Worship – Choirs & Orchestra, FANFARE Handbells

9:30 am Worship – Praise Team

Childcare provided during worship.

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2015 Pine Straw Sale Saturday, March 21 Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church

100 S Judd Parkway SE Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 (919) 552 – 4331 www.FVUMC.org

Online Ordering Available at fvumc.org/pine-straw

Cost: $4.25 per bale $.50 per bale delivery charge, up to $20.00

(Minimum order of 5 bales for delivery—if delivery address is over 10 miles away please call to ensure delivery availability.)

« Place your order on or before Sunday, March 15th. « Payment is due with your order. « All orders must be placed in advance.

Orders received after March 15h will be filled only if extra pine straw is available. « Pick up your order on Saturday, March 21st between 8:00 and 10:00 am.

Orders may be picked up at the F-V UMC Parking Lot, 100 S Judd Parkway. « Delivery will be on Saturday, March 21st between 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 pm.

If requesting delivery and you will not be home between 8:00 am & 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 21st use the order form to indicate where you would like your pine straw left (driveway, front yard, etc.)

« All proceeds will benefit Fuquay-Varina UMC Music Ministries.

Want help spreading your pine straw? The F-V UMC Youth are at your service! For a donation to Youth Missions, the F-V UMC Youth will spread your pine straw on Saturday, March 21st! Use the order form below to indicate you would like to make use of this service! To place your order, complete the form below and return it with payment to the church office by Sunday, March 15th. Checks should be made out to Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church—mark “pine straw sale” on the memo line. Online payment is available via fvumc.org/online-payment. Questions? Contact Jennifer Harrenstein at 552-4331 ext. 105 or [email protected]

Please return only this portion of the form—keep the top part of the page for your reference.

Pine Straw Order Form—Fuquay-Varina UMC

Name: Street Address: City: Zip: Phone: Subdivision: Email: # of Bales x $4.25 each = subtotal delivery ($.50 per bale; $20 max) TOTAL

Yes, I would like the F-V UMC Youth to spread my pine straw!* *Note—Pine Straw Spreading availability is limited and will be completed on a first-come, first serve basis. You will be contacted if we are unable to accommodate your request. If you do not hear from us, you can assume the spreaders will be at your home on the morning of March 21st.

Not going to be home for delivery? Indicate where to leave the pine straw:

Office Use: Order Date Paid Data Entry

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