Welcome
Welcome to the web site for Fairmont United Methodist Church
in Raleigh, North Carolina! We hope you'll find it both
inspirational and informative.
Mission Statement
Our mission, by the grace of God,
is to build a compassionate community,
expressed spiritually and socially,
in this neighborhood, across the city of Raleigh,
and in the world.
We claim the gospel’s good news for all people,
regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or social class.
Pastor's Weekly Message
A Day in the Life ... In Worship
Why do we worship as we do? An excellent question! The work of the Fairmont Vision Task Force stated our mission this way:
The mission of Fairmont United Methodist Church is to love God, worship joyfully, advocate for peace and social justice, embrace diversity, and serve with Christ-like compassion.
The further we go in examining that statement, the more in awe I am of it! Where we "live into" those faith principles, we will be living a piece of the kingdom.
The task force has led us into four areas of focus, one of which, named in this morning's sermon, is "passionate worship." Among the strategies to accomplish that are these:
1) Establish a Worship Team
2) Begin Worship Education efforts
The first of those is in place, the second begins with this column. It is my hope that these will be posted on our web-site, for those who were not here to read it (!), and also for those finding their way into the community that we can direct to this resource for information and reflection.
In last Sunday's sermon, if I may be so bold or foolish to quote myself, I mentioned the various mysteries confronting those new in our midst, including our very worship bulletin. It is what one might call "evolved!" If you do not notice the size of the print, then that means it's big enough! At one point, we were printing two copies of the bulletin, with one a "large print," and a third item, which was the Sunday Night LIVE! service. All three of those are brought together in this one weekly document. While it takes a bit of becoming accustomed, and an extra fold or two, we think it's the best tool for us.
A second theme for today is how the service is organized. Long time worshipers probably to not notice that there are five capitalized headings: THE GATHERING, CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY, PROCLAMATION, RESPONSE TO THE WORD, and THE SENDING FORTH. You can see for yourself the things that call us together for worship; that name the nature of community through our prayers, an anthem usually focusing on the day's theme, and our children hearing a word geared to them; the Word prepared for, heard, and interpreted; our responses to that Word, through the sacraments of communion or baptism and the offering; and then we are sent into the world, refreshed and equipped for service - we hope!
There is a certain flow to such a service, one where we are gathered, prayed over, challenged, a challenge to which we respond as we depart for the days ahead. At its "heart" is the scripture, with prayer the "life blood" and music the "pulse." There is flexibility, as evidenced by the recognitions, special moments, and presentations that also find their way into worship.
As we move forward, members of the Worship Team and I will take up additional themes such as the church seasons, colors, symbols, sacraments, sanctuary, music, praise, prayer in its several kinds, offering, thanksgiving, and more. It is our hope that these will be conversation starters rather than "the last word." Enjoy!
Pastor Steve
DISCIPLE Bible Study
The DISCIPLE Bible Study movement continues to develop.We have held Disciple 1 nine times, as well as Disciple 2 and 4. Three new shorter term studies are now available.
Now on Thursday nights we'll begin a new study.
“Invitation to the New Testament” is a compact 8 week study. Its web site says, “Using Matthew’s Gospel as a starting point, this study explores how the new Testament writers and the early Christian community wrestled with the coming of Jesus—his life, actions, mission, death, and resurrection—and the implications of his arrival for their lives and their communities of faith.
Moving through the Gospel of Matthew sequentially, the overarching themes from this story of Jesus provide the conversation topics for each of the eight sessions. Each theme is then traced through other related passages in the New Testament. Who is Jesus and what is his significance for our lives? Participants are invited to join this conversation, to study afresh this story of Jesus, and to learn more about their calling to discipleship and to community.”
The introductory session will be September 20, concluding (before Thanksgiving) November 15. Pastor Steve will lead. To order your book, contact him.
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SINGERS! RINGERS!
Bring thyselves unto renewed rehearsals! See announcements on the right for time/place.
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Fairmont
Fairmont
