Donations Needed

We are receiving donations toward the purchase of new computer equipment to support First UMC’s new web site. Please indicate “Web Site Expense” on check or envelope.

Email Addresses

We would like to have your e-mail address so we can send meeting notices by e-mail (and save on postage costs). Either call the church office (584-5263) or e-mail the church Administrative and Financial Assistant (Brenda McAdams) at fumcelon@bellsouth.net.

Church Bazaar - November 6

Our Bazaar is only about 1 month away!!!
What are you working on? Are you sewing, knitting, doing woodwork? We can hardly wait to see all the wonderful things you have created! We have had some outstanding workshops, but we need much more. We have several groups that have committed to help, but we need everyone if this day is to be truly successful. Even if you say, “I am NOT crafty,” you can contribute to “New But Not Me,” or you can bake or contribute pecans or a bushel of tangy
apples to sell. You can make jams or jellies! Let us know what you are working on! Contact Shirley (449-4990) or Judy (792-2340).

Troop 75 Pumpkin Patch

Boy Scout Troop 75 will begin their annual fundraiser on Oct. 16. Pumpkin Patch hours will be Sun-Fri Noon-Dusk; Saturday 10am-Dusk. All sizes, shapes and colors of pumpkins available. Come check out the pumpkin patch on the front lawn.

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 24 5-7pm. Children come and trick or treat from "trunk to trunk" in our parking lot, so we need your trunk filled with candy, decorated (if you like) and ready to show our community our First UMC hospitality. SAM will be serving hot dogs, homeade chili beans, cornbread, PB&J, chips, desserts, and drinks as a fundraiser, so come hungry!

United Methodist Men

Join us for a joint breakfast on Saturday, October 23, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. at Saint Luke's United Methodist Church to discuss a joint community project. We have been invited by Saint Luke's to discuss and participate in a United Methodist Men's project to benefit the community. Join us and get involved! Please contact Jon Mitchell, Jim Waddell, or Terry Huffines if you wish to attend this important start up meeting.

Chancel Flowers Price Increase

The price of chancel flowers is increasing effective September 1 to $46.00 (for the two vases).

Women's Fall Bible Study

A Women's Fall Bible Study will begin on Tuesday, September 21. The morning class will meet in the Fellowship classroom from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. The evening class will be held at Marlou Kirby's home from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. We will be studying "Attributes of God." Call Marlou if you have any questions.

Trustee Notes

We had our annual fire inspection, and several areas were noted that need improvement. We have addressed these areas and corrected some of the problems. We have installed two fire extinguishers in the sanctuary per the request of the Fire Marshal. The praise band equipment has been rearranged to allow a path to the exit door. The Fire Marshal said we had to keep a 3-foot "clear" path to the exit doors on either side of the altar area. We cannot have cords or cables stretched across the path or have banners, equipment, or band instruments in that path. There are areas that we need the help of everyone. We cannot stack chairs or store items in front of the electrical panels in the storage closets in the sanctuary and hall. A piece of red tape has been put on the floor in the sanctuary storage room to assist us with knowing where to not store items. Another concern was the exit doors in the narthex area. We need to be aware of where we set up tables and displays. We cannot block the exits with tables, display boards, nametag board, chairs, plant stands, or anything that would prevent anyone from exiting the structure during an emergency.

Please continue to check the exit doors to make sure they are locked and closed when you leave. Please continue to be aware of turning off the lights in the rooms when they are not needed. On several occasions, the lights in the sanctuary have been turned on and left on all day during the week. This room consumes the largest amount of electricity for lighting. If you have a meeting planned for the room in the rear of the sanctuary during the evening hours, plan to use the entrance next to that room. Please do not turn on the lights in the sanctuary and enter through the narthex for your meeting. Remember to be good stewards and help us conserve wherever we can.

Our copier contract was completed since we had to renew this year. Terry negotiated with several contractors and secured us the best deal available. We were able to replace other worn out office equipment at the same time.

Brenda is able to scan, copy, and fax from the new copier now. This has given Brenda more space in the office, and every function is accessible from her computer. You will need a code that is available from Terry or Brenda to make copies.

We would like to thank David Mitchell for helping us with repairing the exit lights in the church, and Jon Mitchell with helping the church in saving money with repairing items around the church and installing the fire extinguishers.

Needed: Flood Bucket Supplies

The MERCI Center needs flood bucket supplies! They will not be able to assemble more kits due to the lack of hand towels, nail clippers, and full-size tubes of toothpaste. If you are able to donate items, a box is in the narthex for your donations! Your help is greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Bray at 449-5651.

