Sermon Schedule

Sunday, April 6

Traditions(8:15, 10:45)

Michael Mattox

ConneXion (10:45)

Zach Roberts

Palm Sunday, April 13

Traditions (8:15, 10:45)Zach Roberts

ConneXion (10:45)

Michael Mattox

Pray with us

Easter Sunday, April 20

Traditions (8:00)

Teresa Holt(9:30)

Michael Mattox(10:55)

Michael Mattox

ConneXion (10:45)

Zach Roberts

Traditions (8:15, 10:45)

Michael Mattox

Sunday, April 27

The ConneXion (9:30)

Bart Patton

(10:55)Zach Roberts

A newsletter for a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. April 2014

Have you ever taken the words from a hymn and used them in

prayer? Our prayer focus for April is TAKE IT TO THE CROSS.

There is a song by this name and the lyrics of the chorus are words

we can use to encourage us to pray: “ Take it to the cross, fall down on your knees, lay your burdens there, leave it at His

feet. No heartache is too great, No worry is too small, Love and mercy waits at the altar of His

grace, take it to the cross.

Living with FaithLAUREN ENGLISH & DIXIE WILSON

A few weeks ago, FUMC Visitation Minister John Polk and I had the special opportunity to visit with the lovely Mrs. Dixie Wilson, mother of our former Senior Pastor Reverend David B. Wilson and to four children, grandmother to 10 grandchildren and great grandmother to 11 great grandchildren. Dixie loves to see her family when they come in town and when she can’t see them in person, she told me she keeps up with them on social media. “I have a Facebook to look at everyone else’s. There was a picture a few weeks ago of David and Wyatt with a big fish David had caught,” she said. Dixie’s face lit up telling me how she met “Coach,” her late husband Irvin, while he was coaching football in Bearden. “My sister told me to quit calling him that,” said Dixie, “she said it sounded funny coming from me, so I called him Irvin.” Dixie and I realized while we were talking that she and my great grandmother Sam used to play cards together when she lived in Stamps, Arkansas back in the late 60s. My favorite part of our visit was when she shared with us how she has relied on her deep faith. “I have a devotional book that David gave to me that I read every morning,” said Dixie. Just as she said this, she held the book close to her and I snapped the photo you see pictured. Shortly after, John shared a devotional with us and read the verse from Proverbs that states, “Don’t let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Bind them on your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.” (Proverbs 3:3). Dixie told us her granddaughter Donna stitched her one of her favorite quotes and it still hangs on her wall to this day: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.” At 98 years old, and the oldest living member of FUMC Hot Springs, Dixie Wilson inspires me and I know she will inspire you, too... I was born into a Methodist family in Bradley, Arkansas, the sixth of seven children. My father attended Hendrix College. My parents donated land for the town’s Methodist church. He also donated land for a black church and cemetery near Walnut Hill, just outside of Bradley. My dad died when I was 15. Due to passing two grades in one year, I graduated high school when I was 16. I left for college that summer with a close friend. Following 2 years of college, I began teaching at the Methodist Orphanage in Ruston, LA. I taught there 2 years and moved to Bearden, AR to teach. Soon after moving to Bearden, I met Irvin Wilson, the football coach. In February, after arriving there in September, he and I married. That summer, we went to the University of Texas in Austin.

In Texas, my husband and I had four children, David, Sandra, Neal and Ron. I completed my college degree and taught elementary school 27 years. My husband was a school superintendent. When he retired in 1967, we moved to Stamps, AR. He died in 1984, our grandson died in 2001, and our son, Neal, died in 2008.

I have been active in the church throughout my life. I have taught Sunday School, been active in the Women’s Society of Christian Service, the Wesleyan Service Guild, and the United Methodist Women. My husband and I were lay members to Annual Conference, and following his death I continued as a lay member to Annual Conference. I have been in numerous Bible studies across the years.

