First United Methodist Church 115 S.

Church Street Marion, VA 24354

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit Number 29 Marion, VA 24354

First Things First

June 2013
After our church conference on November 18, 2012, our architect Bill Huber worked diligently with various mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure that our renovation project would fit within the approved budget. When their research suggested that the approved work would exceed the approved budget by about $140,000, our building committee worked with Bill Huber to decrease the scope of the renovation project, again with the hope of fitting the project within the approved budget. On May 1, we received bids from three contractors, all of which were significantly over budget. The lowest bid was $1,111,000; by comparison, the $785,000 budget approved in November included $625,000 for actual construction costs. Over the past month, our building committee and Bill Huber have met and worked with general contractor J.A. Street & Associates to identify ways to decrease costs. They have been able to reduce the construction costs by $285,000 to about $826,000. With all the other costs related to the renovation project, the total budget needed is about $892,000. This past week, our building committee and board of trustees met together to determine how best to proceed. Their consensus is that any further cuts to the project would be imprudent and that the most sensible course forward is for the congregation to raise and expend additional funds to get these essentials of the renovation project completed: 1925 Addition (church offices, parlor & chapel, etc.) new heating/ventilation/air conditioning system for all three levels elevator to all three levels emergency & exit lights and fire alarm throughout the building accessible toilet facilities on the sanctuary/parlor/chapel level kitchen facilities on the sanctuary/parlor/chapel level carpet, lighting, electrical, door, and ceiling improvements on the lower two levels attic insulation 1960 Addition (fellowship hall, preschool, choir room, etc.) new heating/ventilation/air conditioning system for fellowship hall & kitchen ramp on the top floor to provide access to elevator necessary electrical upgrades for HVAC Exterior and Site parking lot & sidewalk improvements for accessibility trench drain for water removal at office entry foundation treatment for waterproofing along Church Street faade of 1925 building

marionfumc@hotmail.com

Building Renovation Update

Our Church Staff

Jonathan Jonas (Ext 103) Pastor Denton Staley (Ext 105) Program Director Lisa Moore (Ext 104) Business Administrator Teri McCall (Ext 101) Administrative Assistant Bryan Underwood (Ext 102) Worship Minister Ginger Moore (Ext 110) Childrens Director Jackie Wilson Youth Director (276) 783-5194 (telephone) (276) 783-5195 (fax)

July 28th August 1st 6:00-8:30

Please plan to attend a church conference on Friday, June 7, at 7:00 PM

The only agenda item is to consider the trustees and building committees request to raise and expend additional funds for completion of this project. Every member of First United Methodist Church can be a voting member of a church conference. However, you must be present at the conference to vote. District Superintendent Sandra Johnson will preside over this meeting in the fellowship hall.

Food Pantry Update

Every month FUMC provides a Food Pantry for families in Smyth County. On average we give away 200 boxes per month. But there is so much more to our Food Pantry then the families we help. Every month volunteers give their time and effort to set up, pack & prepare Some of our GREAT Volunteers! boxes, take boxes to cars, smile and welcome folks to the Food Pantry. The volunteers also help unload the food we purchase every Monday. Some spend a couple of days a month in the office posting information and completing monthly reports. They organize and stock food during the month. There are so many task they help with it would take too long to list them all. Thursday Our Volunteers keep the Pantry going, with out them we could not June 20 keep the Pantry open.

In Our Prayers
Please offer prayers of healing & wholeness for these members of our church family and friends: Doug Armbrister Gene Hendrick

