To all Mothers, Stepmothers, Godmothers, Grandmothers and all women who have been influencial in the lives of others, we say Thank You!  Thank you for all you have done and continue to do each and every day!  You are a true blessing!

I experienced my first significant encounter with a homeless person while in Washington DC on a high school band trip for Bill Clinton’s inaugural parade. My classmates and I were using some of our free time to explore the historic sites around the city. As we were leaving the US Capitol Building, a homeless man was standing on the corner with a styrofoam cup asking for money. Most people were ignoring him, a few were callous towards him, and I thought I don’t have much but what I have I’ll give. I reached into my pocket, grabbed what little change I could, stretched my arm out, and placed the money in his cup. He looked down inside, shook the change around, and with indignation said, “Just a little change, that’s all you got…” Then proceeded to cuss me out.

His anger caught me off guard. I guess I was expecting some form of gratitude. Thinking back, part of my early childhood was spent in North Tulsa, in what many might consider a rough neighborhood. I knew there were homeless people. My dad had a friend who struggled with homelessness. Yet, I didn’t really know what homelessness meant.

I’ve grown since then. I’ve learned how homelessness affects almost every community in our nation. I’ve learned how it’s not always as simple as needing a roof over your head. I’ve learned how addiction, abuse, untreated medical ailments, mental health, and sometimes unfortunate circumstances contribute to the various means of this predicament.

I have a friend, Paul, in Little Rock whose ministry intentionally focuses on and with the homeless. He specializes in helping them find what they need to experience healing and a fresh start in life. One of the things he shared with me is that physical homelessness is only part of the problem. Many more people suffer from spiritual homelessness. Often, spiritual homelessness contributes to the various other factors that result in physical homelessness. Too often, the church has caused spiritual homelessness.

This was a painful revelation. Here in Mountain Home, and specifically at FUMCMH, we are working diligently to address our growing homeless population. We do great work, even though it feels like there is always more to do. Yet, our struggle is with more than physical homelessness. We have also struggled with spiritual homelessness.

In Mark 14:7, Jesus gives us some perspective. Some people were upset by a financially extravagant act of love and worship. Jesus said, “You always have the poor with you; and whenever you want, you can do something good for them. But you won’t always have me.” (CEB) For us, we know Jesus was referring to his impending death, resurrection, and ascension. Yet, we can also receive it this way; we will always have the poor, it is good to help them whenever we can, yet leading people to Jesus is a greater good.

As Methodists, we live by a rule of life to do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. As a result, we wrestle with the best ways to lead people to Jesus. Providing food, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and medical assistance are all excellent ways of loving God by loving our neighbor. They’re wonderful ways of sharing the gospel in word and deed. These ministries often open doors to express God’s love verbally. So, it’s all important, and good, especially as we work to overcome all forms of need, especially spiritual homelessness.

We are blessed to be the kind of people who bless our community. God truly is leading us to make life better and you better at life through Jesus Christ.

Therefore, I’d like to encourage us to be sensitive to the physical and spiritual homeless in our community. Spiritual homelessness is not as obvious. Yet, there are many people out there looking for something, looking for more, looking for a home to feel welcomed, loved, and a part of God’s family. In these instances, it may start with a meal or a bed, but it will require more. It will require individual and intentional willingness in our places of worship to welcome and invite our neighbor and the stranger. It will require hospitality after worship, and moreover friendship and follow-through.  It will require us to be more like Jesus by loving and accepting of people in the midst of their mess. It might be uncomfortable. Yet, Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit, the great comforter, which empowers us to love deeper than ever before. 

I look forward to seeing what God does through us and what God does through you. 

 Grace and Peace, 

 Pastor Daniel 

Thursday, May 5th is National Day of Prayer.  We ask that wherever you are, you take 5 minutes at noon on Thursday to pray for your country, your state, your church and all those in need of prayer. Isn't it amazing to know that we will all be praying together as a church at the same time?  This year's theme is "Exhalt the Lord" who has established us. Colossians 2:6-7

Take a moment and go down to the UMAC Commons for some coffee, sweets and to snap a photo in front of the Mothers Day Photo Wall on Sunday May 8th!

