Two Important Meetings

Charge Conference – November 4 at 7:00pmThis is our yearly charge conference where we approve our lay leadership, approve a portion of our 2015 budget and handle any other administrative matters that are in keeping with the Charge Conference.

This is an open meeting to any and all church members. Those on Church Council are voting members. A Council meeting will follow.

Church Conference – November 9 at 6:00pmThis is a special meeting to hear a proposal from our Building Team in regards to addressing the space needs of FVUMC. The proposal and presentation have been approved by the Church Council Strategic Planning Team and the Church Council to be presented to the congregation. All members of FVUMC are encouraged to attend. Any full member of FVUMC is a voting member at this meeting.

Renewing Relationship

Pastor Gene Tyson

“Choose today whom you will serve....but my family and I will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

Our last readings in our Covenant studies revolved around Israel renewing the covenant God made with them and refreshing relationships. We are reminded through Joshua’s words to Israel before his death, regarding the covenant question, “Choose today whom you will serve....but my family and I will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

It is in this same spirit we annually ask each member of the FVUMC family to renew their covenant with God and their church family. At FVUMC, we have four membership expectations. Each of these expectations is designed to help you continue your faith journey toward becoming a deeply committed Christian.

We believe fulfilling these expectations will change your life in powerful ways, bringing you meaning and joy:

• To worship regularly

• To continue to grow in your faith by participating in a small group study

Continued on page 2

The leaves are turning colors. Sweater weather and daylight savings time are here! That’s a sure sign that Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

I can close my eyes and envision it now: the community will gather for worship. Psalm 100 will be read, directing the faithful to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Multitudes will be singing “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” Offices will close and families will travel to be home with loved ones to catch up, to feast, and to rest. Sounds good, huh?

However, I can remember a few Thanksgivings that I did not look forward to. As a matter of fact, I dreaded the holiday.

You probably know exactly what I mean. The death of a loved one, a divorce, disappointment, and a broken heart are just a few of the reasons that can make us want to pass over the holiday altogether. As Pastor of Congregational Care, these are my thoughts as the holidays are quickly approaching, and I know there are many who are struggling with hurt.

While I do serve as Pastor of Congregational Care, Pastor Gene reminded us in his recent sermon Saved to Serve that we are all ministers. He often challenges us to “find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it.” How do we go about such a ministry? Let’s think together about the story of The Good Samaritan.

A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went off leaving him half dead. But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him, and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. – Luke 10:30, 33-34

The good Samaritan? He certainly found a need and filled it, and found a hurt and healed it!

It strikes me that the Samaritan took the initiative. He did not wait to be invited as a participant in the healing process.

• To serve God with your hands and feet by volunteering in service and ministry to the congregation, community and the world

• To give in proportion to your income

Each year we ask every member of FVUMC to return an annual commitment card, or online commitment card, renewing their covenant to worship, grow, serve and give their gifts, time, talents and resources as we live into a cross-shaped life.

On Sunday morning November 23 at all three services, we will celebrate our commitments

to God. This is an opportunity as a congregation to express our gratitude to God and renew our promise to being God’s stewards in the world.

The process of prayerfully asking God to guide your decision and making your commitment is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude and praise to God and an opportunity to serve God with your all your heart, mind, and soul.

God bless you as we move into the month that is all about “giving thanks” and living with an “attitude of gratitude.”

See you at the “Renewing” place, Pastor Gene

Find a Need and Fill It as Thankful People

Continued on page 7

Renewing Relationship continued from page 1

Pastor Valerie Tyson

2

Pastor’s Advent StudyImagine Jesus from Mary’s point of view—proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person. Join our pastors on Wednesday mornings from Nov. 12-Dec. 17, for an Advent study using Not A Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem by Adam Hamilton. The study will be held from 10:30am-12:00pm. Books are $11 each. Signup at fvumc.org/advent-study.

DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays Seminar

A special DivorceCare Surviving the Holidays seminar is set for Nov. 8 at 10am to help those facing the holidays after a separation or divorce. This helpful, encouraging seminar features video interviews on divorce-related topics from a biblical perspective, and personal testimonies from people who have experienced the holidays after a marital breakup. Walk-ins are welcome. Questions? Email Thearon Willis at thearonwillis@nc.rr.com.

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays SeminarThe 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 and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow- up discussions were to them.

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, including Christians, tend to stuff their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program.

Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. You will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member, or friend.

No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future. You will also go home with helpful handouts that will get you through the days ahead.

GriefShare seminar will be held November 22 in room 117-119. Any questions, email Kerry Vitkus at kerry.vitkus@yahoo.com or Kathy Davis at whipschip@gmail.com. To register, call the church office 919-552-4331 by November 19.

