may 2015 fvumc wellspring

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Dear God, The Wellspring May 2015 Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church At church, they’re always talking about how we Love God, Learn God, Serve God and Share God. I think I’m doing ok coming to worship and Loving You, and I enjoy helping and connecting with other people, so Serving and Sharing are covered. But I’ve been trying to figure out how I can Learn more about You. I keep hearing in church about how we need to go deeper. To be honest, if going deeper means committing to weeks and weeks of Bible study, I’m never going to make it. But I’m up for trying to find a way…. I’m supposed to trust You with everything. Could You help me out with how to do that? What does it look like if I keep You in the center of my life? How does that work with my marriage, my kids, or my money? How am I supposed to figure out what gifts You gave me so I can follow Your plans for my life? I could really use some help! Keep Reading - The answer’s on Page 2!

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Dear God,The Wellspring May 2015Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church

At church, they’re always talking about how we Love God,

Learn God, Serve God and Share God. I think I’m doing

ok coming to worship and Loving You, and I enjoy helping

and connecting with other people, so Serving and Sharing

are covered. But I’ve been trying to figure out how I can

Learn more about You.

I keep hearing in church about how we need to go deeper.

To be honest, if going deeper means committing to weeks

and weeks of Bible study, I’m never going to make it.

But I’m up for trying to find a way….

I’m supposed to trust You with

everything. Could You help me out with how

to do that? What does it look like if I keep

You in the center of my life? How does

that work with my marriage, my

kids, or my money? How am I

supposed to figure out what

gifts You gave me so I can

follow Your plans for my life?

I could really use some help!

Keep Reading - The answer’s on Page 2!

Study @ FVUMCThis summer, we are focusing practical ways of Learning God with a 5-week Study @ FVUMC experience! Choose from 4 different lanes of study. Online registration begins in late May, so don’t miss it!

Sunday nights starting July 12 5:00- 6:30 pm

Programs for children and youth offered at the same time

Free childcare available

Supplies cost range is $8-17

Crown Financial

Ministries:

Managing Our

Finances God’s Way

Led by:

Jeff & Jane Mullahey

(This is a 7-week program)

The Five Love Languages

Led by:Si & Stephanie Weeks

Bob & Peggy RoachJennifer & James

Akins

Parents of Children - Becoming the Parent God

Wants You to BeLeader TBA

Parents of Teens -

Sticky FaithLed by: Michelle Canada,

Richie & Lindsi Hines

Explore Your Spiritual Gifts

Led by: Steve Lympany

Soul Feast: An Invitation to the

Christian Spiritual Life

Leader TBA

Money SpiritualGrowth

Parenting MarriageChildren

Teens

Two Options

Two Options

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Congregational Care— Pastor Valerie Tyson

“If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought

to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” - John 13:14-15

Several years ago, I packed up my bags and moved to Charleston, South Carolina to pursue my dream of studying the Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University.

In the kitchen, whenever the chef called out “demo,” that was our cue to gather around and watch as the chef “demonstrated” a particular skill or cooking method. After watching the demo, we were expected to put into practice what the chef had modeled.

Sometimes when studying the Scriptures, I can almost hear Jesus calling “demo,” bringing the disciples around to pay careful attention to what he was doing.

Remember the Passover meal, for example. Jesus rose, girded himself with a towel, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet. When he had finished, he explained to them that they should follow his example.

Among the lessons gleaned from Jesus is that we are to serve one another in humility and love.

Over the past several weeks, we have celebrated the lives of several members who have gone to join the Church Triumphant in heaven!

While we celebrate their lives, we also grieve the absence of their presence among us. It is a difficult time for family and friends.

During these challenging days, the influence of Jesus upon our hearts and lives can be visibly seen as the church gathers round in selfless ways to serve. Previous commitments come to a halt as visitations are attended, tables are laid with linens, casseroles are baked and ice fetched to cool beverages. Cards are made by hand and sent to family members.