On Sunday, May 1st we recognized and celebrated our High School seniors as they prepare to graduate and embark on the next phase of their lives. If you see anny of these students, be sure to tell them congratulations and wish them luck on their next chapter! Here are this year's graduates:

Will plans to attend National Park College in Hot Springs, major in Pre-engineering, and play baseball.

Christian plans to attend ASU Mountain Home and study Broadcasting & Journalism.

Xander plans to attend Hendrix College, major in Pre-med, and pursue a career as an anesthesiologist.

Steven plans to attend the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and major in Electrical Engineering.

Annie plans to attend the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and major in Art & Psychology.

Cooper plans to attend Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, and major in Computer Science.

Sammi plans to attend Arkansas State University Mountain Home and major in Real Estate.

Sunday, May 15 is Confirmation Sunday.  Our confirmands who have been gathering to study for many weeks will be confirmed that day and take their membership vows.

Volunteers, come join us to celebrate YOU! 

We would like to take time to recognize the many dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time an talents to the ministries of our church! We are hosting a catered luncheon for all our volunteers.  Altar guild, ushers, greeters, committee members, all missions, all ministries, tech team, chancel choir, praise band, handbells, office angels, acolytes - if you serve the church in any capacity, this is for you! You should have received an invitation in the mail this week. We want to celebrate you and thank you for everything you have done to help our church be successful in our mission to bring disciples to Christ by "making life better and YOU better at life through Jesus Christ"!

Please RSVP using the button below or by filling out the back of your mailed invitation and returning it to the church office.

If you know someone who has gone above and beyond or has served for many years, and you would like to nominate them for special recognition, please send details to Kathy Davis at kdavis@fumcmh.org. 

Thursday Morning Joy ladies bible study will be starting a new study on May 12th: “ Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name” by Max Lucado. A study guide is recommended and costs $8.50.  If you are interested in coming and would like to order a book, please contact Sandra Bainbridge at 431-5140. Thursday Morning Joy meets in the Seekers classroom (# 213) every Thursday from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  All ladies are welcome!

During the month of May, bring a new (not used) fan with you to church.(Monetary donations accepted.) We cannot accept used items.All items will be distributed by the Ozark Center of Hope, the Christian Clothing Exchange and other local agencies.

We have collected a total of $10,954.10. for UMCOR's mission efforts in Ukraine!   You are a generous church! Keep the people of Ukraine as well as those helping with relief efforts there in your prayers.

Sunday, June 5th wear red to church to celebrate Pentecost Sunday.  Don't forget to snap a picture and use the hashtag #fumcmhwearsred

Climb aboard for mountains of fun at Rocky Railway! On this faith-filled adventure, your kids will discover that trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs. Vacation Bible School is for kids Pre-K through 5th Grade.  It will be held June 13-16 from 9:00am to 11:30am. Register your child(ren) online from the Children's Ministry Page, from the Events page for VBS or with the button below.  

Students (grades 6-12) are invited to attend the OMP Camp in Fayetteville this summer June 26th - July 1st. The cost is $75.  We have 3 slots left! Scholarships are available for students in need.  We need 2 of the remaining slots to be an adult camper/driver.  OMP is one of the most powerful experiences our youth at FUMCMH have during their time here. If you would like to go, adults and students can register online on the Youth page of our website or use the button below.

Wednesday, May 18th will be our final Wednesdsay youth & children's ministry for the season as well as our last Wednesday evening Fellowship meal for the season.  We are finishing up the school year with a bang!  There will be inflatables and yard games and we will be grilling burgers and hot dogs! Festivities will begin for the kids after school and everyone is welcome to join us for dinner at 5:15ish.  We hope you will come to help us usher in the summer!

It's hard to believe it's May already and school is almost out!

Wednesday, May 18th will be our final Wednesday afterschool hangout time and dinner for the summer.  We are having outdoor inflatables and yard games and will be grilling hotdogs and hamburgers so make sure you don't miss it! 

Registration is now available for VBS on the church website. Our theme this year is Rocky Railway, and we will be learning how Jesus’ power pulls us through! VBS is scheduled for June 13-16th. Sign your child up now using the button under the VBS section of this newsletter.

Laura Law

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GENERAL FUND
In memory of Ann Carlson
Richard Carlson
In memory of Angie Burnell
Richard Carlson
In memory of Dale Anthony
Cathy Roshon

If 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.