I learned the importance of having faith in God early in life. The death of my father, seeing my mother have to carry on following my father’s death, leaving home young for college, and having brothers in World War II made faith important in my life. Prayer has nurtured my spirit. To nurture my faith, I begin each day with a devotional and prayer. In my 98th year, I look back across the years and at the present with a thankful heart. I’m thankful that all of my children have been active in their respective church throughout their lives. I’m thankful that my grandchildren are also people of faith. “I’m just thankful for every minute,” she said. We are thankful for Dixie and her faith!

Sunrise Service(6:30)

Michael Mattox

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In our prayers...

What is the Board of Stewards?REV. MICHAEL MATTOX

Friday, April 4 Saturday, April 5

Confirmation RetreatSunday, April 6

Confirmation SundaySunday, April 6

Youth Pyramid Night w/ Sean Michel BandMonday, April 7

Board of Trustees MeetingSaturday, April 12

District Youth RallySunday, April 13

Easter Egg HuntThursday, April 17

Maundy Thursday Service Friday, April 18

Good Friday Service Sunday, April 20

Easter SundaySunday, April 27

Underground SuperBingo

Christian Sympathy is expressed to Greg and Candy Poirier in the recent in passing of Dorothy Poirier. Christian Sympathy is also expressed

to the Breckenridge family in the recent passing of Jerry Breckenridge. Also, we lift

Angie and Tom Freeman in the recent passing of Angie’s mother. Our prayers are with

Beverly & Lanny Gorman in the recent passing of their nephew

Don Graves, Jr. Join us in praying for all of these families

at this time.

The key responsibility of the Board of Stewards of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs is to provide servant leadership as the executive agency of the 2,100 member congregation through the Charge Conference. It is a historic agency, connecting the individual congregation with more than 600 other United Methodist Congregations in Arkansas who share a common goal: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Several years ago, the congregation declared that goal to be lived out locally in the following manner: To be a community of faith connecting people to God, to each other, and to the world. The Board of Stewards have as their chief responsibility the implementation of this goal and declaration and oversees its administration and program. Ten responsibilities of the Board are:· To study the hopes, concerns, and needs of people in our community and congregation to determine how we might serve them and how they may serve one another as Christian disciples.· To initiate planning, establish goals and objectives, develop programs, and evaluate effectiveness of the ministry and mission of the congregation.· To plan and carry out programs that fulfill the congregation’s ministry of nurture, outreach, and witness.· To encourage understanding of and commitment to inclusiveness in the life of the congregation.· To provide for effective pastoral and lay leadership for the mission and ministry of the congregation.· To recommend to the charge conference the compensation, housing needs, and benefits for the pastor(s) and other staff after receiving recommendations from the committee on pastor-parish/staff relations.· To fill vacancies in positions between meetings of the charge conference, upon the recommendation of the committee on lay leadership which makes nominations.· To provide for financial support, physical facilities, and the legal obligations of the local congregation.· To maintain the congregation’s connection with appropriate district and annual (statewide) conference programs and structures.· To be accountable to the Charge Conference.*adapted from the 2000 and 2012 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church

In other United Methodist congregations, this leadership body is sometimes called the Church Council, the Administrative Board, the Administrative Council, or a variety of other names. Yet, the chief aim is always the same… to provide servant leadership and guidance so a congregation can be effective in being a representation of the body of Christ! Elected to this Board, members serve a three-year term, and there are three yearly “classes” of leadership, allowing for continuity and familiarity with the governance of the church. Your prayers for these individuals is most appreciated. They meet in session at least four times each year on a Sunday afternoon at 5:30 pm. If you’d like to attend a meeting of the Board of Stewards, please know that you are invited to attend as a guest. Let the church office know (501.623.6668), and we’ll be sure to include a dinner for you too! The meetings this year are scheduled as follows: April 27, July 20, November 16. The November meeting of the Board of Stewards is convened as a Charge Conference and the District Superintendent presides and is our guest as well as our officiating officer of the conference. I hope you will get to know these members who have a servant’s heart. Let them know you appreciate their willingness to serve and pray for them!

