FLASH FOCUS…February 5, 2012
February 3, 2012
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
It’s a brand spanking new month! February is Black History month, which we will celebrate in some musical ways.
Sunday morning worship includes the service of holy communion, a time when we bring an
offering for the poor. Our partner in ministry is Urban Ministries of Wake County. Month
by month, we receive a thank you letter for our commitment to sharing household and non-perishable goods, as well as our offerings of money.
In Epiphany, Jesus the Healer is much in evidence. We will focus on how in him the word of the prophet Isaiah comes to life. Isaiah 40:21-31 and Mark 1:29-39, “Stubble to Stem.”
Lunch is the Souper Bowl “chili cook-off” – MmmMmmm!
Peace and Prayers,
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…January 29, 2012
January 27, 2012
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
Is it January? One can scarcely tell!
Sunday morning, we’ll take up one of the Mark passages (1:21-28) where we begin to see the healing power of Jesus.
We’re reminded to “bring our cans to church.” Now that the holiday bubble has passed, our
neighbors’ need emerges once more. Thank you for your generosity!
Here’s a bonus – at SNL!, special time of 6:45, The Fairmont Gospel Revue will celebrate
fourteen years of performing together – making most biblical “joyful noise!”
This Sunday’s Day in the Life speaks to the Fairmont brand of “musical diversity.” Will you “take five” to read it?
Peace and Prayer,
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…January 22, 2012
January 20, 2012
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
What a glorious January!
What a joy to have experienced once again the Martin Luther King, Jr., All Children’s Choir!
Sunday, we’ll “pray over” our 2012 Church Council.
Laura Bottomley is calling together all who are interested in the spring musical, Celebrate Life!,
right after worship. All ages!
Upcoming… January 29, 6:45 pm, marks the 14th anniversary of The Fairmont Gospel Revue!
This week’s “Day in the Life” is entitled Haiti 2.0.
Peace and Prayer,
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…January 15, 2012
January 13, 2012
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
The new year is off to an unexpected start – these mild days, plunging each night into the 20’s!
Today I’m counting the three day weekends we encounter each year. In 2011, we had Christmas, Thanksgiving, some had Veterans Day and Columbus Day, Labor Day, Independence Day,
Memorial Day, Easter, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and New Year’s Day. That can mean 9-11 weekends a year that some use to travel. Here’s hoping you’re here THIS weekend!
The evening service, Sunday Night LIVE!, is the setting for our annual celebration with the Martin Luther King, Jr., All Children’s Choir – in year 26! I urge you to come for at least part of the event.
Read this week’s “Day in the Life,” reflecting on why the holiday for the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Much Peace,
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…January 8, 2012
January 6, 2012
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
And once more, happy new year!
Our new year celebrations peak with Sunday morning’s “Baptism of the Lord” where we will celebrate as we do annually, The Service of Baptismal Renewal. Powerful stuff!
Our offering envelope provider has had a serious production problem, so we will have to be patient about getting those for 2012. Meanwhile, offerings in or out of envelopes are welcome – and encouraged! – please mark the “memo line” with any special instructions.
Please make the change to the church’s new email address: info@fairmontumc.org
No, we’re not trying to confuse you! Intrex is simply phasing out that service.
Finally, read the new “Day in the Life.”
Peace,
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…January 1, 2011
December 30, 2011
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
And Happy (almost) New Year!
We had a marvelous Christmas Eve service at Fairmont, and now are amid the very “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Sunday morning’s service honors tradition among people called Methodists, John Wesley’s “Covenant Service.” What better way to begin the new year?
As this year draws to a close, in gratitude to God for you and for all you mean to us, Peggy and I have regarded our Christmas offering as a “thank offering.” Perhaps you will also want to join with 30 more families who have made such a Christmas offering!
This is the last reminder I can share with you: For your offerings to be counted among those of 2011, you need to have them in the churchoffice by noon on Friday, December 30. Margie will be in for regular hours on Thursday and Friday. Your financial support is crucial (as in critical, imperative, vital, and in all ways highly important!) to the health of Fairmont United Methodist Church.
The latest “Day” is a retrospective on 2011.
Peace on earth!
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…December 24 & 25, 2011
December 21, 2011
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
It’s his birthday – almost! Fete the festivities – and feast!
