NEW YEAR’S DAY COVENANT SERVICE

Just like on Christmas Day, we will have one combined service on New Year’s Day. We will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. There will be no Sunday School, but child care will be available in the Christian Life Center. It will be a very special time of worship all together. The theme of the day will be a Wesleyan Covenant Renewal Service. This is a historic service that John Wesley promoted during the early days of the Methodist movement. Each year at the beginning of the year, Wesley would undertake to renew his covenant with God. We will do that, too, using some of Wesley’s historic lit-urgy. The Scripture for the day is Jeremiah 31:31-34. Bro. Bud’s sermon will

be “Embracing the New Year.” In addition to the Wesleyan covenant renewal, we will celebrate Holy Communion on that day. We will enjoy special music from both the traditional and ConneXion musicians. What better way to start your year than in worship and renewal? Can’t think of any!

MEN OF THE CHURCH WILL “RUN 2 WIN” FEBRUARY 9

The Men of the Church are planning for their 2012 Men's Sum-mit meeting. It is scheduled for Thursday, February 9 begin-ning at 5:30 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. Ken Hatfield, a popular speaker for Christian events, as well as a well known former Razorback player and coach, will deliver an inspirational

message to the men. All the men of First United Methodist Church are invited and urged to attend, and to bring a man or boy with them. It is a great opportunity for a father-son event, and a good way to spread the word about the ministries of First United Methodist Church and specifically the Men of the Church. Tickets for the event will go on sale in January. A hamburger/hot dog feed with all the trimmings will preceed the speech by Hatfield. Tickets are $10 and each ticket admits two people. Buy one for yourself and bring along a friend for the bargain price of $10. Hatfield will talk about God's plan for each of us, and how we should wake up every day and determine how we get involved in doing Christ's work. He was a defensive back on the 1964 National Championship Razor-back football team. Hatfield was Arkansas coach from 1984 to 1989 when the team won two Southwest Con-ference Championships. He is a popular and sought-after movitational and religious speaker for many events. He is known to deliver timely and powerful messages to Christian audiences. The theme for the Men's Summit is Run 2 Win! It is based on 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it". The Men of the Church will be "running 2 win" for God, Church, and community. This is a great opportunity for the Men of the Church to hear an inspiritual message to begin a year of service to God, our Church, and community. Men, reserve that date, February 9, for an outstanding night of inspira-tion, fun, and fellowship.

New Members: Don Massey & Ron Calloway In the Hospital: St. Joseph— Sadie Wingard;

NPMC—Gary McGrew

Released from Hospitals: Max Wittman, Landon

Muldoon

Sympathy: Denver Shuffield (Brenda Durand’s fa-

ther), Ezell Wilson (David E. Wilson’s father), Josephine Booth (Suzy White’s mother), John Vance (Lori Fulen-wider’s father)

THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL JANUARY 1, 2012

10:00 AM (ONE SERVICE IN THE SANCTUARY)

Sermon “Embracing the New Year”

Thesis: There is something inside us that binds us to God.

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31-34

Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves

Hymns: “We Three Kings” “Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine” Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Head Ushers: Paul Dahl, Brooks Clem

Acolyte: Olivia Lawrence

THE CELEBRATION OF THE GOSPEL JANUARY 8, 2012

8:15, 9:30 AND 10:55 AM

Sermon “Grace Is The Word: The Porch”

Thesis: In Everything God is a step ahead of us. Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9

Dr. William O. (Bud) Reeves

Hymns: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” “This Is the Spirit’s Entry Now”

“Amazing Grace”

Greeters

Latt Bachelor Steve Burns Jim Shults Mable Ross John Poe Reba Nickels Eardie Stadler Ralph Stadler

Joyce Whitfield Byron Jackson Karolyn Fankhouser Louanne Louden Carol Pratt

Head Ushers: Paul Dahl, Brooks Clem

Welcome New Member!

Rob Calloway

Estimates of Giving Still Being Received

We have had a great response to our financial commitment drive. At last count, we were at about 96% of our goal for 2012. We are still receiving cards daily, and we will build our budget based on the commitments we receive. If you have already turned in your card, we thank you so much for your support of our ministry fund (operating expenses) and building fund (debt retirement). If you have not yet turned in an estimate of giving, there is still time. Just mail it in or bring it by the church office, and we will receive it gratefully.

