Children’s Ministry Mission for 2013 “It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage; to accelerate and animate their industry and activity; to excite in them an habitual contempt of meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to excel in every capacity, faculty, […]
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Have you ever been walking down the street when you came upon someone in need, either asking you directly for help (financially or perhaps a hitchhiker) or someone caught in a mishap that looks like it is going to ruin their day (flat tire, shopping cart overturned, etc.)? What do you do? What should you do? […]
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I have a vision of a Generous Church… gen·er·ous 1. Liberal in giving or sharing. 2. Characterized by nobility 3. Marked by abundance; ample 2. free from pettiness in character and thought, 3. full or plentiful Generous in their praise of God and care of others. Generous with their resources to fulfill a mission that is challenging, inspiring, and […]
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As leaders of God’s church, our greatest responsibility is to create an environment in which people can give generously. When people in our churches have an encounter with the living God and are touched by his grace, we find no greater evidence of God’s power than the existence of a culture of reckless generosity. Generosity […]
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If life isn’t about money, then why does it cause so many problems. A recent survey the Barna Research Group found that 54% of Non-Christians and 51% of Christians believe the MONEY is the main symbol for determining a successful life. In Paul’s letter to pastor Timothy, he speaks about the temptation, the […]
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Natural wisdom says, “I’ll give when all my needs are met.” “I can’t afford to give” or “I’ll give when I’ve got some surplus.” God’s wisdom says, “Give now, even in your time of need, and watch me work!” The Bible teaches that when we give in faith (trusting totally in God) even when we […]
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I wait. Year after year, generation after generation I’ve been here, waiting, watching and hoping. I’ve watched so many climb these steps as the bell rang through the streets. I’ve watched generations pass by on their way to and from school and wondered if they knew why I was here. I’ve watch as horses gave […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented August 12, 2012 by Jean Pickering Final Summary Slides: […]
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On August 12, 1912 a group of faithful men and women to gathered at the corner of Williams Avenue in Williamstown, WV to celebrate what God had accomplished through them. They stepped out in faith and with full and grateful hearts knew their lives, gifts and resources had been well used. Future generations, they believed, […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented August 5, 2012 by Jean Pickering Focus: Memorial […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented July 29, 2012 by Jean Pickering Focus: Gifts […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented July 22, 2012 by Rev. Dewayne Lowther Focus: […]
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A BRIEF HISTORY What follows is an attempt to give the reader a flavor of the sumptuous meal that is offered by the United Methodist Church for those willing to sit at the Table of Fellowship. I’m offering this in response to the many confused looks I’ve received from visitors and members alike who enjoy […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented July 15, 2012 by Rev. Dewayne Lowther Focus: […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented July 8, 2012 by Jean Pickering Focus: Girl […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented June 24, 2012 by Karen Fenton Focus: Youth […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented June 17, 2012 by Nancy Mahan Focus: Music […]
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Charles Schulz has managed to amuse and bridge generations with his characters, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Pig Pen, and the gang. With their own special brand of charm, wit and wisdom, they challenge us to see ourselves through the lens of humor as Lucy constantly doles out unsolicited advice. You may remember the strip […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented June 10, 2012 by Jean Pickering Focus: Changes […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented April 22, 2012 by Jean Pickering Slides: Centennial April […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented June 3, 2012 by Karen Fenton Focus: Boy […]
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“There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.” ~Celia Thaxter Summer is a time of reflection and renewal. There is more sunshine, more family time and more time to live on purpose. During the summer our thoughts turn toward what’s really important to us not just what is urgent. We take more time to […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented May 27, 2012 by Jim Waybright Focus: Boy […]
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“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” Marshal Foch Have you ever felt like you’re stuck, trapped or so far in a rut you don’t know the path you’re on? Some times you wonder whether there even is a path and in moments of desperation give up believing life is more […]
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Priorities reflect our Values Passion reflects our Vision Persistence reflects View “The More choices you have, the more your values matter.” Michael Schrage This week we’ve been celebrating our graduates and their future. We’ve watched them grow, we taught them God’s plan, and we’ve offered them the love and security of a church family. But at this […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented May 20, 2012 by Jean Pickering Focus: Missional […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented May 13, 2012 by Jean Pickering Slides: Centennial May […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented April 29, 2012 by Delores McCallister Slides: Centennial April […]
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The story of Jesus healing the paralytic in Mark 2:1-14 is more than just another example of Jesus’ power of healing and restoration, it is also the dedication and compassion of a group that brought this paralytic to Jesus. It is not enough to know the truth if you never do anything with it. It […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented April 22, 2012 by Jean Pickering Slides: Centennial April […]
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In a time of contentious political attack ads, religious groups condemning one another, and fear of losing control at an all time high, John Wesley’s words over 2 centuries ago resonate with the human soul. Truth always has. “In Essentials we have Unity. In Non-Essentials we have Liberty. In all things we have Charity.” ~ John […]