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

The family and friends of MaryJane Honeycutt upon her death

Earl & Shirley Bowden upon the death of their daughter, Shawn P. Crews

Vicki Bethea upon death of her father, Robert Spencer

The Beth Silveira family upon her death

Paige Wallace, Kim Hicks, Larry Terhune & family, Joan Lesher, Meredith Kimbro, Bob Kinton, Tom Myatt, Rebecca Williams, Doris Green, Earlene Stephens, Carol Chambers, Lynn Rosado, David Stuart, Michael Andrews, JoAnne Upchurch, Jakob Kish, Nancy Nason, Debbie Corr, Mario Marchese, Rob Matney, Annette Ragan, Shane Bridgers, Cindy Travers, Iris Brown, Caroline James, Tristan Wachter, Logan Thomas, Bob Pavone, JoAnn Heiser, Dee Chisenhall, Jeff Fox, Emily Ashworth, Craig Judd, Clay King, Jill Zatyko, Sue Simkiss, Virginia McLeod, André Carson, Mary Rose, Bill Young, Katharine Kinton, Howard Hanmann, Fran Applegarth and PJ Ramsey

3

Covenant:Reading the Bible Onto Our Lives

One of the great challenges that we are presented with in Covenant Bible Study is understanding how the Bible can be a guide for our lives.

I find that we are good at one area or the other; some of us (and our groups) are good at Bible study. We can get at the heart of what a passage is trying to say. Others of us (and our groups) are good at talking about life and trying to see how we live for God in the everyday.

The wonderful blessing of Covenant is the blending of these two realms. For each week, we ask “real life questions” all throughout our session together, and these connect to the Scripture that we are reading.

This Scripture can feel detached or like a historical document when we try to interpret it in the light of our lives. Yet this is the work we are called to do.

My prayer is that as we live into Covenant Bible Study together, we would be formed to see how

Scripture affects and speaks into our daily lives.

More than just “Hallmark card verses” like Psalm 23 and Jeremiah 29:11, we can see how even unfamiliar Scripture texts have something to say for our lives today.

This is why we need each other in our Life Groups. For the work of interpretation cannot be done alone. We need to bounce our ideas, stories, and thoughts off of each other so that we can read the Bible onto our lives together.

— Pastor Kevin

Not in a Covenant Life Group now? The three Covenant sections can be read in any

order - Join the discussion in January!

Register online or call the church office at 919-552-4331.

fvumc.org /covenant-session-2/

“What I love most about Covenant is how diverse my group is. We have eight different people with eight very different

perspectives. I usually come in thinking that a passage meant one thing, but my opinion can change and be convinced by the other members in my group. It’s fun and exciting

each week coming together and really listening to one another.”

“As someone who didn’t really grow up in the church,

I have never really done a Bible study. It is amazing to see what scripture actually says. As I read these stories

in the Bible, I am getting to know God better and grow in my faith. It really helps

to have my Life Group to discuss together how to read these scriptures.”

Here are some stories from some of our participants as they begin to grasp what this means:

Support education on United Methodist Student DayRight now there are UMC young people—who might not have had the resources to attend a school of their choice, or, for some, any school at all—who’ve been sent by you into the world God loves because of your giving to United Methodist Student Day.

This annual offering furnishes scholarships and loans for students attending United Methodist-

related and other accredited colleges and universities. This year, Student Day is 11/30.

When you give generously, you are supporting these students as they prepare for a life that unites faith with knowledge. United Methodist Student Day is one of the six church-wide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church.

4

Serving & Sharing GodNeed for Thursday PM Van Drivers ContinuesA driver is needed each Thursday (no CDL re-quired) to pick up local women participating in the Caring Connections class. It is a very short drive with just one stop to pick up the ladies and bring them to the church in the smaller church van. If you have about 30 minutes around 5:15pm on Thursdays, you would be a huge blessing to this ministry. Please contact Penny Downey at pgdowney@aol.com or 919-413-8415. You can also sign up online at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0544A4AE2EA4F58-vandrivers/

Fuquay-Varina Emergency Food Pantry

November Requests:Cake Mix, Cookie Mix, Hot Chocolate

Community Thanksgiving Service

Supporting Southern Wake

Faith Community in Action (SWFCA)

Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00pm

New Providence Missionary Baptist Church4813 Hilltop-Needmore Road

Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Thanksgiving Meals for the Community

Each year, our church reaches out to the community to provide Thanksgiving meals for those who would otherwise not have a hot meal on Thanksgiving. We are gathering all the necessary food items and volunteers needed to make this mission come together. For questions, contact Tres Prince at 919-387-4512 or tres@the-princes.com.