Thanks again for your support of the life-changing ministry at First United Methodist Church!

DECEMBER 18 ATTENDANCE RECORDS

8:15 Service………..179

ConneXion…...........254

10:55 Service……....226

Nursery…………….... 16

Communion….……...29 Total……………….…704

Last-Minute Tips...

As we approach the end of 2011, my heart is filled with gratitude. I am always grateful just to have survived another year (especially since I officially entered my mid-fifties last month)! In many respects, it has been a tough year. The economy has still been struggling, although the news lately is better. We have faced challenges at the church which have been unprecedented in my 30 years of ministry. I am grateful for the wonderful leaders of this church who have rallied and supported and been steadfast through the challenges. I am grateful for the church members who have been faithful in giving and attendance and service to our life-changing ministry. I am grateful to the staff who have worked hard and done an excellent job and been creative and passionate about their ministries. Mostly I am grateful to God, who gives us the strength and courage to bear our trials and emerge victorious. My God and I have had lots of deep conversations this year, and my prayer life has become even more precious to me than ever before. What a great God and great church we serve!

Now at the end of the year, we want to finish the race well, as Paul said. As I write this two days before Christmas, all the ads are offering last-minute tips for gift-giving, in case you have somebody left on your gift list. Personally, if I had waited this long, I would be a little bit panicked by this point! As you read this, Christmas is past, and the New Year looms ahead. So here are my last-minute tips to end 2011 well and to start the New Year in a wonderful way.

1. If you made a commitment to support the church in 2011, do your best to complete that commitment by the end of the year. If circumstances have changed and you are not able to do what you had hoped, just do the best you can and don’t worry about it. God knows your heart, and he honors the cheerful and faithful giver. It’s not the amount that counts. We have had a good year, all things considered. We have already paid all our con-ference and district apportionments, and our end-of-the-year bills will be covered. Thank you!

2. If you have not yet made a commitment to sup-

port the church’s ministry fund for 2012, I encourage you to do that. I think we have a great year ahead of us. My goal was to reach the 2010 pledge level, which dipped a little in 2011. We are 96% of the way there, already above where we were this time last year. Only a few more estimates of giving will put us over the top. In ad-dition, we have had $188,000 pledged to our building fund for debt retirement in 2012. This will allow us to pay our note and significantly reduce our principal in the next twelve months.

3. Resolve to grow spiritually in 2012. Not many people make New Year’s resolutions any more. I think resolutions to do better are good to make at any time of the year. As followers of John Wesley, we are supposed to be “going on to perfection.” How about a new com-mitment of your heart, soul, mind, and strength to uphold the church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness (our membership vows)? Deepen your prayer life. Be more committed to regular attendance at worship and a small group. Grow closer to becoming a Biblical giver of the tithe (10%). Find a new or renewed ministry of service to the church or to a mission outside the church that serves the Kingdom of God. Share your faith with someone you know who needs to know God; invite and lead at least one person to a relationship with our church this year.

Wow! Wouldn’t these things make a remarkable and positive difference in your life in 2012?

I am encouraged about the ministry of FUMC Hot Springs. We have come through some tough times, and the building blocks are in place for a great future. I see people whose lives are being changed by what we are doing. I get to hear their stories. I believe our best days are ahead of us. “Forgetting what lies behind and strain-ing forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Let’s join our hearts and hands together and make 2012 a wonderful year—to the glory of God!

Happy New Year!

Bro. Bud New Year Sermons: GRACE IS THE WORD

January 8: The Porch Ephesians 2:8-9 January 15: The Door Romans 3:21-25 January 22: The Den Titus 2:11-14

Make Your Resolution to join the Jesus Revolution!

Michelle Wilkins, michellewilkins1@yahoo.com 623-6668, Ext. 127

CONFIRMATION COMING SOON!

Don’t forget to save the dates…Our

2012 Confirmation class will form on

Sunday, January 22nd beginning

with the “Confirmation Orientation

Class” from 5:00—6:15 pm. Then,

each Sunday from 6:15 – 7:00 pm

the confirmands and their parents

will be invited to attend UMY (United Methodist Youth) in

the Underground! All dates will be sent to each parent

by letter & email.

