How is God inviting you to decrease the distance and close the gap between the world as it is now and the world as it should be? Every week we pray as Jesus taught us saying, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.” We’re literally asking God to make our world as it is in Heaven. Since God works through us, we’re committing ourselves to be a part of that process. 

When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, or the Kingdom of God, he was speaking of the world as it should be. With the church as the body of Christ, we continue to proclaim the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The Kingdom of God is at hand. The reality of God’s presence, power, and purpose for creation is upon us. As a congregation, we believe God actively calls us to pursue this reality. God actively empowers us to close the gaps that exist between the world as it is today and the way is should be in our lives, across our comminutes, and around the world. 

We have a vision that serves as a framework for ministry. We’ve identified several strategies that are under constant revision to help us significantly close some of those gaps in the coming years. This includes passing the faith from one generation to the next. Reaching new people in new ways. And ensuring that the presence of FUMC Mountain Home is a force for the gospel of Jesus well into the future. 

We see throughout scripture where God calls on God’s people to pass the faith to the next generation. Moses commanded the Israelites to teach their children about God’s deliverance and love. The Psalmists insist the people record their faith for a people yet unborn. Jesus was intentional about ministering to children. Paul often focused on mentoring young leaders. 

In the coming months, we’re seeking to launch Generation to Generation, a financial campaign that ensures our building and programs faithfully connect with and care for all people of the church and community, from the youngest to the oldest. Thereby, ensuring our ability to pass on the faith from generation to generation. 

Soon you will see faces and hear stories from different members of our congregation and community across the generations. You’ll see proposed changes to our facility and programs that help us meet the needs of people across generations. You’ll read about how eliminating our debt will strengthen and expand our ministries and prepare our church for a vibrant future. 

Let this be written down for the next generation so that people not yet created will praise the Lord. – Psalm 102:18

Our Generation to Generation Capital Campaign will be flowing out of our Be Generous Stewardship focus in January. This marks a pivotal moment in our journey to becoming a church that encompasses all generations. It’s a testament to our commitment to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Join us as we get to the heart of our mission to make life better and YOU better at life through Jesus Christ. Together, we’ll shape a brighter future united in our mission to create a church that truly stands the test of time for generations to come.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Daniel

On Sunday November 5th, we will be remembering those of our church family who have gone on to glory since the last All Saints Sunday. At both services, names will be read, a bell tolled, and a candle lit for each of those we are remembering. 

A big thank you to all who helped out at this year's trick or trunk.  Even with the weather causing us to move the festivities inside, we had an incredible turnout! There were hundreds of people from our community!  We had games, candy, popcorn, hotdogs, and a photo booth. This connectional ministry event was a huge success because of all the hands that made it happen.  What a wonderful way to show our community how much we care!  Photos from the event will be posted on the church Facebook page so check it out!

We are looking for volunteers to work in the nursery during services. Our hope is to get enough volunteers so that you only need to work once a month or so.  Please contact Hollye Lee if you are interested.

Daylight Savings ends at 1:00am next Sunday, November 5th so remember to set your clocks back Saturday night.

We are collecting now for 2023 Thanksgiving Baskets. Each family will receive a $50 gift card for a Thanksgiving meal. 

The church office will be closed on Wednesday, Novenber 22 and Thursday November 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Altar Guild will be having a meeting to prepare for the Advent season on Saturday, November 11th at 11:00am in the Conference Room #101. If you are looking for a place to serve, come to the meeting! For more information or to volunteer, contact Vicki Kauth.

Wednesday, November 15 at 4:00pm we will be fluffing the greens in preparation of the Hanging of the Greens and need some help.  If you have questions, contact Jill Chandler, otherwise just show up and help!

Sunday, November 26th at 12:15pm.  We will begin with a soup lunch. Then we will decorate!  Come and join the fun!

