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February, 2022
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Pastor Daniel ThuesonCourage Versus Bravery We love stories of bravery and courage. We like to imagine ourselves as both brave and courageous when facing our fears, in the heat of the moment, or when the battle tests our character. We dream of being heroes and heroes are always brave and courageous. The words are often synonymous. Yet, there is a difference between bravery and courage. It’s a difference that will strengthen our faith. Merriam-Webster defines bravery as the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. I want to be brave. I want to have the strength to face any obstacle, take on any task, resist any evil, and do what’s good and right against all odds. It’s a romantic notion. Sometimes, thinking I’m brave, I’ll jump head-first into a situation without thinking it through. Sometimes, it works out for the best – thank God! Sometimes, it proves how ignorant I can be. Perhaps a better word rhymes with stew and pid. I remember one summer weekend I was visiting my sister in the Tulsa area. They lived in a relatively new neighborhood where the neighbors took care of each other. We were in the backyard when we heard some glass break. Her yard was on a slope and we saw over her fence where two guys were breaking into her neighbor’s car. Without thinking, I dashed toward the fence. In an adrenaline filled jump, I grabbed the top and vaulted over the six-foot privacy fence. Landing in a sprint, I began yelling at the would-be robbers. They saw me, dropped what they were doing, jumped back in their car, and sped off. I told my brother-in-law to call the cops as I attempted to hold the back of their car in flipflops and futility. It was all in as if I could chase them down or stop them! What would I have done if I stopped them? Who knows. What if they stopped or turned and ran me over? That though never crossed my mind. They got away. When I looked down, my hands were cut-up and bleeding from the wooden fence posts. That’s bravery. Then, Merriam-Webster defines courage as the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous. Unlike bravery, with courage you know what you’re doing. You’ve examined the risks and the possible outcomes, knowing full well things may not go as planned. Then, despite the trepidation of fear, pain, and failure, you go forth anyway. Essentially, courage is facing your fear and overcoming it. Sometimes, for the sake of our faith, we act bravely. Sometimes, through faith, we act courageously. In Joshua 1:9, God says, “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Perhaps a better translation is to holdfast and be courageous. On the eve of entering the Promised Land, the Israelites were scared. Moses, their powerful God connected leader was dead and gone. Anxiety was at an all time high. Yet, God was with them. They held fast to their faith. They mustered the courage to face and overcome their fears. When they did, God gave them the victory. May we have the courage to live our faith. Even on days when we know it’s going to hurt, let’s holdfast to our faith and follow Jesus courageously. Even when we don’t want to show mercy, offer grace, or extend unconditional love, let’s live into the greatest actions of faith -courageously. This way, we will truly make life better and you better at life through Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace, Pastor Daniel |
Welcome!Our Most Recent New Members Justin Long
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CourageJesus’ Invitation to an Audacious Faith Courage occupies the space between prayer and work. It is the virtue of doing what we know we need to do. We must teach people to be courageous. Not because they are not already courageous, but because they have to be courageous so often. So, I want to encourage you to follow Jesus into a life of audacious faith that loves the people into a relationship with Christ. Week 1 The Clarity of Courage Week 2 The Conviction of Courage Week 3 The Candor of Courage Week 4 The Constancy of Courage |
Confirmation Classes
Confirmation is an initiation into the Christian faith. In confirmation students learn about why we believe in God, what we believe about God, our faith as a United Methodist, and how this all applies to our life. Due to inclement weather on February 2nd, Confirmation classes will now start the Wednesday, February 9th at 5:30pm. Classes will begin with dinner together in the youth room. Confirmation will last approximately 12 weeks and end in time for Confirmation Sunday on May 15th. If you missed the Confirmation info meeting and your student is eligible, reach out to Pastor Daniel by phone or email for the paperwork needed to get your student into class before February 9th. |
Roots of Our FaithShort Term Sunday School Class Led by Pastor Daniel, this class is designed to mirror the confirmation class with a more academic emphasis for parents and mentors of confirmands. However, it’s open to everyone. It begins Feb. 6th at 10:00am in room #101 (across fro the church office). |
Inclement Weather Info
In the event of inclement weather, please look for closings and cancellations on KTLO, the church website fumcmh.org or our Facebook page. |
BirthdaysFebruary Beginning this year, we will be posting birthdays in the monthly newsletter for any birthdays in the upcoming month. If your birthday is is the current month but doesn't appear, that means we don't have it in our data base, so pleased email me with your birthdate. If you are unsure if we have that information, feel free to email me and I will check. Laura HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE WITH A FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY! February 01 Ann Steelman For more infomation visit:
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Chili Cook-off & Dessert Auction was a huge success!