Grief Share classes are offered by loving servants;

“Happy Birthday!”— Pastor Gene Tyson

When Pentecost Day arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a

sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house where

they were sitting. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled

them to speak. Those who accepted Peter’s message were baptized.

God brought about three thousand people into the community on that day. The believers devoted themselves to the

apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers.

Acts 2: 1-2, 4, 41

Grace and Peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we move into the summer season here at FVUMC!

One of the things my precious mother always made sure we celebrated in our home were birthdays! My momma could cook like nobody’s business and baking cakes was her specialty.

Whenever there was birthday to be celebrated, she baked whatever kind of cake we wanted for our birthday party. I loved her 16 layer chocolate cake, and her coconut cake was out of this world. However, my favorite—hands down—was her famous carrot cake with that delicious, scrumptious icing that makes me shiver even to think about. Birthdays at our house were pretty amazing!

On Sunday, May 23, we will be celebrating a birthday at FVUMC in all three worship services. You may ask, “Whose birthday is it? It is the

From OurPastors

Continued on page 8 Continued on page 8 3

Ride For Life – Cycling Missions EventCalling all riders, volunteers and/or sponsors for the 6th Annual TSS Ride for Life on Saturday, June 13, 2015!! The Spiritual Spinners 2015 Ride for Life features cycling opportunities for families with young cyclists on the In-Town Family Ride and five out of town routes ranging from the Leg Stretcher at 30km/19 miles to the Iron Ride coming in at 112 miles for individual cyclists. In addition to the six fully supported routes, there is a complimentary meal with desserts and beverages served after the ride.

To make this year a huge success, we need you! Please consider volunteering to help at the rest stops, bake goodies (muffins, cookies, brownies, etc.), offer vehicle support, set-up, clean-up or cheer us on! If interested, please contact Kathy Wall via email: [email protected].

If you don’t plan to ride, you can support us through donations. To donate, click on “Sponsor the Ride for Life” at bethemomentum.com/event/ride-for-life.

Early registration is available through Thursday, June 11 and is $20 for your entire family on the Family Ride and $30 for individual cyclists. Day of ride registration remains $20 for the Family Ride

and is $40 for individual cyclists.

For Individual Cyclists, registration is bethemomentum.com/event/ride-for-life

For the Family Ride, registration is bethemomentum.com/event/ride-for-life-family

All registration fees, rider, and team donations for The Ride for Life go to charities helping the homeless, the sick, the hungry, and those in need locally and around the world through the following beneficiaries:

• Wake County Habitat for Humanity (habitatwake.org)

• Multiple Sclerosis Society – Carolinas (nationalmssociety.org/Chap…)

• American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org)

• Tour de Femme charities (letourdefemme.org)

• Fuquay Varina Emergency Food Pantry (fvfoodpantry.com)

• Southern Wake Faith Community in Action (helpsouthwake.org)

• Imagine No Malaria (imaginenomalaria.org)

Each charity receives 1/7th of all funds raised.

Mother’s Day Diaper DriveHelp moms who are moving toward self-sufficiency by donating diapers (any size) and wipes for the Caring Connections ministry and partner the Diaper Train. During May, bring your donations to the pack-n-play set up in the lobby near the welcome center. Diapers are expensive, and many families struggle to provide clean, dry diapers for their children.

Please consider donating those disposable diapers no longer needed or new packages of diapers (any size) or wipes purchased. If you prefer to order online rather than at a local store, click here to access an Amazon wish list setup for orders to be delivered to the church on behalf of Caring Connections.

For questions, contact Michelle and Tori Canada ([email protected] 812-219-5553) or Kim Ward (919-577-6551 or [email protected]).

Serving & Sharing

Share God’s Grace with

Families Who Have Hit a Hard Time

Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network is coming to FVUMC from May 10-17. Help us welcome the WIHN families as they make our church their home for the week. The sign up board is out in the lobby, and we would love to have individuals or small groups help with evening hosting or meal slots. Overnight hosts and van driving slots are still open. The families have been very expressive of the welcome they feel at FVUMC, and we are looking forward to being able to bless some more families with your help!