Christmas Eve
10:00 am Gather in Youth Room to bag treats (for 200 )
4:40 pm Luminaries in place
4:45 pm Fairmont Brass in mini-concert
5:00 pm Worship (carols, communion, candle-lighting)
Dinner (right after worship)
Christmas Day
11:00 am Morning Worship – features Julie Southwick, flute
7:00 pm Sunday Night LIVE! features Roenetia Steward & Randy Shepard
Christmas Column (Day in the Life)
Read it before, on, or after Christmas!
Peace on Earth,
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…December 18, 2011
December 16, 2011
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
What a marvelous time with both the Fairmont Gospel Revue and our young people leading us in, “Dude! You hear what I hear?”
6:30 pm, Sunday NIGHT, our choir will join with singers from Community United Church of Christ in performing John Rutter’s “Gloria!” Vocalists and instrumentalists together promise a stirring performance. 6:30 pm is our special Advent time for our special services.
Morning Worship will be the wonderful service of Advent Lessons & Carols, featuring seven of our youth doing the scripture readings.
Below is the list of helpers AND needs for Christmas Eve. PLEASE reply to me by email YOUR willingness to help! (Where you are already signed up – thank you! I’ve taken out things that are covered.)
Peace on earth,
Pastor Steve
Decorate Tables
no one signed up – help!
Receive Food
Helen Kraus – one or two join Helen?
Turkey Breasts – 1 or 2 more
Susie Mallard Barnes (2)
Chromy
Potatoes (any style) – 1 or 2 more
Helen Kraus
Cathy Ruff
Mary Ellen Anderson
Chromy
Ham – 1or 2 more
Louise Tippett
Joyce Anne Porter
Green Beans – 1 or 2 more
Joyce Anne Porter
Carol Shearin
Beth Koziol
Corn Dishes – 1 or 2 more
Pam Bowden
Carol Shearin
Holly & Jesse Israel signed up to bring a squash casserole
Congealed Salad – 1 more
Shirley Spivey
B.J. Thomas
Desserts – 2 or 3 more
Suzy Krutsch
Sarah Haithcock
Carol Shearin
Chromy
Clean Up – 4 or 5 more!
Rich & Sara Loeppert
FLASH FOCUS…December 10 & 11
December 9, 2011
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
Great moments this Advent:
* Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by Parents Morning Out. Saturday, December 10, 9:00 – 11:00 am. Fun, food, and festive activities with Santa, for five (5) dollars!
* Fairmont Gospel Revue, morning worship, December 11, 11:00 am. The set includes “Joyful, Joyful,” “I Pray On Christmas,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and “We Three Kings.”
* “Dude! You hear what I hear?” Yes, our wonderful young people will lead us Sunday night, December 11, 6:30 pm. We receive an offering of non-perishable foods, and there’s a reception after.
* Robeson County Church & Community Christmas Store items are due Sunday, December 11.
Peaceful Advent,
Pastor Steve
FLASH FOCUS…December 4, 2011
December 2, 2011
FLASH FOCUS
Fairmont United Methodist
2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
Hello, Friends of Jesus!
As we move toward the Second Sunday of Advent, much is afoot:
Friday, December 2, Chrismon Tree: No, we’re not lighting the tree at Rockefeller center, but we are placing the “Christ Monograms” on our tree. Come one, come all, to the family friendly time of 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Sunday, December 4, 11:00 am: Advent Communion. With the Advent Wreath on one side and the Chrismon Tree on the other, we come together at the table of the Lord.
Sunday, December 4, 6:30 – 7:30 pm: The Hanging of the Greens. Sunday Night LIVE! is the setting for seeing the sanctuary transformed, even as our preparations continue.
There’s more! Watch this week’s “Fairmont Focus” (you may request a PDF copy from me) and come and see!
And this…
AIDS deaths decline worldwide. On World AIDS Day, it seems good to reflect on the scourge that has devastated so many families around the world. The battle is far from won, but perhaps the tide has turned, even if only slightly. Consider this: “The number of people dying of AIDS around the world declined last year for the third year in a row, at the same time that the fraction of people getting treatment for the infection reached almost 50 percent.” ( Washington Post ) One strong United Methodist response is ZOE, many of us participate in this project with “AIDS Orphans.” ZOE Ministry
Peace on Earth,
Pastor Steve