MP KIDS BRING SMILES TO COUNTRY CLUB VILLAGE!

What a GREAT Mission Trip we had on Sunday, Decem-

ber 18th! Thank you so much to all who participated!!!

I am so PROUD of all our students that sang their hearts

out to the residents of Country Club Village retirement

home this past Sunday night. They did an excellent job

and brought such great joy and laughter to their elders!

The children also delivered Christmas bags to each resi-

dent with candy canes and hand made Christmas cards

enclosed! Way to go MP Kids! So proud that you to the

time to show God’s love to others this Christmas!

Watch your emails for your next MP Kids Mission coming

at the end of January! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

CHANGE OF DATE!

Due to many local schools not starting until January 4th, we have changed the start date

for our Wednesday night programming.

FAMILY DINNER &

CLASSES BEGIN

JANUARY 11th

, 5:00-7:00 PM

The schedule is as follows:

4:45-6:00 pm FAMILY DINNER

5:30-7:00 pm

(1st

-6th

grade) Small Groups & Children’s Choirs

6:00-7:00pm

(PRE-K & K) Bible story time & Choir

6:00-7:00 pm Large Group Bible study

6:00-7:30 pm

“Single and Parenting” class

6:00-7:00pm Marriage Class for adults

6:00-7:00pm

Divorce Care for adults

Teresa Holt, disciple@fumchs.com 623-6668, Ext. 116

A Big Art and Soul Thank You! Thanks to all who contributed their time and talents for our Art and Soul Event this past De-cember. I know your gift touched many in this special season of preparation for the coming of Christ.

Small Group Opportunities for this Winter and Spring

Large Group Bible Study, Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., January 11th

– February 29th

, Life and Min-istry of the Messiah CLC Cupp Hall, and March 22

nd – April 25

th The Path to the Cross, CLC Cupp

Hall. These two studies will cover the life of Jesus through lecture, video and story. Books are available for those who want a deeper study and preparation during the week, but the class is also totally accessible for those with little time and no preparation or study. Teresa Holt is the leader.

Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., January 11th

– April 25th, CLC 207. If you’re a single parent, you’re probably tired, overwhelmed and feeling a bit underappreciated. That’s why we offer a Single & Parenting group—to share tips and parenting wisdom that will help you find rest, hope and en-couragement. In a Single & Parenting group, you’ll participate in video seminars that explain how to: wisely encourage your kids to obey; help your hurting child; eliminate debt; deal with verbal on-

slaughts; and figure out what your emotions are telling you. Plus, you’ll develop meaningful friendships with other single parents, who, like you, are tired of hectic mornings and chaotic evenings, the kids fighting, and a never-ending

to-do list. Julie Allard and Allison Carter, leaders.

Marriage, Built to Last, Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., CLC 203, January 11th – February 15th. This study includes Biblical and practical teaching on six critical topics: Adjusting to Expectations, Learning to Communicate Clearly, Breaking Down Walls, Resolving Conflict, Restoring Sex and Intimacy, and Striv-ing for a Christ-Centered Marriage Whether you’re newly married, remarried, or wanting to improve your relationship, this study provides Biblical and practical teaching to give you tools to live intentionally and love Biblically.

Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., CLC 201, January 11th – April 25th . There aren’t many people around you who understand the pain your separation or divorce has caused. To you. Your family. Your friends. That’s the reason for DivorceCare. It’s a special weekly support

group and seminar conducted by people who understand what you are experiencing. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Sharon Anderson and Byron Jackson, Leaders.

Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.. January 11

th – April 4

th, CLC 215. It may be hard for

you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you’ve probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt

you feel. That’s the reason for GriefShare, a special seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. This group is sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encouragement during this difficult time. Ellen Bynum, Leader.

James, Mercy Triumphs: A Beth Moore Study, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., CLC 207. April 2nd – May 21st . James, Jesus’ own brother started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. In the process learn how you can turn your own faith into ac-tion. Teresa Holt, Leader.