2014-2016 BOARD OF STEWARDSChair - *Libby Vines

Vice-Chair - *Trent ForemanSecretary - Tina Pullin-Hendrix

Lay Leaders - *Julie Holt & Tim EnglishLay Members to Annual Conference:

Mary Beth Vowell, Kate Schaffer, Gary Kandlbinder, Travis Morrissey, Allen BedellPresident of United Methodist Women - Gail Elsea

President of United Methodist Men - Chuck DudleyRepresentative, United Methodist Youth - TBE

Sunday School Superintendent - Dot BrownChurch Historian - Joyce Thornton

Ministry Planning Team Chairs*Hospitality - Brooks Clem

*Missions - Jerry and Marlene Bush*Worship - Monica Shults

*Family Life - Buddy and Sybil Laing*Discipleship - Steve Burns

*Nurture - Brenda RichardsonAdministrative Team Chairs

*Staff-Parish Relations - Karen Dooley*Stewardship and Finance - Kyle Roper

*Trustees - Ed Copeland*Committee on Lay Leadership- Nan Clem

*Designates members of Executive Committee TBE = to be elected

reThink Easter 2014

On Maundy Thursday, April 17th we will offer dinner in the Christian Life Center at 5:30 p.m. with a communion service following in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m. We will also have a Good Friday Service on Friday, April 18th at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. There will be 6 worship opportunities for you to attend on Easter Sunday, April 20th! Join us for worship at Arlington Park in Downtown Hot Springs at 6:30 a.m. with a message from Rev. Michael Mattox for what is always a special way to start the most joyous day of the year. At 8:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, Rev. Teresa Holt will preach in the Traditions service and Rev. Michael Mattox will preach immediately following in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. Across the street in the Christian Life Center, Youth Pastor Bart Patton will offer the message in The ConneXion with Rev. Zach Roberts preaching in The ConneXion at 10:55 a.m. Lastly, Rev. Michael Mattox will preach in the Traditions service at 10:55 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Now that you have the lineup for Holy Week, we look forward to seeing you for worship. We hope to see you before then, too!

Tuesday night, February 25th, was an incredible night of worship, storytelling and testimony at the First United Methodist Church, Hot Springs Christian Life Center. 250 men and young boys joined together for food, fellowship, worship and to listen to Larry & Janice Brown share their hearts and witness. As many people know, SEAL team SIX Operator and Hot Springs native Adam Brown left a legacy that is both inspirational and relatable.

During the program Larry shared, “We know that some of Adam’s last words were ‘I’m okay.’ Do you know that you are okay with the Lord? We will all have a moment when will meet Him face to face. What will that moment be like for you? Will He say, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” It is so simple, really. Go to John 3:16. God gave His son so that we could have eternal life.”

We at FUMC Hot Springs are so grateful for Adam's life and the impact he had on others and on our country! He was truly a man of honor. Thank you to Janice and Larry for being our featured guests for the 2014 "Men of Honor" Men's Summit! It was a night we will not soon forget.

2014 Men’s Summit

April Calendar

Saturday, April 26Men of the Church Work Day 7:30 AM “Created by God” Workshop 8:45 AM

Sunday, April 27Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMTraditions/Philander Smith Choir 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMCoffee w/Pastors 9:30 AMChancel Choir Warm up 10:15 AM Traditions/Philander Smith Choir 10:45AMConneXion Worship 10:45 AM Financial Stewardship Meeting 2:30 PMPPRC Meeting 3:00 PMYouth Superbingo Night 5:00 PMBOS Meeting 5:30 PM

Monday, April 28Pilates 8:30 AMDisciple III 9:30 AMCelebration Handbells 11:00 AM

Wednesday, April 30Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMRomeo 11:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 4:00 PMJubilation’ Handbells 5:00 PMChancel Choir 6:15 PMConneXion Practice 6:30 PM