After this visit, the overnight coordinator position will be open. If you are called to serve in this position, contact Stephen Woods (919-696-1494 or [email protected]) or Les and Karen Page at (919-552-7827 or [email protected]).

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Serving & Sharing

Main Street Kitchen - Food Donations RequestedOne 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.

Serving Our Community: Clothing Closet Give-Away Shares God’s Abundance

The Clothing Closet is a ministry offered quarterly to provide free clothes for those in need in the church and community. Our guests receive a Christian welcome, breakfast, printed devotion and help finding what they need.

To make this outreach possible, it takes many hours of setup and organizing donations. Ways you can share the gift of your time:

• Help bring the clothing from the sheds into the building. Trucks needed! Wednesday evening 5/6 at 8pm

• Organize and sort donations Thursday 5/7 & Friday 5/8 from 8:30 am-6pm

• Offer a warm greeting to our guests (or run a vacuum) at the give-away on Saturday 5/9 from 8-10am — Cleanup following

Other ways to get involved include donating trash bags or baked goods/breakfast items for the shoppers and also bringing clothing donations to the church on Thursday or Friday. It is extremely appreciated if you sort donations by gender/size and clearly label each bag.

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

When Natural Disasters Happen, Remember UMCORWhen natural disasters occur, such as the recent earthquake in Nepal and volcanic eruption in Chile, remember that the United Methodist Committee on Relief is a highly-respected option for your tax-deductible gifts to support relief and recovery efforts. Visit umcor.org to learn more.

Learn About Opportunities for Those Who Sew, Knit, QuiltDiane Boyer, volunteer coordinator for the Wake Med Hospital system, will be the guest speaker at the UMW Circle of Faith meeting on Tuesday, May 5 at 10am in the choir room. She will present a program to help us learn about opportunities to make items for infant patients such as hats and soft huggables and lap blankets for adults. Ladies, even if you are not a member of the Circle of Faith, you might be interested in learning how you can serve others using your sewing, crocheting, knitting and/or quilting talent. All are invited to attend the meeting! Following our meeting, we will enjoy lunch together at Cooley’s. The Circle of Faith will not meet during the months of June, July, and August.

Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry

Requests: Canned meat, toilet paper, peanut butter and jelly - No glass jars, please

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2015 Budget SummaryTotal Annual Budget $ 1,514,405.35Budget needed YTD - 4/30/15 $ 452,587.94Received YTD - 4/30/15 $ 465,221.69 Difference $ 12,633.75

Building Fund Restricted Account $ 66,830.56Building (Brick & Mortar Expenses Only) Restricted Account $ 43,500.00 Total $ 110,330.56

YTD Budget Expenditures as of 3/31/2015 $ 336,593.98

Sunday Worship AttendanceApr

5Apr 12

Apr 19

Apr 26

Monthly Average

2015 Average

8:00am 242 65 70 77 114 819:30am 657 340 343 357 424 41711:00am 517 229 351 353 363 315Total 1,416 634 764 787 720 813

FinanceCommittee

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

100 S. Judd Parkway SE Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

phone: 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 CareValerie Tyson [email protected]

Pastor of Christian FormationKevin Johnson [email protected]

Fuquay-VarinaUnited Methodist Church

Music, Scholarships, Buildings & GroundsDid you know you have an opportunity to leave a legacy to future generations? Fuquay-Varina UMC currently has five endowment funds available to receive gifts supporting a variety of areas.

These funds are housed at the NC Conference United Methodist Foundation and the principal is invested in socially-responsible investments. Your gifts are added to the principal, and only the earnings from the investments are available for distribution.

Although several of these funds are named for members of our congregation, anyone can make additions to these endowments at any time.