Women’s Art and Soul Retreat, February 3rd, 6:00 p.m. – February 5th, 11:00 a.m. Timberlodge Ranch, Amity, AR. A two night retreat for women on prayer utilizing art and yoga. You will experience a prayer life utilizing your heart, soul, mind and strength. More information to come in the January Messen-ger. To register for these small groups, contact Teresa Holt, 501-623-6668, ext. 116, disciple@fumchs.com or

online at www.fumchotsprings.org.

Dr. Ron Hall, rhall@fumchs.com 623-6668, ext. 118

A SEASON OF THANKFULNESS As we’ve gone through this season of Advent, my heart has been overwhelmed with thankfulness. This has been a special season of worship at First United Methodist, and so many people have given their time and effort to make it spe-cial. The Tribe of Dan has done an amazing job with the sets for The ConneX-ion. They look beautiful and inspiring. From the time you walk into the front of the CLC until the time you take your seat, you see their handy work creating a celebrative environment for worship. Thank you Tribe of Dan for your work each week, you’re amazing.

This year, if you’ve been in the CLC you’ll notice some rather large panels that read PEACE, HOPE, JOY, FAITH and LOVE. These were created in combined effort by a handful of folks. Jimmy Crain built four of the frames a while back when we were going to use them for another project, so thank you to Jimmy for “framing us”. However we needed five, so Andy Calloway and Rob Calloway stepped in to build the last one and did a great job ( it was fun, except for when I almost got my foot nailed to it). The panels were taken to Mountain Pine Schools where Cheryl Sorrells and her students primed them and painted one of them blue, thank you Cheryl. And last but not least, Cornelia DeLee created and painted the words and backgrounds for each panel. She is a very gifted artist and she spent a LOT of time each week prayerfully painting these beautiful panels, thank you so much Cornel-ia. And thank you to everyone involved. I want to also thank the The ConneXion Praise Team and A/V Team for their many hours of work each week. You’re such an incredible group to work with, so talented, so giving, and most of all such great leaders of worship. I’m honored to lock arms with you every Sunday morning and lead worship. Thank you for your dedica-tion to this church and most of all to the Lord. Thank you also to all of the ushers, greeters, communion servers, and everyone that helps make worship special at First UMC. In my last article I thanked our Children’s Choirs and leaders for the wonderful job they did with their Christmas pro-gram, but I’ll say it again, thank you kiddos.

Well, I guess you can see why I’m so thankful, it’s because we have such a wonderful place to worship, and great people that give of themselves to make it happen, THANK YOU!

Mike Lovelady, mlovelady@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 107

Wow! . . . so many people have mentioned to me how blessed they were through our presentation of the

“Lessons, Classics, and Carols” service on Sunday evening, December 11th. It is always a blessing to hear that

others were touched, as everyone worked extremely hard in the months prior giving their best as a choir member,

percussionist, soloist, or bell ringer! Thanks so much to each of you who were part of one of these groups—your

“performance” came right from the heart and made the event so very worshipful!

Many thanks go to Mike Lovelady, Gable Bradley, Brandon Lovelady, and Van O’Rorke for providing the orches-

tra with a percussion section. Thanks, also, to Trent Foreman for videoing and to Bob Adams for sound support.

And one must not forget one of our main worship leaders who provided superb musical support—Lynne Crow.

Thanks so very much, Lynne, for being there for the choir at rehearsals and for your beautiful keyboard accompa-

niment for this event!

It is my wish for everyone that this Christmas and New Year’s holiday will be one filled with both the love

of family and friends and the love of Christ as we celebrate and reflect on His love for us!