Tuesday, April 1Outreach Meeting 1:30 PM

Wednesday, April 2Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMRomeo 11:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 4:00 PM Wednesdays @ First 4:45 PMJubilation’ Bells 5:00 PMLast Confirmation Class 6:00 PM Chancel Choir 6:15 PMYouth/S (9-12) 6:30 PMConneXion Practice 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 3Jesus in the Gospels 9:00 AMConneXion Design Team 11:00 AM

Friday, April 4Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMConfirmation Retreat

Saturday, April 5Confirmation Retreat

Sunday, April 6Confirmation Sunday *All 3*Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMTraditions Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMChancel Choir Warm up 10:15 AMTraditions/ConneXion Worship 10:45 AMEvangelism meeting 3:30 PMJesus in the Gospels 4:00 PMFinancial Peace Class 5:00 PMBible Study (Disciple I) 5:00 PMCompanions in Christ 5:00 PMYouth Pyramid Night (Joint) 5:00 PM

Monday, April 7Pilates 8:30 AMDisciple III 9:30 AMCelebration Bells 11:00 AMLectionary Bible Study 2:00 PMBoard of Trustees Meeting 5:15 PM

Tuesday, April 8O’Brien - Thornton 10:00 AMHelen -Wilson Circle 10:00 AMRogers - Moore 10:00 AMJayne Murphy Circle 1:30 PM

Sunday, April 20Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 AMEarly Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMEaster Traditions Worship 8:00 AMEaster Traditions Worship 9:30 AM Easter ConneXion Worship 9:30 AMChancel Choir Warm Up 10:15 AMEaster Traditions Worship 10:55 AMEaster ConneXion Worship 10:55 AM

Monday, April 21Pilates 8:30 AMDisciple III 9:30 AM Celebration Handbells 11:00 PMUMW Board Meeting 1:30 PMLectionary Bible Study 2:00 PM

Wednesday, April 23Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 4:00 PMJubilation’ Bells 5:00 PMChancel Choir 6:15 PMConneXion Practice 6:30 PMYouth/ S (9-12) 6:30 PM Thursday, April 24Jesus in the Gospel (Last Class) 9:00 AMConneXion Design Team Mtg. 11:00 AM“Created by God” Parent Mtg. 6:00 PM

Friday, April 25Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AM“Created by God” Workshop 6:00 PM

Wednesday, April 9Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMRomeo 11:00 AMKnitwit Meeting 1:30 PMIntercessory Prayer Group 4:00 PM Wednesday @ First 4:45 PMJubilation’ Bells 5:00 PMChancel Choir 6:15 PMYouth/S (9-12) 6:30 PMConneXion Practice 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 10Jesus in the Gospels Study Class 9:00 AMConneXion Design Team Meeting11:00 AM

Friday, April 11Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low impact Exercise 9:00 AM

Saturday, April 12“Kindergarten Here We Come” 9:00 AM2014 District Youth RallyScreenings/Games 3:00-5:00 PMFood/Program 5:00-8:00 PM

Sunday, April 13Palm Sunday Parade *All 3*Early Service Choir Rehearsal 7:45 AMTraditions Worship 8:15 AMSunday School 9:30 AMChurch Tour 9:30 AMChancel Choir Warm up 10:15 AMTraditions/ConneXion Worship 10:45 AMEaster Egg Hunt 3:00 PM Youth Underground J 5:00 PMYouth Worship Arts S 5:00 PM

Monday, April 14Pilates 8:30 AMDisciple III 9:30 AMCelebration Bells 11:00 AMYAC 3:30 PM

Tuesday, April 15 Methodist Men’s Breakfast 7:00 AMNew Legacy Circle 5:30 PM

Wednesday, April 16Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMRomeo 11:00 AMIntercessory Prayer Group 4:00 PM Jubilation’ Bells 5:00 PMChancel Choir 6:15 PMConneXion Practice 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 17 Jesus in the Gospels 9:00 AMConneXion Design Team Mtg. 11:00 AMXYZ Luncheon 11:30 AMMaundy Thursday Dinner 5:30 PMMaundy Thursday Service 7:00 PM