The Last Word

by Jonathan Jonas Honor your father and your mother so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 I consider myself very blessed and fortunate to have had three grandfathers. My parents fathers were great men whom I held in the highest esteem. My only complaint about them is that they died too young. I would have loved to have enjoyed more time with them. I acquired my third grandfather about fifteen years ago when I dated and eventually married his youngest granddaughter Suzanne. Immediately, I found him to be a generous, loving, caring man. He welcomed me into his home to celebrate Christmas before we were married, and I was surprised that he and Suzannes grandmother gave me the same monetary gift they gave their other grandchildren. When I (or anyone) thanked him, his response was simply to nod his head with the tears that came so easily to his eyes. When Suzanne and I had been married for only a year, we unexpectedly moved to a new congregation and community, where we would have our first house of our own. Knowing that we didnt have very many financial resources, Granddaddy bought our refrigerator, washer, dryer, and a fence for our dogs in the backyard. As always, when we thanked him, he nodded and cried. He seemed as grateful to be able to offer that support as we were to receive it. Since weve moved to Smyth County, I have been a shameless name-dropper. When I meet someone from Saltville, Broadford, or Tannersville, I tell them Im related to Guy Clear. Usually they respond by telling me (as if I didnt already know) what a fine man he is. Very often, they will remark that he has probably lost thousands of dollars across the years by allowing customers to buy from his store on credit, whether or not they could afford to pay the bill. Apparently, he has lived his whole life as a kind, generous, compassionate man. By all accounts, he has always loved his neighbors as himself. God uses people like Guy Clear to reveal his love for us. We got the phone call last Wednesday letting us know that he had finally let go. We had expected it for some time, but the news was still sad. During his fifteen years as my Granddaddy, he usually left any kind of family gathering by saying to us all, Im glad you got to see me. We are too, Granddaddy. We are too. The last word is always AMEN.

Thank you to all the Volunteers from FUMC and the community who have helped provide this ministry for our community

FUMC

If you have a prayer request that you would like included in the newsletter please fill out a prayer request card and be sure to check the box at the bottom of the card. Drop the card in the offering plate and we will include your request in the following months newsletter. You may also call the church office with your request.

Food Pantry Our Christian Sympathy to:

Carolyn Jones and her family for the death of her husband Don Jones

Holston Annual Conference June 9-12 at Lake Junaluska, NC Representatives of the over 900 United Methodist conJune 9-12 * Lake Junaluska, NC gregations that make up the Holston Conference will meet at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, from Sunday, June 9, through Wednesday, June 12, for the annual conference meeting. The Holston Conference consists of all United Methodist congregations in southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, and a Holston Annual Conference 2013 small section of northwest Georgia, stretching from the vicinity of Radford in the north to the Chattanooga area in the south. Over the four days of the annual conference, members will worship together, evaluate and plan shared ministries, elect leadership, adopt a budget, and commission, ordain, & appoint pastors to lead the congregations. Emmett Richardson will represent our congregation as our official lay member of the conference. Ernie Catron will attend as a delegate representing the Abingdon District. Jane Blevins serves as the coordinator of lay servant ministries for our conference and district, and Jonathan Jonas will represent our congregation as its clergy member. Mission Emphases at Annual Conference A highlight of the annual conference is the shared mission effort of over 900 churches. This years monetary offering is toward the Imagine No Malaria Effort. There is still time to contribute to this effort if you havent yet taken the opportunity. Remembera gift of $10 saves a life in Africa and helps to eradicate a preventable disease. Make your check to First United Methodist Church and write malaria in the memo line. Another shared mission effort is the assembly of hands-on mission kits. As you know, our congregation has assembled dozens of health kits for the Ishe Anesu Project for Underprivileged Children in Mutare, Zimbabwe. It is an impressive sight when two tractor-trailers full of hands-on mission kits leave the grounds of the annual conference for shipping ports. Thank you for your participation in this years mission efforts. When we join together with our United Methodist brothers and sisters around the Holston Conference, we can make a world of difference.

FUMCares
In last months newsletter, we attempted to provide contact information for our church members who are residents of long term care or assisted living facilities. We inadvertently neglected to list: Carliss Earley Asbury Center at Steadman Hill 1300 Bloomingdale Pike, Apt. 304 Kingsport, TN 37660 A new care facility resident since last months newsletter is: Alfred Reeves P.O. Box 408 Waverly, VA 23890

Caring for Each Other

Thank you Jonathan for the time you spent with us and for the personal words of encouragement at a time when they were really needed. Thank you to all our church family that sent cards and brought food. Above all we want to thank everyone for your prayers and please dont stop praying for our family. There are some things we just dont understand but we do know that God is in control and will continue to be there for us. In Gods love David & Janet Kimball And all our family

The Jonas family is very appreciative of the many acts of kindness bestowed on them since the arrival of Sage Jocelyn in January. Many of you continue to express a desire to share in the excitement of the newest addition to our church parsonage. If you would like to share in this joy but feel that you have not had an opportunity to do so, baskets for cards and/ or small gifts will be available at both doors to the sanctuary on Sunday, June 9. Thank you, Ernie Catron, Lay Leader Dear Friends, We thank God for your partnership with Rebekah S., who has been serving the Lord in North Africa. On behalf of all the committee members of Muslin Outreach Team (MOT), I thank you for your generous support of this vibrant and challenging ministry. Thank you for your prayers for Rebekah and her team members as they work with the people of this region. Sincerely, Mary E. Fetzer Treasurer, Muslim Outreach Team

Share in the Joy!