Dr. Ron

In memory of Curtis Ridgway

Boyd and Janet Heath

Charlotte Hendren

Katherine Dale

Jim and Marilyn Geurin

Clare Martin

Danny and Jean Daniel

Steve and Kathy Story

The Criterion Club

Fabern and Theda James

In memory of Brown Adkins

Clare Martin

Mickey Launius

Fabern and Theda James

In memory of Catherine Kaufman, sister in law of

Joe and Gretta Kaufman

Clare Martin

In memory of Charles Warneke, brother of Lonnie

Luebben

Clare Martin

Mickey Launius

In memory of Craig Cook, son of Erwin Cook

Clare Martin

In memory of Mildred Ferguson

Ann Shelton

In memory of Rosalea Green, mother of Ricky Green

and Marilyn Coy

Clarence and Brenda Durand

In memory of Rose Hagy

Fabern and Theda James

In memory of Thompson B. Murray, father of Martha

Jane Murray-Munro

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Fleischner

Brad and Stacy Hudgens

Clare Martin

Mike and Kimberly Lybrand

In memory of Denver Shuffield, father of Brenda Durand

Ann Shelton

Larry and Elizabeth Alderman

Saints and Sinners Sunday School Class

In memory of Hilton Keen

Martha Huey

In honor of Ethan Ross, Ross and Carol Jo Atkison’s

grandson

Clarence and Brenda Durand

In honor of Gloria Damron

Nancy Baxley

In honor of Harold and Dotta Alford

Harold Alford Jr., Stephanie Alford, and Ana Alford

In memory of Joe Bob Garner

Craig and Tracy Keaton

Fabern and Theda James

In memory of Joe Evans

Sarah Ramick

In memory of Joe Pascual, Jr.

Clare Martin

In memory of John Vance, father of Lori Fulenwider

Joseph and Gretta Kaufman

In memory of Verna Dokey

Mildred Smith

Neil and Joyce Thornton

Alvin and Mary Ellen Morden

Scott and Terri Seller

Joy Dale Bennett

Craig and Tracy Keaton

Louise Cain

Joseph and Gretta Kaufman

Lurline Birkhead

The Friendship Sunday School Class

Gloria Damron

John and Winona Polk

Ruby Scott Dixie Wilson Lou Boyd Dale and Bridget Kincheloe Crestamath Class

Change of Date WEDNESDAY’S AT 1ST We will be beginning Wednesday’s at 1st on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012. All classes will resume and din-

ner will be at 4:45pm in Cupp Hall. We will be having chili, cornbread, and cake for dessert or salad and baked

potato. Looking forward to a New Year of worship and fellowship with all of you.

Candy Poirier, outreach@fumchs.com 623-6668 Ext. 117

Periodicals postage paid at Hot Springs, Arkansas. The First United Methodist Church Messenger

[USPS 198-840] is published bi-weekly by First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue,

Hot Springs, AR 71901. Subscriptions are 50 cents per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to First United Methodist Church, 1100 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Wednesday, December 28 8:30 am Pilates (CLC 202) 9:00 am Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise (CLC 205) 4:00 pm Intercessory Prayer Group Thursday, December 29 6:30 pm ConneXion Practice (Cupp Hall) Friday, December 30 Offices Closed Sunday, January 1 10:00 am Worship Monday, January 2 11:00 am Celebration Bells (Handbell Room) Tuesday, January 3 1:30 pm Outreach Meeting 5:00 pm Trustee Meeting Wednesday, January 4 8:30 am Pilates (CLC 202) 9:00 am Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise (CLC 205) 11:00 am Retired Old Men Eating Out 4:00 pm Intercessory Prayer Group 5:00 pm Jubilation! Handbells Thursday, January 5 6:30 pm ConneXion Practice Friday, December 23 8:30 am Pilates (CLC 202) 9:00 am Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise (CLC 205) Sunday, January 8 8:15 am Worship 9:00 am Religion and Science Class (CLC 204) 9:30 am Sunday School

The ConneXion 10:45 am Connect Groups 4:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting 5:00 pm Christian Believer Class (CLC 207) Monday, January 9 8:30 am Pilates (CLC 202) 9:00 am Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise (CLC 205) 11:00 am Celebration Bells (Handbell Room) Tuesday, January 10 10:00 am UMW Unit Mtg & Soup Luncheon (Shelton) Wednesday, January 11 7:00 am Pre-K Ella Training (CLC 209) 8:30 am Pilates (CLC 202) 9:00 am Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise (CLC 205) 11:00 am Retired Old Men Eating Out 1:30 pm Knitwit Meeting (CLC 205/207) 4:00 pm Intercessory Prayer Group 5:00 pm Wednesday @ 1st Dinner (Cupp Hall) Jubilation Handbells Wednesday’s @ First Family Night! 6:00 pm Financial Peace (CLC 211) Large Study Group (Cupp Hall) Wednesday Night Youth 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Thursday, January 12 6:30 pm ConneXion Practice Friday, January 13 8:30 am Pilates 9:00 am Ho Hum Low Impact Exercise