Stephanie Wayland Retiring After Twenty-two Years at FCUMC

It is with deep regret that the Staff Parish Relations Committee announces we have received Stephanie Wayland’s resignation, effective July 1. Stephanie has served as a church organist for over 55 years, twenty-two years at FCUMC. Not only has Stephanie been a vital part of our Sunday morning worship services, she has been with our church families during some of the most personal, moving times in our lives. She has accompanied our wedding celebrations, celebrations of life, Christmas carols, and our resurrection hymns.

We will miss Stephanie, but our loss is tempered knowing that she will continue to be a part of our church family and music ministries. Thank you, Stephanie, for twenty-two wonderful years on the bench! We have been blessed, and our spiritual lives are richer for having worshiped with you.

A special luncheon is planned for those in our church family who have attained, at least, the age of ninety. We will celebrate longevity and the gifts and graces of this special group. We acknowledge their years of service to their church and community. Invitations will be sent to this group for their celebration May 31, 2012, at noon in Wesley Hall.  If you should have received an invitation but we missed you, please call Jean Payne, 688-4165, for your reservation.

An open Letter to Randy Frye, next senior pastor of FCUMC

Dear Randy,

I know of your heart and passion for missions.  You not only talk the talk;  you walk the walk.  You have traveled the globe to help spread the gospel of Christ to folks.  Your ministry makes a difference in the lives of people of different races and cultures.  The ministry of Fountain City United Methodist Church will be made even stronger because of your passion for missions. As I have reflected upon April and May, and looked ahead to the next few weeks, in the life of FCUMC, I realize you would probably want to know what is going on in the area of missions.

• Just two weeks ago some of our folks participated in a Saturday event known as Operation InAsMuch as they engaged in a couple of mission projects here in our community.
• This past Saturday our annual rummage sale netted over $3800, all of which will go to support various mission projects.
• On this past Monday, our youth sponsored a golf tournament, with the proceeds of $2900 going to support five different youth mission programs in the community, nation and world.
• In two weeks we will participate in “Change the World,” a ministry of the United Methodist ReThink Church emphasis.
• From May 26-June 2, 28 people will be in Guatemala to share the gospel through three facets of ministry.

I have probably failed to mention others because there are so many, but these are at the forefront of  my mind as I write this morning.  And this is not really even an unusual month.

As I write you about all this, I am also thanking God for the dedication of FCUMC people to ensure that the gospel moves beyond our “four walls” to help others Love God and Experience Christ as we Serve People.

FCUMC will be blessed by your zeal, and you will be blessed by their commitment also.

In Christ’s Love,

Jim

The Chancel Choir will combine forces with the choir of Middlebrook Pike UMC on the afternoon of Sunday, May 20, at 2:30 in the sanctuary of MPUMC. The program will include several sacred and patriotic favorites.  Please come support the choir members as they represent our church in this beautiful way.

For those needing a ride to the concert, the church bus will leave the back parking lot at 1:45 p.m.  Please call the church office to reserve your seat.

Tuesday, June 12

Rising first-graders through fifth-graders (rising sixth-graders) are invited for a fun-filled day at Camp Wesley Woods. We will enjoy an adventurous hike to the waterfall, canoeing on our lagoon, and a refreshing swim in the pool. Wear your bathing suit and tennis shoes, and bring a sack lunch with drink and towel. Please do not bring toys. A snack and drink will be provided before we return home.

Meet in the front parking lot at 8:30 a.m. The bus will leave at 8:45 and return between 3:30 and 4:00pm. The cost is $10 per child. A completed consent form and a copy of the child's insurance card are required. The registration deadline is Friday, .Tune 8th. All paperwork must be completed by .Tune 8th. Pick up consent forms and register in the church office. We need one adult chaperone for every 10 children. If you are interested in joining us and for more information contact Sherri Smith at 689-5175 or ssmith@fountaincityumc.org

TIPS For Your Day at Wesley Woods:

Bring a sack lunch

Do not wear clothes that you would not want dirty

Wear tennis shoes instead of sandals (for the Waterfall Hike)

Wear a bathing suit underneath your clothes (to allow the most pool time) Bring a towel and sunscreen for the pool

You may want to bring a change of clothes (to have dry clothes for the trip home)

June 5, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m

All rising 6th grade girls, middle school girls, high school girls, and college girls are invited to come kick off our summer. You are in for a sweet surprise!
Join us Tuesday, June 5th, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at FCUMC. Meet in the Welcome Center with your messy clothes on, and ready to go. All you need to bring is something that is white cotton to tie-dye. (i.e., t-shirt, pillowcase, socks, tank top, etc.)
Invite all your girlfriends to come and join the Sisters in the Spirit this summer!

Guatemala Mission Project

This project offers short term mission opportunities for adult and youth to be involved in construction, medical, and bible school (VBS) teams throughout the country.  These short term teams bring hope and love!  This project facilitates teams that come to experience God in a new way and to share and receive God’s love with people from a different culture. 

June 18-21

Sign up to serve outside the Welcome Center today!

Dive tanks needed:

We are collecting 2 liter soda bottles for VBS crafts. Please save your 2 liter bottles and bring them to the Welcome Center dive station for collection.

The Tuesday morning bridge group is seeking more players. Beginners, social players and experts – all are welcome.  We play bridge – no prizes, no pressure, just good fun! We play on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month at 10:00 a.m.  We stop around 2:00 – sometimes earlier, never later.  Each person brings their own lunch and we gather at a play-when-you-can basis.  Starting May 1, we will have a beginner’s table for those who have never played or haven’t played for a long time.  Bridge is considered the world’s best card game because it is always challenging and you never stop learning.  Come join us in room 135.  Meet some great folks; learn a new skill; have fun!