If you would like to help, use the online sign up form at fvumc.org/thanksgiving-meals or call the church office at 919-552-4331. Please specify number of helpers or quantity of donations:

Name: ________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________

Helpers

Set-up _____________________

Cook/Prepare _______________

Serve/Load _________________

Deliver Meals_______________

Tear Down/Clean-up ________

Donations

Green Beans (Lg cans) _______

Sweet Potatoes (Lg Cans) ____

Cooked Turkeys ____________

Desserts ____________________

For Cash Donations: Checks should be written to FVUMC with Thanksgiving Meal noted on memo line. Donate online at fvumc.org/online-payments.

Help Our Guests Feel Welcome: WIHN Week

Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network is coming to FVUMC – Sunday November 23 through the morning of Sunday, November 30.

Through this ministry, families who are homeless are provided with shelter, meals, case management and educational services.

We need people who will set up and break down the rooms, provide meals, stay over night, provide meals, and serve as evening hosts who will be available if the families want to talk or play games.

There is a sign up board in the lobby with flyers containing details or you may contact Stephen Woods at 919-696-1494 or sr8694@juno.com.

Come and join a team of people who are providing the blessing of Christ’s presence for those going through a season of need.

5

Save the DateMark your calendars for the Kidz NPraise Christmas Musical, Pancake Supper, and Birthday Party for Jesus on Saturday, December 6!

• 4pm – Kidz NPraise musical “ISAIAH JONES and the Seekers of the Lost Christmas Treasure”

• 5pm – Pancake Supper hosted by the United Methodist Men. Tickets available in the church lobby on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.

• 5:30pm – Birthday Party for Jesus. Interactive family event where families welcome in the Christmas season with crafts and games.

Sharing Our BlessingsThe seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas remind us to thank God for all of the many blessings in our lives. Family, friends, health, employment, education, and a loving church family are blessings for which we are thankful. This time of year also reminds us to care for people who are in need. Here are some ways that your family can work together and share your faith in God:

• Operation Christmas Child – Put together shoeboxes to send to children overseas. Choose to send your box to a boy or a girl. Determine the age of the child to receive your box (ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14). Mark the child’s gender and age on the outside of the box. Fill the box with age and gender appropriate gifts: hygiene items, school supplies, small toys, socks, T-shirts, watches, hard candy, etc. Bring the boxes back to the church November 17-24.

• Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network (WIHN) – Families will be staying at our church the week of Thanksgiving. Your family can serve as an evening host and play games/interact with the WIHN families. (See pg. 5)

• Thanksgiving Meal – Bring in food items to be served on Thanksgiving Day. Help prepare the meal or make deliveries. (See pg. 5)

• Operation Share – Support our annual youth outreach project and donate new toys for parents to pick out and give to their children for Christmas. Bring new toys to the church lobby at the end of November.

Contact Amanda Rackley (arackley@fvumc.org) or at (919) 552-4331, ext. 113, for more information.

Children & Family Ministries

Youth & Family MinistriesLifeline Sundays 6:15-8pm — 11/16, 23Students in 7th-12th grade students are invited to join us each Sunday night as we meet together to hang out, worship God, and hear a message that makes a difference in our lives.

Life Groups Wednesdays 6:30-8pm — 11/5, 12, 19Life Groups are places to belong and find deep community and growth in our walks with God. All 7th-12th grade students are welcome even if they have never come before!

PARENTS! If you’re not currently receiving FVUMC Youth Ministries emails,

please contact Bobby Rackley at brackley@fvumc.org to get connected.

Fall Festival ThanksTHANK YOU to everyone who came out to help with the Fall Festival! We appreciate all of those who helped by doing trunks, hot dogs, registration, the bounce house, the games, and, of course, for giving us delicious candy! Kids and families had a blast! We had over 600 people in attendance this year, so thank you for sharing your time with the families of FVUMC and the greater Fuquay-Varina community.

6

Women’s Christmas Tea

Volunteer Sign Up Ladies we need your help to have a wonderful Christmas celebration. Please consider helping with registration, serving in the kitchen, running the dishwasher, donating a dessert or helping prep the food earlier on Friday, Dec. 12.

Also, we need folks (husbands & youth included) to help reset the tables and chairs at the end of the evening. Please let us know if you can help by going online to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f094aa5ac23aa8-christmas

Christmas Tea RegistrationAll women of the church are invited to the 9th annual Women’s Christmas Tea set for Dec. 12 in the centrum beginning at 6:45pm with gathering time and the program from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.