Friday, April 18Pilates 8:30 AMHo Hum Low Impact Exercise 9:00 AMGood Friday Tenebrae Service 7:00 PM

Special GiftsIn Memory of Claudia Van Deusen From Rick & Diane Blagg From Laurence & Joan Adkins From Mr. & Mrs. Clay White From Steve & Rene’ Burns From Dr. & Mrs. Cecil Cupp IIIIn Memory of George Bachelor From Rick & Diane Blagg From Jeslyn McCLeary From Jim & Lynn Monk From Katy B. Walt From Laurence & Joan Adkins From LaDonna Twyford From Chamber of Commerce From Jim, Monica, & Kristin From Marvin & Martha Rodwick From Graham & Julie Holt From XYZ Sunday School Class From Louise Bray From Lee & Sue Tucker From Jesse Page Walt From Steve & Rene’ Burns From Dr. & Mrs. Cecil Cupp III From Sam & Liz Stathakis From Alvin & Maryellen Morden From Anne F. CopemanIn Memory of Wanda Dodson From Rick & Diane BlaggIn Memory of Lawrence (Larry) Garrison From Joseph & Gretta Kaufman From Sonny & Jo GastonIn Memory of Glo Atkinson From Joseph & Gretta KaufmanIn Memory of Stanley Seba From Joseph & Gretta Kaufman From Laurence & Joan Adkins From Graham & Julie HoltIn Memory of Raymond Miller From Jim, Monica & Kristin Shults From Michael & Judy Mattox From Luanne Louden

In Memory of Raymond Miller From Jim, Monica & Kristin Shults From Michael & Judy Mattox From Luanne Louden In Memory of Michael Price (Brother of Cynthia Purnell) From Sonny & Jo Gaston From Lou Boyd From Steve & Rene’ BurnsIn Memory of John Robert Woodall From Sonny & Jo Gaston From Sam & Liz StathakisIn Memory Of Dorothy Poirier From Mildred Smith From Latt & Terri Bachelor From Ann Shelton From Reba Nickels From Doris Robey From Norma Blanton From Esther Leone KladyIn Memory of Vondell Van Bebber From Steve & Rene’ Burns From Dr. & Mrs. Cecil Cupp IIIIn Memory of Wini Lyell From Dee Anna FormbyIn Memory of Lehman Henderson From Dr. & Mrs. Cecil Cupp III In Memory of Dorothy Poirier From Mildred HardinIn Memory of Bill Muse From Anne F. CopemanIn Memory of Jerry Breckenridge From Latt & Terri BachelorIn Honor of the Birth of Andrew DavisGrandson of Richard & Debbie Van Bebber

Spring Events at the CDCLESLEE JONES

MICHELLE WILKINSKids ROCK missions group paves the way!

“…and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6

We are so VERY proud of FUMC’s Kids ROCK missions group! Their passion and dedication to reaching out to our community has become contagious and has paved the way for our church to take part in a very meaningful relationship with Langston Elementary School. Throughout the school year the kids have done a wonderful job of collecting school supplies, socks, shoes, coats, Angel Tree gifts, Clorox wipes, Kleenex, playground toys and more for the children at Langston. These beautiful acts of kindness each month from our children have challenged the adults in the church to step up and help, too! FUMC is now helping with a mentoring program at Langston. As well, we have provided books to the school, volunteers to run the backpack food program, spent an afternoon cleaning up the exterior of the campus, and even provided a Fall Festival for the school’s rewards program! Special thanks to Harmony Morrissey, Christy Campbell, Beth Roberts, and Andrea Hamby, Kids ROCK Directors, for their leadership and vision for this program! These ladies along with many of our parents have truly allowed Christ’s light to shine through them as they became the hands and feet of Jesus by teaching our children to give back to those in great need in our community. Thank you to everyone who has helped with this great adventure! I pray that we continue to let His light shine in 2014 and beyond through our children’s help!

