November 21, 1008  

PREACHER'S NOTES:    Folks:

  We've been making Thanksgiving preparations for some time now: coordinating menu items with family members, making sleeping arrangements, counting plates and chairs. While the significance of this holiday is probably very similar to that in every other home of our congregation, this one warms my heart in a most special way. We will welcome all the members of the Staton Family to our new home for Thanksgiving Dinner. We'll catch up on all the news and we'll remember those no longer among us.

    We'll give thanks to God for each other, for our homes, and for these United States. You can be sure that your Pastor and Miss Emma will whisper a prayer of sincere gratitude for our wonderful congregation at Faith Harbor. We hope your Thanksgiving is full of warmth, fellowship, gratitude, and hope.

Love, Preacher

SUNDAY'S SERMON AND TEXT:  “You Did It”    Matthew 25:31-46

“SIMPLY CLAY” will be with us this Sunday to provide special music.  Please make plans to arrive at 9AM so you won’t miss out.

NEWSLETTERS – As you begin to receive your newsletters this week or next, you will notice the bright green poster inside advertising our Community Christmas Eve Thanksgiving.  Please take these with you as to your go favorite restaurant, grocery store, beauty shop, etc. to let people know that our service and church is open to the community.  A copy is also attached if you would like to print some to distribute.  ATTACH POSTER Before mailing

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES – Tomorrow after 10:30 am is when you will be able to come to Faith Harbor and pick up food ordered from Angel Food ministries.  Volunteers are needed to serve on a task force or steering committee to organize our future involvement in the ministry to our community.  First quality food may be purchased monthly at a reduced rate with no questions asked or forms to be completed.  There is information on our website www.faithharborumc.org and December menus will be available next week.   The next order dates are Dec. 1 and 2nd with a delivery date of Dec. 20th.  Payment is due at the time of order and food stamps are accepted. Purchase price of a regular package is $30 for approximately $65 worth of food.

WORSHIP NOTES – The poinsettia list is short at this time. There are two more Sundays to sign up and pay.  Use the index cards to denote “in memory or in honor of”, and include your check in the manila envelope under the sign up list. The flowers will be in the Sanctuary Dec. 14th through Christmas Eve, when you should take it home. This communion service is open to the community. Please use the flyer in your newsletter to post in any area you visit or shop. There are extra copies in the narthex. Thank you for supporting the unusual seating arrangement in the Sanctuary last Sunday.  

METHODIST HOME FOR CHILDREN ON WRAL - There will be a feature on Tarheel Talk on WRAL (frequently shown on Charter Channel 10) about the Methodist Home for Children.  The dates and times are listed but could vary in our area.  The best way to view this here is on the website: www.wral.com.

 Nov. 30, 6:30 a.m.  

 Sunday 4:30-5 p.m. (11/30)

 Tuesday10:35-11 p.m.  (12/2)

 Saturday 4:30-5 a.m. (12/6)

 Sunday at 3 a.m. (12/7)

PICTURE BOARD – Don’t forget to look at the picture board to see the updated photos.  If you see a photo you would like, just take it.  Lois Snyder will keep replacing photos so check frequently.

BULLETINS/FRIDAY EMAILS – Bulletins are printed on Wednesdays with formatting and layout completed by 9:00 AM.  Friday emails are compiled on Thursday by 9:00AM so that they can be sent early Friday morning.  Please feel free to submit your information for either in time for these deadlines to be met.

JIM VAUGHN’S STEWARDSHIP MOMENT:  A True Story

“His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to eke out a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to the waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. “The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.  “‘I want to repay you,’ said the nobleman. ‘You saved my son’s life.’ “‘No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,’ the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel. “‘Is that your son?’ the nobleman asked. “‘Yes,’ the farmer replied proudly.  “‘I’ll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll grow to be a man you can be proud of.’ “And that he did. In time, Farmer Fleming’s son graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.  “Years afterward, the nobleman’s son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Penicillin.  “The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill.  “Someone once said what goes around comes around.  “Jesus said it another way: ‘Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap’ (Luke 6:38).” [Trinity Times, Sammie Rainey]

EMAILS –

Jim Vaughn

Last Sunday was Consecration Sunday and it was a huge success on many levels.  First and foremost we thank God for working in our individual hearts to answer the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”  Second, I would like to thank you all for rising to the challenge during these difficult economic times.  Third, I thank all who were involved in making this program happen.  Many hours of hard work by many of you went into this project.  I thank the Stewardship Committee under the chairmanship of Dave Strohpaul, the New Consecration Team for their efforts in planning the program and scheduling special events, and those who made posters, phone calls, stuffed envelopes and mailed letters, provided music during the service, made announcements from the pulpit on three Sunday mornings, ushered, coordinated events on successive Sunday mornings, extracted financial information from past years giving patterns and tabulated Sunday’s results while the rest of us enjoyed the meal.  I would like to thank the UMM for setting up and taking down the tables and chairs in the sanctuary, the wonderful ladies who became the Faith Harbor Caterers for this event and worked long hours to prepare and serve the Celebration Luncheon, Thank you Reverend Staton for your advice and leadership all along the way and a special thank you to our guest leader Reverend Bruce Stanley who brought us inspiration.

