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Sept. 18, 2018

Be First To Know!  Check out all that is going on in the church family here!

What is all this talk about "A Way Forward?"
Since 1974 Annual Conference, the UMC has been locked in a debate over our theological views of homosexuality. Every 4 years as we gather to discuss the business of the church, worship together, and decide if any changes to church laws should be made. At that assembly is an equal part of laity and clergy from all over the world. Once again in 2016, our church found itself gridlocked over this issues at Annual Conference. A motion was passed and then voted into life that created a "Commission On A Way Forward" tasked with undergoing a 2 year discussion that would lead to a proposal for a way forward that would perhaps end this quarrel. That proposal would be presented to a special called General Conference for vote and possible acceptance. That Conference will meet in St. Louis, MO in February 2019.
What has emerged from this commission's work, the Council of Bishops leadership, and petitions placed before the judicial council are three plans up for vote: the "One Church Plan", "Connectional Conference Plan", and "Traditionalist Plan".  In overly simple terms, The One Church Plan would allow for changes to the Book of Discipline opening the door for individual churches and pastors to choose how they would handle homosexual weddings and teaching on the subject. Annual Conferences would also be able to choose their own stance on what qualifies a person for ordained ministry. Care would be given to try to ensure conservative/liberal churches were appointed a conservative/liberal pastor that most closely aligned with their view.  The Connectional Conference Plan would allow churches and pastors to choose to align with one of three new conference affiliations: one progressive, one more middle of the road, and one conservative. For instance, a liberal church in a conservative conference could opt to leave the conference and join a progressive conference without loosing their property, etc. The Traditionalist Plan aims to keep the current stance on homosexuality as defined in the Book of Discipline and take steps to more rigorously enforce those rules. I admit that I may be misrepresenting these little in my desire to simplify things as well as my desire to not speak from a position of favor for one plan over another. These facts above at least give you an understanding of what is at stake.
Over the next few months, there will be fussing and fighting over this (it's already begun in big ways) played out in the media. Churches will try to pull out of the denomination and many already have. People will walk away from the UMC. The only thing for certain: no one will truly win. And that is so very sad.
How will this change Fayette FUMC? There is absolutely no way to know at this point. It will be a distraction if we allow it. It could divide us a little if we let it. But until this comes to pass, it should cause us to pray for the future of our church and then simply keep working for the Kingdom. What will be will be-we can't do much to change that. Until then, let's just keep serving and worshipping the One who is "I AM".
If you want to learn more about this Conference or the plans being presented, join others at Winfield FUMC on September 27 at 6 PM for an informational update. You can also search for info on the web-but be careful, as there are many who are add in their presentation of the "facts" on the web.
Many of you have noticed a change in the front office. Devon has taken on additional responsibilities such as our "In As Much Fund" outreach and other tasks in support of ministries of the church that tasked her for time. Before Pastor Steve left, his plan to help her was implemented and that is now almost fully complete. At the most recent SPR team meeting, they discussed and then agreed with the plan.  We have office volunteers who serve from 9-3, Monday through Thursday each week. They can take your phone calls, greet guests, and help get you connected with the help you might need. This greatly helps Devon manage her time. It also gets more lay people involved in the day to day ministry of the church. Rest assured-the services you have come to love and rely on are still here for you. They were only enhanced by more hands and minds willing to serve. Stop in some time and say hello!

Regular Events
Mondays at Morningview, 10:30 each week. Join Scott as he leads a time of worship together. Want to sing, lead, or just visit? You are always welcome.

Bible study every Wednesday at 10:30 AM. We would love to have you join us.

Celebrate Recovery every Thursday night. Leaders at 6, meal at 6:30, worship at 7, small groups at 8. Welcome home!

Fishes & Loaves will prepare and distribute over 500 meals to those in need around the Fayette and Berry communities. The next date they will gather is on October 20. Meal prep begins around 8, distribution about 10:30. This is a great ministry for all ages to be involved.
 
Special Events Coming Soon
On September 20, we will be feeding the high school football team for a pre-game day meal. Team chaplain Sam Junkin will be bringing a message. We will also feed the Middle School team on September 18. We could always use an extra hand-come join us!
 

Join North Alabama Conference leaders for a discussion on September 27, 6 PM at Winfield FUMC.  The upcoming special called General Conference 2019 and the work on the Commission On A Way Forward will be the topics for the evening.



Finance Team, Trustees, SPR Teams to meet as needed on October 21. Admin. Council meets that night at 6:30.

Other dates for events are included in their corresponding ministry area announcements.
 