Attention Parents of Children who will be entering Kindergarten this Year!You are invited to attend a Kindergarten Readiness event: an event planned for parents, children, and teachers.Families can visit the Learning Stations focusing on the seven categories of indicators of Kindergarten readiness.Visit the Social and Emotional Station where LesLee Jones, Director, and teachers from the Child Development Center will share hands-on experiences for children and important information for parents and other family members.

LesLee Jones, DirectorChild Development CenterMember of the Kindergarten Readiness Planning Committee

The Child Development Center will be having a fundraiser starting April 1st. We will be putting envelopes and Art work up on a board for all to see. The envelopes will have dollar amounts and the art work will sale for that amount. Everyone is encouraged to “Buy” a work of art for the envelope amount and return it to the church office. The funds will be used for scholarships to the Child Development Center.The Child Development Center will be having Early Registration for Summer 2014 and Fall 2014, Ages 6 weeks to 6th Grade on April 14-25. Please call or email Mrs. LesLee if you or someone you know might be interested in joining our program.

Event: Kindergarten – Are We Ready?Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AMSite: First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center

Children’s Ministries

Attention parents of children ages 2nd grade and under! Our Annual FUMC Easter Egg Hunt will be hosted at the home of Davin and Jamie Anderson (282 Twin Oaks Drive) this year on Sunday, April 13, from 3 to 5 PM. Remember to bring your lawn chairs! The mission of the event will be the FUMC Open Arms Food Pantry. Bring any of the following items: shampoo, toothpaste, bar soap, powder laundry detergent, larger-sized diapers (size 4-5’s &/or Pull-ups) Your help is needed! We need lots of candy for the hunt (no chocolate please)! Drop off bags of individually wrapped candy in the Christian Life Center Atrium in the marked container. Donations for candy/eggs are also needed! You may make a donation through the church office or offering plate, simply denote on the check or envelope “Easter Egg Hunt”. In the event of inclement weather…check facebook.com/FUMC Hot Springs for updates.

Outreach MinistriesCANDY POIRIER

BART PATTON

Event: Kindergarten – Are We Ready?Date: Saturday, April 12, 2014

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AMSite: First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center

BUS DRIVERSWe are in need of bus and van drivers for Sunday mornings. If you are interested and have a CDL license or would like to obtain one for the bus, no need of one for the vans, please contact Candy Poirier for more information. We only have 2 drivers at this time, Candy Poirier and Bob Borg and we are desperately in need of more help.

XYZ LUNCHEONAll are invited to XYZ’s potluck luncheon in the Shelton Room of the Christian Life Center on Thursday, April 17th at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy the fellowship and fun with our Seniors here at church! We will be checking out the new handicap lift and exploring the Underground Youth area. Hope to see you all there.Men of the Church Work dayJoin the Men of the Church as they join together as a team Saturday, April 26th to tackle some projects around our church campus! Questions? Contact Bill Cluck at whcluck@aol.com.

OPEN ARMS PANTRYOpen Arms Food Pantry is going great thanks to all of the support we are receiving from everyone. We are always in need of toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary napkins, soap and washing detergent. We try to help out the families as best we can with what we have on hand. You may leave these items in the Christian Life Center’s Welcome Center or at the Pantry beneath the Sanctuary. We are seeing more families and as summer approaches, there will be even more with children at home during the day. Keep this ministry in your prayers. As Psalm 60:12 says, “With God’s help we will do mighty things…”

Rio Bravo Mission Trip 2014 June 1-8Rev. Jim Benfer will again be leading the construction and medical mission to Rio Bravo, Mexico. This will be the eighth consecutive year that our church will send a group to this Volunteers in Mission site. Besides the usual medical and construction aspects, volunteers will assist in vocational training-sewing-for the local women and VBS for the children. Volunteers who sew and love to teach are especially welcome.For more information contact the church office or Dr. Lou Poole (870-867-2932) or by email at stuff4drlou@yahoo.com.