Preliminary Statistical Report:

1.  A total of 87 giving units were present to fill our Estimate of Giving Cards last Sunday morning.

2.  These 87 units committed a total of $267,654 toward the church’s budget for next year.

3.  Of these 87 giving units (husbands and wives or single persons), 69 units increased their financial commitment above their last year’s amount.

4.   Based on last year’s giving records, we can expect to receive $37,077 during the coming year from people who have consistent giving patterns during the past twelve months, but were not present last Sunday.

5. Based on the average total of loose offerings during the past three years, we can expect to receive $13,125 during the coming year from that source.

6. This gives us a grand total of $317,856 anticipated income for the next twelve months.

7. The total income for our general operating budget during the last twelve months was $290,177.

8. Next year, we can expect our operating budget income to increase by $27,679.

These figures do not include persons who were not present and therefore not given the opportunity to complete an Estimate of Giving Card.  Letters containing Cards will be mailed to those persons this week.

This was the first formal stewardship program undertaken in our church since we have been in the new building.  Because of all of you with a Servant’s Heart, and to the glory of God, it was a monumental success.

Thank you all:

In Christ,

Jim

Lois Snyder 

As our first holiday craft draws closer, please consider being a part of our team to make this a success.  There are sign up sheets in the narthex for various needs for set up and clean up.  There are times during the day as well as in the evening so please prayerfully consider being a part of this.  A huge thanks to Jennifer Taylor who had our sign printed and created the sign up sheets.  Please spread the word of the craft fair at work and other places that you frequent during the day.  I want this event to be a huge success for our church and for the vendors who will be at Faith Harbor that day.  If anyone has any questions or suggestions, please contact Lois Snyder at 910-346-2686 or snyderss@live.com

Mike’s Farm:  We will be traveling to Mike's Farm on December 15th for our annual Faith Harbor night out to enjoy a delicious meal and hayride.  This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and visit with our church family while enjoying the beauty of the Christmas season.  Feel free to bring your family and friends with you.  Sign up forms are available in the Narthex.  Please contact Brandy Edwards – 329-0588, our coordinator, with any questions or for further information.

October 24, 2008

PREACHER'S NOTES:

 Folks: 

Boyoboy! That Yard Sale was one BIG WEEKEND, wasn't it? Thanks again to Mike and Sally and the Steering Committee and to everyone else whose "elbow grease" made it so special and so profitable for our ministries.

Several of us have another big weekend. We're part of a group of Faith Harbor Men participating in the Emmaus Walk. As you read this, we will already be deep in spiritual life exploration. I always ask you to "Pray for the Preacher." This time your prayers are coveted for all of the group traveling the Emmaus way. Each one has felt a calling to be present for this particular Walk.

Your prayers are also invited for those who will lead Faith Harbor worship this Sunday: Barbara Starr, Sherry Mewborn, Dawn Ellis, and for Jim Vaughn, who will bring the message, "The Second Mile."

So, it's a big weekend for several reasons. I hope it is a "big weekend" for all of our congregation as you each walk a bit closer with our Lord.  .       Preacher

SUNDAY'S SERMON AND TEXT:   “The Second Mile” (Jim Vaughn)   Scripture:  James 2:14-17 NIV; Matthew 5:38-41 NIV

TRIP TO SEE THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS – This Sunday will be the last chance to sign up for the Wednesday, October 29th trip to Raleigh to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. There will be a $15.00 charge for the tickets, and a small amount for gas.  There will be a presentation prior to the trip on Oct. 28th at 2PM at Faith Harbor.  Contact Virginia Platts for details – 328-3167.  The van will be leaving at 8:00, Wednesday morning October 29, from the Faith Harbor parking lot for our trip to Raleigh.  Our tickets will be purchased in the museum, and our time will be between 10:30 and 11:00. For information call Virginia Platts 328-3167.

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING is next Thursday Oct. 30 at 7PM.    

CHOIR NEWS FROM MAURA – Hand-bells will rehearse at 6 pm.  There will be no sectional rehearsals this week.   Choir rehearsal for everybody beginning at 7pm sharp!!

PLEASE SUPPORT FAITH HARBOR CHILDREN WITH UNICEF:  Sunday during children's time, we will continue our efforts to collect money for Trick or Treat for UNICEF!  So please bring your change!  Thanks for your support!

FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE - If anyone has any expenses (items purchased or paid in the name of the yard sale) that they would like reimbursed, please fill out an expense voucher (they are on the white credenza) and put in Bill Moore's box.  If possible, all expenses need to be paid before the Leadership Meeting, Oct. 30th.  Some items that come to mind: the credit card machine, signs, supplies, food, etc. This will allow the Finance Committee to report on the gross and net from the yard sale and have a clear picture of our Operating bank statement for the month of October. If there are any questions, please talk to Bill Moore, Doug Mewborn or Sandy Taylor.  Thank you.