The word “advent” derives from the Latin “adventus”, meaning “coming.” During its earliest observances, Advent was 40 days of repentance, fasting and prayer as new believers prepared for their baptisms. Oftentimes, these baptisms took place on the day of Epiphany--which is a day remembering the Magi’s visit to baby Jesus; it was a celebration of Jesus’ incarnation on Earth. 

Later Christians began tying Advent not just to Christ’s incarnation, but to an anticipated second coming of Christ. Advent became a period for renewing the anticipation and longing for Jesus’ return. Today, Advent is a period of preparation for both “advents”--or arrivals--of Jesus.

One of the ways we reflect on Advent in communal worship is by utilizing an Advent wreath--a simple wreath surrounding four exterior candles and one central candle. The four exterior candles represent the hallmarks of a renewed creation: joy, hope, peace and love. The central candle represents the presence of Christ. Each Sunday, one more of the exterior candles is lit. Finally, the Christ candle is lit as a reminder of Christ’s ongoing presence. We, of course, can bring this practice home, creating our own Advent wreaths and contemplating our own longings for more joy, hope, peace and love. 

Wesley Kitchen will be having their Thanksgiving meal on Monday, November 20th. 

Bethlehem seemed an unlikely destination for the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Messiah. Bethlehem. Why would anyone--especially the Creator of the universe--choose a little remote village? But as Scripture records, the road to Bethlehem was the road that ultimately led to God! The Chancel Choir is excited to present Lloyd Larson's The Road to Bethlehem.  Our hope is that the the music and the narraration will help you meditate on the coming of the Messiah and the remarkable possibilities that can occur in seemingly unremarkable places. Join us as we embark upon the journey leading to Jesus' birth on the road to Bethlehem. 

There are two opportunities to experience The Road to Bethlehem so mark your calendars!
Friday, December 15th at 7:00pm
Sunday, December 17th at 11:00am

Hello families!

It's hard to believe that November is here already! We are having loads of fun on Wednesdays and we are loving our new Dig In curriculum, The Heart of God! Thank you for letting us share it with your kiddos!

Speaking of thanks, I am so very grateful for all our children's ministry volunteers! Welcome aboard to our newest volunteer bus driver, Aaron Hosman! It is because of our many volunteers that this ministry is both possible and amazing! When you see them, please take a moment to say thanks.  If you are interested in volunteering in any way with children's ministry, let me know! With Thanksgiving being this month, let's all try to have an attitude of gratitude and remember to thank God every day for the blessings he has given us!  There will be no Wednesday afternoon activities or meal the week of Thanksgiving. I hope you all have a blessed holiday.

As I am writing this, I am preparing for shoulder surgery.  I will be out for the next 2 Wednesdays. While I'm out, please contact Hollye Lee or Kellye Cannon if your child will be absent or for anything concering children's ministry. 

Feel free to contact me anytime!

Have a blessed month!

Laura Law

On the weekend of October 13-15th, FUMCMH had a special guest. After multiple online interviews and a resume that includes an undergrad degree in Bible and Youth Ministry plus a graduate degree in Youth Ministry, Kyra Anthony was invited by our Youth Director Search Team for an onsite visit to experience life first hand here at FUMC and in Mountain Home. During that time, she was on her game for what is considered a two day, all day interview.  She packed food boxes at the food bank, toured Mountain Home, met with the Search Team, SPRC, Church staff, Youth Sunday School, attended both worship services, and then hosted a devotion and Q&A session at Little T’s mini-golf. It was a whirlwind weekend! Our church showed out in hospitality and Kyra was impressed with us! Just as important, we were impressed with her.

Therefore, the church made an offer and Kyra accepted. So, we are excited to say we have a new Director of Student Ministries! Kyra Anthony will start mid-November. Kyra is a lifelong United Methodist that we are recruiting from Montoursville, PA. She is full of energy and passionate about youth work. Since I am writing this just before vacation and don’t have all the details worked out, pay attention for announcements on how we can make a most excellent welcome for her. Look for a spotlight about Kyra in the December newsletter.