Thank you to all who participated in the Chili Cook-off and dessert auction! We raised $7680 for youth missions! The winners of the chili cook off were: BEST CHILI BEST DECOR/THEME SPICIEST CHILI
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VeritasYouth grades 7-12 Veritas is the Arkansas Conference’s biggest youth event. Each year over 1,400 youth and youth leaders come together to celebrate what it means to be connected. Through inspirational words and music led by nationally-known speakers and musicians, young people encounter the Lord in new and deeper ways. Worship describes those times we gather deliberately seeking to encounter God in Christ. God uses worship to transform lives, heal wounded souls, renew hope, shape decisions, provoke change, inspire compassion, and bind people to one another. The word passionate expresses an intense desire, an ardent spirit, strong feelings, and a sense of heightened importance. Veritas is where we practice Passionate Worship. All 7th-12th graders are invited and encouraged to attend. Veritas will be Friday March 25th through Sunday the 27th. Please let us know by Thursday, February 24th if you wish to attend. We are still in need of chaperones (both male and female). The cost is $70 each and scholarships are available. |
Coffee BarVolunteers Needed! Do you love your morning coffee on Sunday mornings at FUMCMH? Are you a coffee enthusiast looking for a way to serve others?In order to keep our Sunday Morning Coffee Bar Ministry going our Sunday morning services, we need volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering in this capacity on an occasional Sunday morning, please contact Kathy Davis by calling the curch office or email her using the link below. For more infomation visit:
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First KidzChildren's Ministry Hello Church Family! As you know, we planned to kick off our afterschool program for children on February 2nd. However, due to the inclement weather that date will now be February 9th. If you would like your child to attend and have not yet done so, please visit the church website and fill out the registration form or use the link below. You will also need to inform your child's school if your child will be taking the FUMCMH bus. Pickup time for children is 5:15pm. Pick up your child and stay for our Fellowship meal. God bless & have a safe and warm February! Laura Law For more infomation visit: https://fumcmhorg.elvanto.net/form/a6893dad-12c0-417c-a051-116317e8cd2b
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605 Student Ministries
Hello Youth and Parents! Wednesday after school hangout time for the youth will be starting back on Febryuary 9th. Students 6th-12th grade are welcome to hangout in the Youth room for fellowship and/or homework. The youth will also be welcomed to act as helpers with the children's ministry activities. We are still looking for volunteers to be with the youth who choose to participate. If you would like to volunteer to hang out with the youth on Wednesday afternoons, please let us know. If your student plans on coming to church after school on Wednesdays, please make sure we know. If they need transportation from Pinkston, we will be running a church bus there to pick them up and possibly to the Jr. High as well. Veritas: March 25-27 in Rogers AR • Cost is $70 per student God bless & have a warm and wonderful month! Laura Law
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January Memorials and Honorariums
Due to the Church office closure, I do not currently have access to January's memorial and honorariums. Therefor whe we are back in the office, I will be sending out an addendum to the newsletter which will include this and any other additional information. Thank you for your understanding. |
Monthly GivingJanuary |
Prayer ListIf you wish to add a concern to our list, please contact the church office at 425-6036. You can also submit prayers to the prayer wall on the church app. Prayers After Loss: Concerns: |