ALSO FROM FINANCE - God calls us in many ways to serve Him.  If you feel that God is calling you to support FHMC by being a part of the Sunday "counting team" there is a need for your service.  This service will take about 1/2 hour a month of your time.  The Sunday collection is counted each Sunday after the worship service.  Training is provided.  Please contact Sandy Taylor - 338.0807 if you can help with this important "Servant" function.  In Christ, Sandy

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT FROM JIM VAUGHN:  From Stewardship Nuggets:  Treasure Management

“Matthew 6:21 says, ‘Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.’ That means wherever I put my money shows my priorities. If I put my money in my house, that is where my heart is. If I put my money in eating out, . . . if I put my money in my clothes, if I put my money into a hobby, that’s where my heart is. So the question then becomes, where do you want your heart to be? Wherever you want your heart to be, that is where you need to put your money. Every time you give back to God, you draw closer to him.”

EMAILS –

Mike and Sally Scott - A message to the congregation from Sally and Mike for the Yard Sale Committee

A special thank you to all who donated goods, cash, time, energy or prayer to our annual yard sale.  Without these, the event would not have been the success that it was.  Yes, the final figure earned will be around $24,000 when all monies are in hand.  Even on a rainy, cool day – without the cars and boats that we’ve had in past sales. Our youth took in over $1200 from the food court.  Thanks so much to our wonderful cooks who contributed cakes, pies, cookies, etc.; and to those men who cooked the pig and provided the slaw makings given by Mollies and the IGA. The brand new cookbook designed by Donna Taylor and the Rainbow Circle and the prayer book done by Tanya Strickland and Donna Taylor (with quotes from our youngest to God) were on display during the sale and were well received.  While the dollars earned during the event were considerable and will be the seed money toward our future mission work here and abroad, there were many other needs met. Our sale touched many with needs arising from poverty or just a down-turn in the economy.  The post-script from various departments proves this: form the story of the 10 year old who left with his very first bed with all the linens – to the children’s clothing section where so many found their need met with overflowing generosity.  Still, remnants of the yard sale were boxed to be delivered to twice goods, clothing to the women’s shelter; new children’s games and toys to Nurses Pediatric Ward Project, \; soft back books to a military operation’ and a large array of furniture for a Pender County Half Way House supported and sponsored by one of our members, Jim Graziano; and jewelry and boutique items to another yard sale benefiting senior citizens in nursing homes.  Let us be proud of ourselves as a church fellowship that worked together to achieve these ends, but thank God for the opportunity to use our talents to help our neighbors.

Lois Snyder

To all of our ladies,
Please plan to attend our Women's tea next Saturday, November 1st from 2:00pm to 4:00pm here at the church.  You do not need to be a member of UMW or even a member or Faith Harbor to attend.  We will be joining with the pastors and women from our community churches for a time of fellowship and a time to share ideas of how to better serve our community.  If you have any questions please contact Lois Snyder at 346-2686 or snyderss@live.com.
 

FHUMC Christmas Craft Fair:  I have had a tremendous response from vendors for the craft fair and only have a few booth spaces left.  If any of you would still like to have a booth, please fill out the contract form found on the credenza and get it to Lois Snyder as soon as possible.  The men's group will be selling BBQ that day by the pint or sandwiches which I know will be great!  They can cook some GOOD BBQ.  If any other groups wish to have food sales please let me know.  This is an excellent fund raising opportunity.  We are asking for 25% of the food profits for that day to go to the general fund and the rest goes back to your group. Sign up sheets for the set up and clean up crews will be in church on November 2nd.  Please be in prayerful consideration of volunteering some of your time for this effort!  Thanks for all that you do!!
Lois Snyder

MIKE'S FARM
 We again have the opportunity celebrate the Christmas season with a trip to Mike's Farm.  This trip includes a meal and a hayride that showcases beautiful music and Christmas lights.  This trip is back do to popular demand but I would like to present a twist and a challenge to this year's trip.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could include some folks who couldn't even consider doing such a trip themselves.  I don't know exactly how to do this at this point but I'm in prayer about it and welcome any of your suggestions also.  This could be a way to take something that we enjoy and let it serve two purposes.  This could be an opportunity for outreach and God calls on all of us to reach out to others and to show who we are by our love.  I cannot take credit for this idea and am so thankful for Donna Taylor for planting the seed in my mind.  I'm sure all of us remember seeing an event we were used to through someone else’s eyes and experiencing how special the ordinary became.  I sat near Rev. Jesse and Miss Emma on the hayride last year and had so much fun watching their reaction to the lights I forgot to look at the lights myself for much of the hayride.  Why can't we give this opportunity to others?  Please think and pray about this and let me know how you feel.  The specifics on the trip will be available at the end of October so that gives us some time to listen for the voice of God.  I am excited to see what WE come up with.
Love in Christ, Lois