To give to these funds, note the fund name on the memo line of your check. Donations through gifts of stock are also available. Please contact Joan Thomas, Director of Finance & Administration ([email protected] or 919-552-4331 ext. 107).

Our funds are:

Diana Dale Thomas Endowment – This is our newest fund, created in 2015 by the Staff Parish Committee to honor Diana’s 50 years of faithful service as organist/pianist. This fund will provide for the ongoing maintenance and any needed acquisition of pianos or organs to support the music ministries of Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church.

Dr. W.S. and Pauline H. Cozart Memorial Children’s Endowment – Gifts to this fund are used for the operating budget needs of children’s Sunday school ministries at FVUMC.

Bernard F. and Virginia C McLeod Endowment – Your gifts to this fund, originally created by a donation from the McLeod family, support general operating needs of the church with priority to the general maintenance of the church building and grounds.

Estelle Tilley Fund – Created by a bequest from Mrs. Tilley, this fund provides support for the landscaping around the chapel entrance and also supports scholarships for college students (especially those studying to become a teacher). The scholarship portion of this fund is overseen by the Scholarship Committee, and awards are sent directly to the school.

F.H. Eason Memorial Scholarship Fund of Fuquay-Varina UMC – Established to offer higher education (undergraduate or graduate school) opportunities to members of FVUMC, awards from this fund assist in defraying tuition, fees, books, and educational supplies. Awards from this fund are overseen by the Scholarship Committee and are sent directly to the school.

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Women’s Fall Retreat Survey Planning is underway for a women’s fall retreat. Please give us your feedback by completing a short three question survey (online at goo.gl/forms/6nZDFXpL9E). Your help is greatly appre-ciated! Look for more information in the coming months and plan to attend.

Christ-Centered Community

Book Club Explores Religion, Morality and PoliticsSeeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality and Politics by Adam Hamilton

Everyone agrees that America is polarized, with ever-hardening positions held by people less and less willing to listen to one another. No one agrees on what to do about it. One solution that hasn’t yet been tried, says Adam Hamilton, is for thinking persons of faith to model for the rest of the country a richer, more thoughtful conversation on the political, moral, and religious issues that divide us. Hamilton rejects the easy assumptions and sloppy analysis of black and white thinking, seeking instead the truth that resides on all sides of the issues, and offering a faithful and compassionate way forward.

To join the dinner and discussion on Friday, May 15 at 6:30pm, contact Suzanne Jones at [email protected] or Matilda Storm at [email protected].

Join the College-Age Ministry and Share God’s Love Did you know that FVUMC has a College-Age Ministry? Each member of the ministry adopts graduating high school seniors and corresponds with them during the years that they are students at colleges, universities, or technical institutes.

Members of this ministry:

• Connect with college-age students via text, email, cards or sending small gifts to remind their church family supports and encourages them

• Pray daily for our FVUMC students

• Host a graduation breakfast/brunch every June for high school seniors and their families.

If you would like to be a part of this team, please contact Scotty Barber at [email protected], or (919) 270-4164.

Thank YousOur family thanks you for all of your care and support upon the passing of our dear wife and mother, Virginia McLeod. Your prayers, cards, meals, and presence at her Celebration of Life service were deeply appreciated.

Bernard McLeod & family

I would like to express my appreciation for all that was done to celebrate my 50 years of service as organist/pianist for the church. A more wonderful day could not have been possible! Thank you and may we all continue on for many more years to lift up His name in praise!

Diana Thomas

The Sheets family thanks you! We appreciate all that you did during the last 4 months. We could not have traveled this road without you. With your help we provided Polly with the best medical help through Rex Hospital and Duke Hospital, and care when she came to her earthly home. Now she has gone to her eternal home.

You provided support in so many ways. You prayed for Polly and for us, provided meals, transportation and many more loving and kind things. You showed what a church should be like. Polly received over 16 inches of cards (when stacked), and the family received another 2 inches. I am sure the Postal Service rejoices.