READ MORE »Please welcome these new members to the covenant of fellowship found here at First United Methodist Church. Related posts: Images of a Church Picnic Leadership Development Team Centennial Moment X Staff Parish Relations Team
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 25, 2012 by George Fenton Slides: Centennial March […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 18, 2012 Slides: Centennial March 18, 2012 Centennial […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 11, 2012 Slides: Centennial March 11 Centennial Audio […]
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In their book A Faith of Their Own: Stability and Change in the Religiosity of America’s Adolescents (Oxford University Press, 2011), the authors follow up with 2,530 young people, age 16 to 21, surveyed about their faith and religious practices at two points in time. The authors identified five types of religious identity among these […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented March 4, 2012 Slides: Centennial March 4 2012 […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 26, 2012 Slides: Centennial feb 26 Late Service: […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 19, 2012 speaker: Jean Pickering Early Service […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 12, 2012 Centennial Feb 12 Related posts: […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Presented February 5, 2012 centennial – Feb 5 Related […]
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Raymond R. Parrish, 77, of Vienna, WV died Sunday January 15, 2012 at Health South. He was born in Kenna, WV a son of the late Roscoe and Faye (Anderson) Parrish. He retired from Universal/Diamond Glass. When he was younger he served on the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of First […]
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A series of weekly presentations reviewing the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides of our legacy with gratitude for those whose faith, vision and commitment to the Cause of Christ inspired and guided a generation to live […]
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Following Jesus is never as easy as some would have you think. If you are experiencing times of doubt, troubles, grief, anxiety, fear, and depression, you are in company with the Apostle Paul, Peter, John the Baptist, David, Moses, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph … well you get the pictures. Life is difficult and being a […]
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A look at the faithfulness, generosity and gratitude of First United Methodist Church Williamstown, West Virginia Making Disciples ~ Making a Difference 2011 Annual Report FUMC Homepage Related posts: Centennial Moment II Centennial Moment XIII Centennial Moment XV Centennial Moment I
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In the midst of hectic life, it’s easy to get lost. We rise to the top of our profession to realize we were climbing the wrong ladder. God, what happened? How did my life end up like this? Where is the peace that passes all understanding? Where am I, can someone help me, please? When […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Centennial Countdown 1.22 Related posts: Centennial Moment VIII Centennial […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. January 15, 2012 centennial – jan 15 Related […]
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When we became Christians we entered a process in which the life of Christ became the air we breathe, the blood which courses through our veins and the wisdom that guides our thoughts and actions. To know what the next step is in our spiritual growth, we must first know where we are and where […]
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A review of the history, mission and faithfulness of the people who called First United Methodist Church, Williamstown, West Virginia – home. We offer these messages and slides with gratitude for the people and faithfulness of those who gave their hearts to Christ, Church and Community. Centennial – jan 8 Related posts: Centennial Moment VIII […]
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“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson As we step into the flow of God’s story, I feel there is a growing excitement that God is moving us, shaping and equipping us to live beyond the ordinary. We are, after […]
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What is our task in this world as children of God and brothers and sisters of Jesus? Our task is reconciliation. Wherever we go we see divisions among people – in families, communities, cities, countries, and continents. All these divisions are tragic reflections of our separation from God. The truth that all people belong together […]
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The Great Story of God This is a transcript of the service used on December 24, 2011. It is a closer look at the characters, circumstances and context that combine to make each piece part of the Greater Story of Christmas. No one character had all the pieces of the puzzle at the time, but […]
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Generosity is a matter of Action, Intention and Heart. It is reorienting my perspective on what life is means and what God is doing through my life. Generosity is natural response to God’s Love in Christ. Scripture Verse: Mark 10:17-23 Download our 2011 FUMC Stewardship Pledge Form Sermon Notes “Satisfying Our Hunger for God” Lord, How […]
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A great deal of our culture and lifestyle is driven by Greed. Greed in our world is a very strong desire and is changes who we are! And you know what? It’s always been like that, since the beginning of time. Nearly 2000 years ago Jesus was teaching to a crowd of people who were following […]
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God, What do you want to do through me this year with the life and gifts you’ve given me? Stewardship as a way of life has amazing implications for our relationships and our daily lives. It expands the horizons of our world and provides direction and focus to our busy lives. When we commit ourselves to […]
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All people long for God. Period. Some may say the exact opposite, but our desires, actions and values suggest something completely different. We all long to connect with something greater than ourselves, we long for the heart of God. There is simply no better way to connect with God than to learn who God is […]
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These slides were used as part of the children’s time during worship. The use of slides and images is intended to engage children who are far more visual than auditory when it comes to learning and retention. Back to School Lesson 1 Back to School Lesson 2 Related posts: Good News for Ladder People – […]
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Week of September 11, 2011 On September 11, 2001 we experienced evil on a scale never imagined. Thousands died, 10s of thousands more were left to grieve over the loss of a parent, child, spouse or friend. This Sunday we remember the 9/11 Tragedy and rededicate ourselves to confront evil in our world with truth, […]