United Methodist Womens News

The UMW met on Wednesday, May 8th, in the Fellowship Hall. Delicious refreshments were provided by the Deborah Circle. The meeting opened with the blessing, followed by the UMW Purpose and a special welcome to Teresa Edgerton, Alpha Scotts daughter. Sandy Wolfe gave a devotion and the group enjoyed singing several favorite hymns. Each month, one Methodist missionary is chosen to receive a birthday greeting from our Marion organization. Most often, we do not hear back from the recipient, but this month Bonnie Scyphers shared a very interesting letter from the missionary who received our greeting in February. A delightful Mothers Day program was presented on stage by the FUMC Preschool children under the direction of Laura Robinson. Thank children and Laura! Our members voted to provide financial sponsorship for some of the youth who are planning to represent our church at Assembly this summer. As a fund raising project this summer the UMW will provide three meals for Kiwanis Club members in the Fellowship Hall. The dates are: Tuesday, June 4 Italian Night Hosted by Ruth & Virginia Circles Tuesday, June 15 Pot Luck Night Hosted by Grace, Martha & Sarah Circles Tuesday, June 23 Barbecue Night Hosted by Deborah and Esther Circles *Hannah Circle will assist all three evening with incidentals. The UMW June 12th program is A Penny and a Prayer. Esther Circle will serve as hostess and Sarah Circle will feed the UMY on Sunday, June 9th. We rejoice that Teri McCall is back at work. Congratulations to newlyweds Jerry and Wendy Howell. We continue to remember the families of Peggy Riggs, Teri Snider, Carolyn Jones, Hilda Schwarts in the loss of family members. We pray for all those dealing with surgery and recovery, and especially those who are affected by the tragic storm in Moore, Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Blessings to all,

A Note of Thanks
Just wanted to say Thank You for your help with gas for upcoming doctor appointments out of town! We are so grateful and pray that we can finally get some answers from the doctors. Please keep us in your prayers. This note is from a husband and wife who have been struggling with medical bills and frequent trips to medical appointments. We were able to help them because of contributions made to the Community Assistance fund by our church family. Every once in a while we receive a note of thanks from someone we have helped and we wanted to share it with you.

New Bible Study Opportunity for Women

A new study of extraordinary women of the Bible will begin meeting on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM. Barbara Armbrister is organizing and facilitating this class. To know more, call Barbara at 783-2554 or contact the church office at 783-5194.

Mark, Mike and I want to thank each and every one for your many prayers, thoughts and deeds. I have met an awful lot of lovely people in Marion and I miss them terribly. Love Peggy Riggs 3609 Royal Palm Arch Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Jerry & Wendy Howell married May 4th

Congratulations to

Mark your calendar!

On Sunday, August 25, 2013, we will celebrate the 125th anniversary of our sanctuarys construction !

Thank you to everyone at FUMC who prayed for me and my family, sent cards, delivered meals, called and texted during my illness. The meals were delicious and the visits were welcome. After many unexpected days in the hospital and at home it was so nice to have visitors. You are all so special to me and the reason I enjoy my job . It is great to be back at work and feeling stronger every day. This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24 Love, Teri McCall

Celebration of Baptism and Membership

On Sunday, May 12 Chase Hayden Rhea was baptized. Parents, Derek & Haley Rhea were also welcomed as members of our congregation. On Sunday, May 19 Olivia Vanhoy was Baptized As a congregation, we have vowed that we will embrace them and nurture them in Jesus name. Please keep them in your prayers today.