Polly served her church in many capacities at the church she loved. Most recently she served as a Stephen Minister Leader and as Chair of the Memorials Committee. She loved to serve and loved each of you.

Bob Sheets & family

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Congregational Care continued from page 3

Happy Birthday from page 3

In OurThoughts and PrayersWe offer our sympathy and prayers to:

Bob Sheets, on the death of his wife, PollyGloria Keshler on the death of her husband, CharlesThe family of Janie Holder upon her death

Julie Banner, Bob Pavone, Ron Richardson, James Carmichael & family, Jeffrey Tyndall & family, Christy Carver, PJ Ramsey, Bernard McLeod & family, Robert Parrott & family, Terry Bass & family, Jack Bulkley & family, Vikki Casanave, Dan Sass, Mary-Anne Hatch, Bruce Crofts, Fran Sykes, Karen Johnson, Virginia Jones, Mike Tucker, Dale Sullivan, Ann Hull, Koyla Knox, Bonnie Green, Joan Lesher, Doug Jones, Judy Dolan, Cornelia Coble, Vicky Croft, Meredith Kimbro, Tom Myatt, Rebecca Williams, Carol Chambers, David Stuart, Jakob Kish, Mario Marchese, Rob Matney, Cindy Travers, Iris Brown, Tristan Wachter, Logan Thomas, 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

birthday of the church of Jesus Christ birthed 2,000 years ago on the Jewish feast day called Pentecost. It was on this day those 120 followers of Jesus were holed up in a room fearful of being arrested for being followers of Jesus Christ. Then, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit!

This Holy Spirit power gave them the courage to begin sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, and it was Simon Peter himself who stood and preached the first message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. When he finished, over 3,000 professed Jesus Christ as their Savior, were baptized, connected together and became a Christ-centered community who committed themselves to love God, learn God, serve God and share God. And like they say, the rest is history.

As we mark this day let us remember that, although we celebrate what happened 2000 years ago, we continue to celebrate and live into the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the lives of millions of people throughout the world today.

Here is what I know: Holy Spirit comes to live in us for this purpose; so we can live out this life of radical Calvary love for God and for all people so everyone may come to know the saving love of God in Jesus Christ.

As we witness the pain, injustice and hurt in our communities and nation as we have in recent weeks, let us be reminded Holy Spirit has not come so we can shut ourselves off from the world. Rather, Holy Spirit comes into our lives to awaken us to the hurt, pain, suffering and injustice all around us and empowers us to be people of grace, healing and reconciliation. This is what real church is all about, loving God and loving people! To God be the glory.

I hope to see you at the birthday party (see page 12 for details)!

Pastor Gene Tyson, [email protected]

P.S. There will be cake!

phone calls are made. Prayers are offered. A pat on the back is given. All of these gestures are offered in love and comfort. Jesus has provided the “demo,” and disciples through the ages have paid attention.

These are some of the ways we “Serve God” at FVUMC. Thank you, brothers and sisters.

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

National Day of Prayer Is May 7The Town of Fuquay-Varina is hosting a National Day of Prayer service at Town Hall (401 Old Honeycutt Rd)

on Thursday, May 7 from 12-1pm. Those attending will be led in a series of prayers by local citizens and pastors. Donations of diapers/baby wipes and canned/dry goods welcomed.8

Columbarium & Prayer Garden UpdateAs Christians, the church plays a critical role in our lives, providing a place where we gather for all the most important events…from the rosebuds at the altar to baptisms to weddings to funerals…and now, Fuquay-Varina United Methodist Church will provide a Columbarium, nestled within a beautifully landscaped prayer garden, providing a final resting place for the saints of our church. Our Columbarium & Prayer Garden will be located within the alcove in the shadows of the bell tower, and has been carefully designed to match the architectural elements of our church.