Next breakfast on October 21 at 7 AM
New Small Groups Adding To An Already Great Lineup!
 
* A new small group for young adults aged 25-40ish has just formed and will meet on Sundays at 10 AM. Facilitated by Pastor Scott and Sarah, this video and discussion driven class has begun with a 6 week series called "Soul Detox."
*A new life group for women is coming soon! Led by Brandi Davis with help from Sarah Smyth, this group will focus on physical and spiritual health, with 30 minutes of exercise and 30 minutes of devotion, sharing, and prayer. They will begin with the Nancy Leigh DeMoss book, "Surrender" as their guide. Exercises can be modified for women of all ages and abilities, so don't let anything hold you back. Time and start date being worked out-stay tuned for the launch in September.
*Soulcon begins on September 17. See ad below for more details.
*We have several adult groups that meet on Sunday mornings at 10, a mid-week Bible study on Wednesdays at 10:30, and a ladies prayer group on Wednesdays. Get connected and let's do life together!
Exciting times are ahead for Fayette First Methodist Youth!  We will be relocating to the third floor!  This is going to be awesome!  We are hoping for a move in celebration around the first of October.
SEE YOU AT THE POLE day is on Wednesday, September 26, at 7:00 a.m. local time. All around the globe, in every time zone, students will be gathering at their flagpoles, praying for their school, friends, families, churches, and communities. SEE YOU AT THE POLE is a day committed to global unity in Christ and prayer for your generation.
 
Saw You At The Pole 2018 will be a youth event sponsored by local area churches for grades 6-12.  This event will be held on the back lawn of First Baptist Church and Common Ground Band will lead worship.  Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a night of worship and word with your friends as we pray for our community, our nation and our world!
 
Summer is drawing to a close, but it’s time to sign up for Summer Camp 2019! BigStuf Camp does NOT disappoint! All students in grades 7-12 are able to sign up to go.  The dates are tentative at this time but is scheduled for June 24-28 at Panama City Beach, FL.  The downpayment for the trip is $60 and is due September 30.  It is VERY IMPORTANT that you submit your payment because we are only able to reserve spots for a short time!  If you have any questions about BigStuf, please see Mrs. Dana or shoot her a text at 205.270.2725.
 
Sign up sheets are own the bulletin board now.
Be on the lookout for all the ways you can help.
All children's and youth ministry volunteers as well as parents who wish to pitch in: please plan to attend a meeting/training event for Safe Sanctuaries to be held on Sunday, 9/23 from 4-5 PM in the Sanctuary.
1st Kids JAM (Jesus & Me) is a time of food, fun, and fellowship for ages K4-6th grade. We meet on Sunday's from 4-5:30.  Upcoming events: 10/7-Hayride at Charlie and Brandi's, 10/14-No JAM, 10/21-Pumpkin Carving, 10/28-Community Fall Festival at Multi-Purpose Complex. See you there!
Exit 456 is for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders a d meets on Wednesday nights from 6-7 at McDonald's, as we gather to eat supper and fellowship.  Our group is based on Matthew 5:16 where Jesus instructs us to "let our light shine!"  All of the kids have an opportunity to share the best part of their day and how they have been shining their light for Jesus. Come join us!
Calling all K4-6th grade kids! Join us
for Sunday school right after early worship
from 10-10:45. While we renovate the
3rd floor, we will meet in the workroom
across from Bro. Scott's office. Please meet
Mrs. August in the hallway at 10
and we'll go together.
Children's Church is for kids age K4-2nd grade.
Kids will be dismissed to the K4  classroom
during the 9 AM service. Thank you! 

SNACKS FOR SCHOOLS
In an effort to provide needed snacks for children at FES who do not have daily snacks, and for those who forgot their snacks, Covenant Sunday school Class is collecting the following for FES:

Chips (NO hot/spicy types)
Capri Sun drink pouches
Hi-C Drinks
Fruit Snacks
Goldfish Crackers

Please-NO PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS

Snacks may be brought to the church office or given to any member of the Covenant Sunday School Class.
Thank you for your help!

 
CHRISTIAN CENTER OF CONCERN FOOD PANTRY
Our usual donation item of Veg-All has been changed to canned black-eyed peas. While you are out gathering for your family, why not gather for those in need too!  Drop off your cans at the giving tree located near Common Ground.
We need CANDY for the fall festival!!  Everyone please bring bags of individually wrapped candy and put in the bin at the Giving Tree located outside Common Ground. Thank you!
Copyright © 2018 Fayette First Methodist Church, All rights reserved.


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