Ayden is the son of Ashely and Colin Havens. He is a sophomore at Mountain Home High School where he is on the Golf team, a member of FFA, and boasts a 4.0 GPA.

Ayden is also a member of Cross Trail Outfitter’s and on the CTO Trapp team, a club to lead young kiddos to Christ through outdoor activities. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and just being outside in general. 

He likes to volunteer and help people by being there for them and offering to help anyone who would need help. As Ayden says, “I am more than willing to help those in need because I am in a very fortunate situation and it’s important to take care of others.”

His favorite part about our church is “the community because everyone is so kind and inviting.” Ayden highly values his faith and is always looking for ways to grow his faith and his relationship with God. 

You’ll often see Ayden at youth activities or as he switches between the two services. If you like to mini-golf, you might even catch his name on the low score leaderboard. Next time you see Ayden, say hello to this kind, intelligent, and determined member of our youth. 

If you would like to stay in the know with all things First United Methodist Church Mountain Home, download our church app. You can access news and events, watch services, listen to sermons, receive important push notifications and more; all via your phone!  Simply click on the button below from your phone to download the app. You can also use the QR code above using your phone's camera.

Prayers After Loss:
Doug Dethloff & family on the passing of Rosa Dethloff
Allison Booth and family on the loss of Allison’s mother, Kay Wilson

Concerns:
Laura Law (10/29/23)
Paul Beck (10/29/23)
Joe Wallace (10/29/23)
(Jean Wallace)
Marilyn & Fred Kobialka (10/29/23)
Russel Jones (10/29/23)
Carla Johnson (10/29/23)
Gene Rowland (10/29/23)
(Paula Bodenhamer)
Abby & Kolton Kincaid (10/22/23)
(Laura Law)
Sam Rhoades (10/22/23)
Norma Watt (10/15/23)
(Debby Bodenhamer)
Ashley Thompson (9/24/23)
Andrea King (9/17/23)
Sue Daigle (9/17/23)
Charleen Ahrenstorff (9/3/23)
Shirley McDowell (9/3/23)
Umeca Pickett (9/3/23)
Carolyn Whisenant (7/30/23)
Clark Knight (7/30/23)
(Tommy & Brenda Knight’s grandson)
Eddie Verkler (7/23/23)
(Tarra Simmons father)
Monica Cole (7/16/23)
Cathy Millison (7/9/23)
(Christine Rohr)
Carolyn Densmore (7/2/23)
Janice Callicott (6/25/23)
(Umeca Pickett’s sister)
Glenda Small (5/7/23)
(Kellye Cannon)
Sissy Czeschin (4/30/23)
Joan Beckham (4/23/23)
(Kevin Beckham’s mom)
Peggy Pawlak (4/23/23)
(Sheila Partee)
Ken Nelson (4/23/23)
(Teresa Kenyon)
Ron Czanstkowski (4/23/23)
(Sheila Partee)
Susie Welby-Bennet (4/16/23)
(Sue Storm)
Carol McKee (4/9/23)
Bob Dickerson (4/9/23)
Deborah Harrison (3/26/23)
Kristine Doornbos (3/12/23)
(Bill & Donna Kimes’ daughter)
Kim Miller (2/26/23)
(Justin Long)
Scott Cain (2/5/23)
(Jill Chandler’s son)
Lonnie Burch (1/22/23)
(Terre Ware)
Ruth Clark (1/8/23)
Lyn Yarborough (11/27/22)
(Christine Rohr)
Rexene Watson (11/13/22)
(Dr. Tom Yoder’s sister-in-law)
Jackie Knight (11/6/22)
Nancy Reed (10/16/22)
(Mary Margaret Pearson)
Nira Wilkerson (10/3/21)
Doug Engle (9/4/22)
(Beth Pierson’s brother)
Bobby Myers (8/14/22)
(Gail House’s cousin)
Terri Chapman (6/26/22)
(Cindy Long’s sister)
Denise Rohr (5/22//22)