Our Church Growth

Dear Lord,

We are young and old, rich and poor, healthy and infirmed, singles and couples. But together we are one, a family coming willingly to sing your praises and learn about you and your teachings. Together we reach out to others by our deeds and works as a small example of your unconditional love for us and all of humankind. We support each other with love and through our actions. Together we the congregation of Faith Harbor are the church. Continue to guide us in evergrowing love and faithfulness to you. Amen

Our History & Growth

• Tom Greener appointed as Pastor for New Church start in Surf City by Bishop Marion Edwards.  Faith Harbor's founders meet to plan Faith Harbor's future.

• May 21, 2000 – Our first worship service at Cheri’s Steakhouse

• September, 2000 – Moved to larger location next to Wing’s

• Spring, 2001 – Rented additional space for children’s Sunday School and Disciple Bible Study

• April, 2002 – Moved into the Treasure Coast Landing location

• May 18, 2003 – Held our Chartering Sunday and Constituting Conference

• July, 2005 – Began construction for our first facility

• June 2006 - Bishop Alfred Gwinn dedicated Faith Harbor's Worship Facility

• June/July 2007 - Faith Harbor had the first transition to a new pastor.  Rev. Greener transferred to Mt. Sylvan in Durham and our new pastor, Rev. Jesse Staton, Jr. arrived from McMannen, also in Durham.

Membership &Average Attendance

• 2000 – 47 Membership: 30
• 2001 – 54 Membership: 50
• 2002 – 82  Membership: 65
• 2003 – 118  Chartering Sunday: 119
• 2004 – 161 Membership: 184
• 2005 – 250 Membership: 201
• 2006 – 295 Membership: 230

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Ministries

• Sunday School –  from the beginning, we held an adult class and a children’s class.  We began with 4-6 adults and 3-7 children.  Now we have approximately 60 adults and 45 children each week.
• Disciple Bible – in our first year, 2000-2001, we held a Disciple I class with 9 participants.  Since then, we have had a Disciple I class every year, as well as Disciple III, IV, and Christian Believer. In 2003 we held a Companions in Christ group with 8 and this year, we have a Disciple I class with 11 and a Disciple III class with 16.
• Community Involvement – Each year, we have offered support for Christmas and Thanksgiving for families in our area.  This year, we supported two families.  We also participate in the “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign; the “Operation Christmas Child” event; the “Options Ministry” offers support for victims of Domestic Violence in conjunction with the Pender County Safe Haven.  In the past we offered training for persons in our congregation and our community as volunteers ready to assist victims in our immediate area; and offered two mission trip opportunities.  Our Food Pantry is open at all times and has been an important resource for persons in our area. 
• Safe Haven of Pender County - New Program beginning March 2007.
• Youth – our youth ministry began a couple of years ago and has grown in numbers as well as strength.  It is an important connection for the young people participating.  They have taken part in Pilgrimage as well as Footprints.  Each week, they meet for support, encouragement and learning together.
• Fellowship – In September of 2000, we began to offer a “Family Night Supper” for all involved with our congregation.  In the beginning our group was small, now our monthly meals can reach 100+ participants.
• Music Ministry – Our music ministry has grown tremendously.  In the first three years, our music was led by Jeff Olson and Karen Greener, and we appreciate all they brought to us.  Now, Maura Johnson leads our music program.  Our choir now numbers near 25 and brings a special joy to our worship. We also have both adult and youth hand-bell choirs.
• Walk to Emmaus – Over the last 6 years, our involvement with Emmaus has grown to 52 members.
• UMW – The women of our congregation began meeting together from our beginnings.  In 2003, they chartered as an official unit of the United Methodist Women.  They continue to be strong and involved in district and conference activities.
• UMM – The men of our congregation serve as a support in a variety of ways for our whole congregation. We have also provided assistance to persons in the community in need.We have begun the process of chartering as a unit of the United Methodist Men.
• Mercy Abounds - As an outreach for single mothers and those in need of support to meet expensed, the ministry was established. Through the generous contributions to this ministry we have helped.
• Scouting Program - FHUMC Sponsors scouting programs.