This multi-phase project will ultimately provide over 200 niches, 200 memorial plaques, as well as a prayer labyrinth, memorial benches, and a fountain, and will be paid for entirely by the sales of niches, memorial plaques and other memorial elements.

Over the last month, we have received gifts, commitments on the purchase of two named granite benches, and made arrangements for creative financing that has pushed our cash reserves to over $120,000! We are in the process of getting final approvals, but we are happy to report that we now appear to have adequate funds to start construction on Phase 1! Praise be to God!

The price of each two-person niche will remain at $3,000 until construction begins, at which time the price increases to $3,500. A multi-year installment plan is available. And for younger professionals who are concerned that their careers may take them out of the area at some time, rest assured there is a mechanism that provides for refunding your purchase if that happens. Phase 1 will include 88 niches and 40 memorial plaques. Personal selection of niche locations within the structure will be based on order of sales. A variety of named memorial elements (benches, a fountain, etc.) are available and would make great projects for a Sunday School Class or small group. Direct donations are also welcome.

With funds now in hand, we hope to start construction on Phase 1 as soon as possible. If you have been thinking about buying a niche, now is the time, as prices will increase as soon as construction begins.

To learn more, visit fvumc.org/columbarium.

MusicMinistries

FVUMC Handbell Choirs ConcertSunday, May 17 the FVUMC Handbell Choirs will be “in concert” at Universal Healthcare at 1:30 pm. All are invited to join us for music and fellowship with our neighbors. If you have friends or loved ones at this facility, please let them know about this event!

Summer Musicians NeededSummer is great time for special music at FVUMC! Since many of our regular choirs and ensembles don’t meet in the summer months, we have many opportunities for soloists and ensembles to participate in worship. If you have a gift to share, please contact Ashley Kotz ([email protected]; ext. 115) or Jennifer Harrenstein ([email protected]; ext. 105).

Property Matters: Keys, PleaseIf you have interior or exterior keys for our church, please take a moment to contact me. The Trustees are updating the key log out information. We are not collecting any keys; we just want to cross-check our records.

— Peace be unto you, Warren Chesson, Facilities Manager [email protected] or 919-285-8676 9

Children & Families

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

Seeds of Faith PreschoolThanks to our preschool parents who donated many wonderful items for our baskets that we auctioned off at our dinner. Teachers as always did a great job setting up, serving and cleaning the kitchen. We appreciate the support of all the families who participated. We had a great time!

The proceeds of the silent auction are used for many things including our scholarship program, playground mulch & sand, new carpets for the classrooms, and educational toys.

We’re on the final path to graduation, which will be on May 20. We will miss our 5-year olds, who will be moving into kindergarten. Our annual school-wide picnic follows on May 21. As always we can’t believe the preschool year is finished!

We will be having 6 weeks of summer camp for 3, 4, & 5 year olds and still have some openings. If interested please call the preschool office

at 919-557-1568 or check fvumc.org/preschool. Have a wonderful summer!

Time to Register

for EVEREST VBS!This year’s VBS theme is EVEREST where we will be “Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.”

Children’s registration opens May 3 for church members and opens May 14 for everyone. Register children online or download and print a PDF form using the link at fvumc.org/vbs-registration-2015 or pick up a registration form in the lobby on Sunday morning. Adults and youth are invited to use the same website link and volunteer during VBS.

Maybe your days of volunteering to help during VBS have come and gone, but you can still support this ministry by making a donation to help cover VBS costs online at fvumc.org/pay-online so that all children attend VBS for free!

Meaningful Conversations with our ChildrenIn the craziness of our schedules, we sometimes forget to actually engage in meaningful conversation with one another. Our kids are on their i-whatevers, dinner is crammed into our mouths so we can run out of the door to the soccer game, and we tend steal the (much needed) silence in the car on the way home from school or church for ourselves.

The truth of the matter is that truly meaningful conversation is intentional. Because of this, it takes a lot more work!