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To what extent are we a Christian community? According to William Willimon, Bishop of the Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, We are Christian to the extent that we conform to and are confronted by the Word of God. In Romans 12, Paul advises his readers not to be conformed to the pattern of […]
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Worship Gathering The Worship Ministry at First United Methodist Church fuels the mission of the church–to glorify God as we make disciples who are intentional about transformation, personal and global. When we come together in a worship setting, we praise God for what He has done and is doing in our lives, we share our […]
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2011 First United Methodist Church Picnic A special Thanks to all those who came, shared their time and good nature, and generally enjoyed each other’s company. Church is about so much more than a place on the map, it is what’s at the heart of God’s people when they gather because of Him. Related posts: […]
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I just returned home from a weekend of spiritual reflection and renewal with some challenging thoughts. We did an exercise where we were asked to draw a picture of OUR spiritual journey. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, put your thousand word journey of spiritual growth in a pictorial representation. My initial thought was […]
READ MORE »The Methodists must take heed to their doctrine, their experience, their practice, and their discipline. If they attend to their doctrines only, they will make the people antinomians; if to the experimental part of religion only, they will make them enthusiasts; if to the practical part only, they will make them Pharisees; and if they […]
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This Holy Mystery Book Related posts: Holy Communion Centered in Communion World Communion Prayer of Confession A Sacred Meal
READ MORE »State of the Church Address for 2011 Present January 30, 2011 Related posts: 2011 State of the Church Address 2011 Annual Report Centennial Moment II Images of a Church Picnic
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“I was always a good adventurer. I was never afraid of risks. I always had a good philosophy about risks. The only risk is to waste your life, so that when you die, you say, “Oh, I wish I had done this.” I did everything I wanted to do, and I continue to.” -Francis Ford […]
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This message delivered on August 7, 2011 by Reverend Sandy Runnion at First United Methodist Church. A Walk on the Wild Side (Late service) A Walk on the Wild Side (early service) Related posts: Remember Your Baptism Shaped by God Centennial Moment VIII Podcast: Confronting Evil
READ MORE »Leadership Related posts: How do you handle Money? Leadership Development Team Self Esteem Leadership Values
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What we are most committed to both as people and as the church define who we are and what we will become. As we look to the future we must come to terms with what kind of church are we now and what kind of church we want to be. When I think about FUMC, […]
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What exactly does that mean? Is it just another slogan “filled with sound and fury, signifying nothing” [Macbeth]? Well I certainly hope not, but I do think it probably needs some further discussion. I believe we all have a purpose in life, something that God is calling us be, and the church is no different. […]
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Over-Achievers: The dictionary defines an overachiever as someone who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level. The lives of overachievers are marked by an uncanny ability to achieve success despite times of uncertainty or when facing what seem to be insurmountable odds. They seem to have little or no fear of failure and […]
READ MORE »Will you Walk with Me If you have learned to walk A little more sure-footedly than I, Be patient with my stumbling then And know that only as I do my best and try That I may attain the goal For which we both are striving. If through experience, your soul has gained heights […]
READ MORE »I hope you enjoy this video; I found it helpful and challenging. The purpose of the Missional church is to equip those who attend on Sunday morning to take the church to the community. Instead of having altar calls and invitations giving by professional clergy, the church experience is to engage, equipp and encourage the […]
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This is a copy of an invitation sent out to people who have visited our church in the last 9 months but who for reasons unknown have drifted away. It is a simple way to invite a dialog if they so choose. During summer most people like to slow down and relax a bit. Me, […]
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Here are a few photos of my favorite Panda! Group Shot on Day 1! “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belong the Kingdom of God.” Matt 19:14 […]
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For Them – Every Child deserves a chance to experience, explore and embrace God’s love in and among God’s people. When children see real life men and women living as disciples, they are encouraged to learn about God’s dream for their lives too. They deserve to have a place where people give generously of the time, talents and […]
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My Membership Covenant Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering; I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now! I will live the rest of my life serving God’s will with God’s people […]
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Staff Parish Relations Team Communicate between the church staff and the church body on personnel issues and ministry focus. Make recommendations to Church Council on regarding staffing needs Confer with, consult, and counsel the pastor and staff on matters pertaining to the effective use of gifts, skills, and time to fulfill the mission and ministry […]
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Leadership Development Team The charge conference elects members for the committee on nominations and leadership development (formerly the nominating committee or committee on lay leadership). This committee or team serves throughout the year to guide the church council or alternative structure on matters regarding the leadership of the congregation (other than employed […]
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First United Methodist Church Leadership Values Christ Centered: Leads a Spiritually Surrendered Life We serve others as a reflection of how Jesus served and gave his life for us. Our first priority is to be spiritually centered in order to mentor other on our team into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Our personal goal […]
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Dr. Steve Gedon