Senior Adult Ministries

October 7 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m. SAM Team Planning Meeting (Disciple room)
October 13 (Wednesday) 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Fall Travel Special to Grandfather Mountain has been cancelled due to insufficient interest--not enough reservations to engage Royal Tours and too many to use the church bus. Sorry!
October 17 (Sunday) Begin 4-week Loaves and Fishes Food Drive
October 24 (Sunday) 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Trunk or Treat Hot Dog Supper in conjunction with Children's Halloween Trunk or Treat Evening.
Additional details in October newsletter.

Looking Ahead:

November 4 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m. Sam Team Planning Meeting (Disciple Room)
November 11 (Thursday) 12:00 Noon Observance of Veterans' Day - Special Luncheon
November 14 (Sunday) End SAM's Loaves & Fishes Food Drive
November 18 (Thursday) 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Christmas Craft Workshop for our shut-in friends in the Fellowship Classroom.
November 25 (Thursday) 12:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day Luncheon Everyone welcome! Turkey and trimmings provided.
December 9 (Thursday) 11:00 a.m. Christmas Brunch!

United Methodist Women

We completed 87 school kits and distributed them to local schools and to the MERCI Center. Thanks to all who contributed and to Andrea Bray for coordinating this project.
UMW is selling wreaths and greenery to support local and worldwide missions. Orders are due by October 31. Please consider buying one!
The Conference UMW Annual meeting is October 16 at Methodist University in Fayetteville. See Janet Faucette for a registration form.

“The Purpose of United Methodist Women...
is to know God and 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.”                www.umwmission.org

Theme for 2010 – “To Carry”
“The Power of the Holy Spirit carries us up as the wind carries the kite, and, as we seek God’s will and guidance, God’s mission becomes our mission. We are called to communicate, challenge, and stretch ourselves for more. Staying the same
loses ground.”

UMW Dates

• October 12 (Tuesday) – 10:00 a.m. – The Morning Circle will meet in the Fellowship classroom. We welcome visitors!
• October 12 (Tuesday) – 6:30 p.m. – Sonshine Circle will meet at Red Bowl Asian Bistro.
• October 12 (Tuesday) – 7:00 p.m. – Circle 1 will meet at Jane Carrico’s home (2942 Amherst Avenue, Burlington). Guests and visitors are most welcome!
• October 12 (Tuesday) – 7:00 p.m. – M&M Circle will meet at Maggie Derrick’s and Tina Mashburn’s home.
• October 16 (Saturday) – Conference UMW Annual Meeting – Music starts at 9:15 a.m. – Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. See Janet Faucette for a registration form.
• October 31 (Sunday) – Christmas Wreath and Greenery Fundraiser Sale ends. Delivery is Saturday, December 4 between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Mark Your Calendar for
This UMW Date

• November 14 – UMW District Annual Meeting at Front Street UMC.

UMYF

October 10th~ Regular UMYF (5:00-6:30 p.m.)

        Join us for a snack supper, games, fellowship, and devotion!

        John 1:35-51~  Come Follow Me!

October 17th~  Regular UMYF (5:00-6:30 p.m.)

Music Ministries

Christmas Cantata Choir - Wednesdays 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Chancel Choir - Wednesdays – 7:45pm - 8:30pm
Handbell Choir - Sundays - 5:00pm resuming September 19
Children’s Music Time - Sunday Mornings 9:30am in the classroom.

Gathering Music
We are scheduling gathering music for the next few months. If anyone is interested in performing, please call Beth Zint at 563-4572.

Library News
Wanted – Large Print Books

I have started a new section of books in the church library. Donations of large print books in good condition would be much appreciated.
Ellen Blake, Church Librarian

First School

First School is off to a great school year! The children are all getting settled in and adjusting to their new classrooms and friends. We have so many exciting things planned for this school year, and we can’t wait to get started.
We have 64 children enrolled with 8 total openings in our 4-year-old program and
2 openings in our M/W 2-year-old class; so tell your friends to call me at 584‑4747.
We are happy to announce that our 4-year-old classes are now attending First School 5 days a week! We are excited to add Friday as a regularly scheduled school day for them. Our 2-year-old program has added an additional class to the Friday schedule too! We are calling this class Fun Friday. We have tons of fun and excited activities and adventures planned for our two’s! We are really hoping they enjoy it!
Chapel, Music, Library, and NOW SPANISH!! That’s right! First School is now offering Spanish for Pre‑School. Ms. Amy will visit with our 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes once a month and teach them early childhood Spanish. It’s an exciting time at First School. Thank you for sharing your church with us! First School is truly grateful!
Blessings,
Lenore Kennedy, First School Director