Please sign up in the lobby at the Women’s Ministry table or by contacting the church office during the week. Space is limited. Sign up early to reserve your seat. Reservations are required by Sunday, December 7. We would like to continue our tradition of supporting the youth service project Operation Share by providing toys for families in need. Please bring a new unwrapped toy to donate when you attend the Christmas Tea.

Book Club meets on November 21

The Book Thief by Markus ZusakIt is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist—books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids and with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. To join the dinner and discussion on Friday, November 21 at 6:30pm, contact Suzanne Jones at dsjones@nc.rr.com or Matilda Storm atmatildastorm@embarqmail.com.,

As an act of compassion, he entered into the man’s life story. Apparently, he had some bandages, oil and wine and used those supplies to get right to work at ministering to the fellow. He gave him transportation to a nice bed away from the outside elements and took care of him.

Now here’s the twist: whenever I have been in painful places in my life, I have discovered that I could use my hurt as “bandages, oil and wine” for someone else. I learned that when I reached out to others out of compassion, I felt better!

It helped the other person and it helped me as well. It took the focus off of my own circumstances. Visiting with someone during in their time of need, keeping them company, reading together a passage of scripture, singing “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” or praying together — in those places, Jesus has been wonderfully present bringing peace and healing.

I pray the story of The Good Samaritan will be one that you carry with you in your heart through the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Wherever you are in your journey, continue to keep an eye out for a need that needs to be filled and a hurt that needs to be healed. I ran across this prayer with no author to give credit to but it seems perfect for today!

In deep gratitude for all that You have done for us, we offer ourselves

and our gifts to You- living sacrifices of worship and praise.

Transform our hearts and minds from the inside out;

show us what is good and pleasing in Your sight, so that we may be quick to recognize Your call, and quick to respond. In the name of Jesus,

our Messiah and Lord, Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving! Pastor Valerie

Find a Need continued from page 2

7

Finance Committee Report

One of the most important roles of the Finance Committee is working with the other committees and volunteers, as well as the staff members, to set a workable budget for the upcoming year. As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, we continue to build the 2015 operating budget for FVUMC.

Pray that we will discern where God is leading us, and how He wants us to direct the spending at our church. Pray that we will set a 2015 budget that will help us to do God’s will and keeps us aligned with our vision to love God, learn God, serve God and share God.

Besides prayer, you can also help us set an accurate budget by turning in a Commitment Card on Commitment Sunday, November 23. The cards are really useful in helping us determine how much money we can spend next year.

I sound like a broken record, but as for year-to-date October, our financial and attendance numbers continue to be strong. We give thanks for everyone who participates and shares their time, talents and tithes!

Our ministry revenue is still a little behind budget, but expenses are lower than anticipated, so on a net basis, we are well ahead of budget. We are also ahead of last year’s revenue and attendance figures. We give thanks that FVUMC continues to be a growing church!

If you have a question or would like more information, please feel free to call me at the number listed below, or contact Joan Thomas, Director of Finance & Administration (jthomas@fvumc.org or 919-552-4331, ext. 107).

You are also welcome to attend the Finance Committee meetings held the last Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm. At our last few meetings of 2014, we will review the actuals for 2014 and will also share the preliminary 2015 budget to get directional input and keep the Finance Committee informed on progress-to-date. Feel free to join us if you feel so led or have questions you would like answered.

Donna Massengill, Finance Committee Chair 919-557-5065 or tarheelfan@nc.rr.com

Stewardship of God’s Gifts As of 10/26/14

2014 Budget $ 1,451,687.21

Received YTD $ 1,078,283.50

Budget needed YTD $ 1,130,315.02

October Average Total Worship Attendance 678

Music Ministries

Bell Festival ConcertFVUMC’s FANFARE Handbell Choir will participate in the Capital Area Handbell Festival on Saturday, November 8 in the Kerr Scott Building at the NC State Fairgrounds. This event will feature 30 – 40 handbell choirs from around the area, coming together for a mass ringing extravaganza. The event culminates with a concert in the Kerr Scott Building that is open to the public at 4:00 pm. All are invited!

Lifting Our Praises

Saturday, December 6

4:00 pm Kidz NPraise Christmas Musical, “Isaiah Jones and the Seekers of the Lost Christmas Treasure” at 4pm with pancake supper and Birthday Party for Jesus following

Sunday, December 7

8:00 & 11:00 am Worship Sounds of the Season – Instruments of Praise

Sunday, December 14

8:00 Worship Service of Lessons and Carols

9:30 & 11:00 am Worship Christmas Cantata – Combined Choirs and Praise Band

Sunday, December 21

8:00 & 11:00 am Worship Sounds of the Season – Handbell Choirs

8