UMCOR MISSION TRIPUnited Methodist Committee on ReliefGet ready for our trip to Baldwin, La., September 7-12. Registration forms are on the Welcome Desk in the Christian Life Center. The cost is $255 a person which takes care of all meals (except Wednesday evening), and lodging. Your money and forms are due by August 1, 2014. If you plan to go, please call Candy Poirier at 623-6668 ext. 117. We have a total of 10 spaces available. This is always a great and rewarding trip.

COFFEE WITH THE PASTORSIf you are visiting the church, a new member, or would like more information about First United Methodist Church, please join us for Coffee with the Pastors. This is an informal gathering to get to know the Pastors, staff and to get connected to the church. If you plan on attending, please call the church office and leave your name and phone number with Lanette (church secretary). Please join us for coffee and conversation, Sunday, April 27th at 9:30 a.m. in the Christian Life Center’s Shelton Room.

Mike’s Mic

Spotlight onIt takes someone of “sound mind” to keep a lot of the Audio Visual going in The ConneXion, and David Bedell definitely has proven he has it! David has been a part of The ConneXion almost since the service first began over six years ago. David is another one of those that has a “behind the scenes” job, but his work is definitely “out front”. He runs the sound board and runs the computer slides that are projected on the screens, and sometimes BOTH at the same time. David has a great feel for where the sound needs to be set, and does a great job when new volunteers come back to be trained. Running sound is a very important part of The ConneXion, each week is different. If you don’t have a good mix out front, it can hinder peoples worship experience, so it’s great to know you have someone like David turning the knobs. David has been so faithful to The ConneXion, and he’s passionate about his faith and his commitment to First UMC. Thank you David Bedell for your ministry in The Connexion and at FUMC.

Hats off to our Worship Arts Team for their leadership during the ConneXion service in March. They always do a great job add so much to the worship experience. They will be leading the Maundy Thursday Service on April 17th at 7PM. This is big undertaking for them, but they always step up to the plate and deliver. Their creative minds are flowing as we speak (or write), and I know you’ll appreciate the worship service they’re planning. Thank you Worship Arts, for your hard work!

Come join our newest small group meeting on Sundays in the Christian Life Center, 104 at 9:30 a.m. This group is for 20 somethings and and those in their early thirties. This small group began meeting this March and is planning on a fellowship get together in the late Spring.

ALIVEAlive is a Sunday Small Group for those with elementary children that meets in the Christian Life Center, 201 at 9:30 a.m. This group is currently studying The Power of a Whisper and how God speaks to us in our everyday life. If you would like more information on either of these groups, contact Teresa Holt, 501-623-6668 or show up on a Sunday morning.

MIKE LOVELADY

TERESA HOLTCheck out some of our new Sunday Small Groups!

First United Methodist Church1100 Central AvenueHot Springs, AR 71901

MIKE LOVELADY

This time last year, our staff at FUMC Hot Springs was being “ignited” at the LCI 2013 Ignite Conference at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. After one of the sessions, they were able to talk with Pastor Adam Hamilton of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.

Flash forward a year later, Adam Hamilton has released his latest book, Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today, that addresses several questions relating to the nature of scripture. On his website, Hamilton states, “I had several aims in writing this new book. The first was to start a conversation I believe the church must have about what scripture is, how God has spoken through it, and how much latitude we have in asking questions of what we read in the Bible. I also hope to help readers see when, why, and how the Bible was written, and how its various books came to be considered scripture and why. In several chapters I consider the issues of the Bible’s authority, inerrancy, and infallibility. In addition, I offer a suggestion for what does and what does not constitute a “high view of scripture.” You can read more about this book on Hamilton’s website by visiting: http://www.adamhamilton.org/blog/view/153/making-sense-of-the-bible-an-attempt-at-an-honest-yet-reverent-view-of-scripture#.UyxTdNx7GFX.

Pastor Adam Hamilton pictured with some of our FUMC staff last April in Tampa, FL!