JUNE CIRCLE MEETINGS

SUNDAY, June 2 Hannah 4:00 PM TUESDAY, June 4 Esther 11:30 AM Sarah 7:00 PM WEDNESDAY, June 5 Martha 10:00 AM Virginia Ruth 10:00 AM 11:30 AM Country Club Bennie Young Hungry Mother Park Restuarant Pot Luck Linda Huber Tissie Greer Kaye Berry Parlor

Thank you for the lovely reception for Marguerite Hubble. It meant a great deal to our family. In Gods love, Eliza, Jim, Jim II & Lawrence Severt

Tristan Williams Duncan Martin J Mellinger Ryan Moore Sarah Sturgill Olivia Vanhoy Caitlin Wolfe

Confirmations & New Members:

May 12 May 19 May 12 May 12 May 12 May 12 May 12

Linda Crowder
UMW President

THURSDAY, June 6 Deborah 7:00 PM TUESDAY, June 11 Grace 7:00 PM

June 2013

Fun Days for First Kids

During the following dates this summer, please join us for fun summer days with your church family! We have exciting things planned each of these Wednesdays! Come and bring a friend! Also, for these fun events for our children to take place VOLUNTEERS are needed! June 12 Hiking at Hungry Mother - Pack a lunch/drinks and put on your hiking shoes! Meet at church at 10 return at 5 (Ages 5-11).

Confirmation Sunday

CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS PICTURED LEFT: ERIKA BARTON KYLE RICHARDSON CALLIE MELLINGER CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT JOB!
From left to right: Ryan Moore, son of Thad Moore and Ginger Moore, Duncan Martin, son of Glenn Martin and Sarah Martin, J. Mellinger, son of Rick and Mariann Blevins, Olivia Vanhoy, daughter of Andy and Kim Vanhoy, Sarah Sturgill, daughter of Richard and Lynda Sturgill, and Caitlyn Wolfe, daughter of Christie Wolfe.

by Ginger Moore Childrens Director

Childrens Ministry Mission Statement First United Methodist Children S.M.I.L.E. S- serve God M- make a joyful noise I- involve themselves in Christian activities L- love God E- each day, PRAY! As we continue to grow, we need more volunteers! Can you help? Call Ginger (276) 780-9701

June 19 Movie Morning. $10 Lunch and playground at Wytheville. church at 8:15, return at 5 (ages 4-11 , younger may go with a parent)

Meet at

June 26 Hungry Mother State Park Swimming $10 Meet at church at 10, return at 5 (ages 5-11 and must be able to swim on their own- younger children or non swim-

mers must be accompanied by a parent)

July 3

able to swim on their own- younger children or non swimmers must be accompanied by a parent)

Pool $10 Meet at church at 10, return at 5 5 (ages 5-11 and must be

July 28th August 1st 6:00-8:30

A LANTA
Each assembly is a week of discipleship featuring awesome worship, awesome people & one awesome God. Its joining together with others your age to learn, grow, and laugh. Its waking up and worshipping through word and song. Its coming to an event and leaving The youth are going on a mission trip to Atlanta, with a family. Its an opportunity to open up, to get Georgia June 2-8. Please keep the youth and adults real, to focus. Its a chance to shift your thoughts, your in your prayers while they are on this trip. actions, and your life from things of this world to the heart of Jesus. After all, true worship takes place when all people within a community seek the presence Its Not Too Late! Assembly of God and are accepting of each other. Thats the biggest part of AssemSet for June 24-28 bly. And its required. (Get it? .assembly required.)

First United Methodist Church Youth

Parents register online at http://holstonchurches.org/youthsite/events/youth-assembly/

As we look back at our focus on prayer during the after school program and childrens church, we look at The Lords Prayer. This is the familiar passage in Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray. He first told them not to pray just to impress other people. He said thats being hypocritical. He said not to use fancy words or feel like they had to pray long prayers. He gave them an example that is simple, yet powerful. Then He closed His lesson on prayer by actually praying. He prayed words that acknowledged Gods holiness, asked God to have His will, asked for daily provisions, asked for forgiveness of sins and direction for staying away from temptation. Then He spoke to them again about forgiveness of sins. He said that if we expect our Heavenly Father to forgive us of our sins, then we should forgive one another. He actually said that if we dont forgive each other then God will not forgive us. Jesus spoke a lot about our relationships with each other. He cared, not only that we grow in love towards Him, but that we grow in love towards one another. Instead of looking at all thats wrong in the world, lets find ways to teach our children to love and appreciate all God created for us. Especially each other! Pray that we will learn more ways to reach out to kids for Jesus!