Some days, it’s all we can do to get through daily conversations without biting someone’s head off. But on those other days, try to engage your family in conversations that you don’t normally have.

I’ve listed below some ideas for conversations starters that you could use at mealtimes, in car rides (especially on those upcoming vacation car rides), or anytime you find yourself wanting some deeper conversations with your family.

Have fun and find a way to use one (or three) of these this week!

1. If my family could repeat a vacation, it would be...2. I’m a great sister or brother because...3. If I could redecorate my bedroom, I would...4. I like to surprise my brother and sister by...5. The best thing that happened to me this week was...6. The best advice I’ve ever received was...7. The best book I ever read is...8. My favorite teacher is...9. I would like to take my family to see...10. The last time my family laughed together was...11. When I grow up, I want to...12. Today, God used me to...13. My favorite Bible verse is...14. One thing my grandparents say is...15. The last time I told someone “I love you” was...16. If I could give my family one thing, it would be...17. If I could create a new family tradition, it would be...18. The talent God blessed me with is...19. My favorite holiday is...20. The last person I gave a hug to was...21. The last app I used on my phone was...

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Youth & FamiliesDealing with STRESS

May is a month that brings us within weeks of graduation – the end of another academic year and just enough warm weather to remind us that summer is around the corner. The lives of our students reach a break-neck pace as end-of-year events are added to already crammed schedules. From proms to exams to final college decisions – this time of year can be especially stressful for both our students and families.

How can we help our students who are struggling with the stress of this season? Ignite Your Faith, an online blog for Christian teens, highlights seven steps to overcome stress in times like these:

1. Admit you're stressed. Is your life so packed with things to do that you can't seem to get anything done? Do you have a gnawing pain in your stomach that won't go away? Do you often forget things you're supposed to do? Are you tired, short-tempered, discouraged? If you answered yes to most of these questions, you're stressed. So admit it, then …

2. Make a list. Write down everything you're involved in, from debate team to math club to youth group to your part-time job. Estimate how much time each week you spend in these activities, as well as how many hours you pour into homework, helping around the house, building friendships, and anything else that requires a significant chunk of your time.

3. Take your list to someone you trust. This person could be your Bible study leader, youth pastor, adult mentor, a mature Christian friend, or one of your parents. Have this person go over the list with you. Talk about why each item is important to you. Discuss those things that are (or should be) most important to you.

4. Prioritize your list. Order your list from most important to least important. Determine

what you need to cut out of your life, then cross those things off the list. Circle the things you want to keep no matter what. Evaluate the "in-between" items and resolve not to feel guilty if you don't do all of them.

5. Practice saying no. You simply can't say yes to everything. You've got to learn to say no, too. If you want to cut down on stress, you need to keep yourself from being over-committed.

6. Think about your use of time. You could be stressed because you simply don't know how to manage your time well. If you tend to procrastinate or are poorly organized, you need help using your time wisely. Ask your guidance counselor or an organized friend for tips on how to use your time better. There are also many calendars and day-timers that can help you. Drop by your local bookstore and check out organizers specifically for students. But remember: A time-management tool is only as good as your commitment to use it. So if you purchase some kind of organizer, use it.

7. Keep God first. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, "[God] gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Place your trust and hope in God and make your relationship with God your top priority. As you do, you'll discover you really do have time for what's most important in life.

(Ignite Your Faith is a branch of christianitytoday.com)

Important Dates in May• Senior Lifeline – May 3• Last Life Group – May 6• Adult Volunteer Appreciation

Cook-out – May 13• M25 Mission Camp:

Participant Meeting – May 17• Senior Seminar – May 17, 27, 31

Youth Offsetting Costs of Mission TripsSummer mission opportunities can be quite expensive for our students. If you would like to help students earn money toward these trips – through yard work, housecleaning, babysitting, etc. – please contact Bobby at least a week before your anticipated need, and he will try to find a student available to help! 11

Pentecost Sunday May 249:30 and 11:00 Worship