September 26, 2022 Weekly Missive
(HUMC, 15395 Highway 17N,
Hampstead NC 28443; office@hampsteadumc.org
William’s Wanderings
Good Day, Saints,
The Great Pumpkin Toss will be Saturday, 1 October, at 9:00 am.
Fourth Wednesday Fellowship Meal: So we will gather again on Wednesday, 28 September, for another night of food and fellowship. This will be an “Italian” night. Any desire to help would be welcomed by Linda Thomas.
World Communion Sunday offering is this coming Sunday, 2 October.
And the Disciples, in our Gospel lesson for this Sunday, said to Jesus, “Lord, increase our faith!” And we shake our heads at the words by those who belonged to the inner sanctum, those who traveled the dusty roads toward Jerusalem, those who carry forth the Gospel to the known world and beyond…because they believed. Oh, trust me, having faith doesn’t mean that one lacks need for an extra dose of faith on occasion.
My own experiences have caused me more than a few restless nights. As a pastor I have sought to be one who did not cause others to stumble, which means that one seemingly has to be all things to all people, has to be agreeable at all times, and tolerate with a smile that which most anyone else would take issue with. I have not always succeeded because I have found that, even I have my boundaries. But Jesus says, “Listen! Things that cause other people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come…so watch yourself.” And I cry out, “Lord, increase my faith!”
So, I am watching the game the other night when Albert Pujols slaps home runs number 699 and 700. Pujols is one the greatest first baseman ever. But what is most impressive is how he lives his life off the field. A devout Christian, Pujols practices his faith for all to see. And he does so with a sense of humility, putting others before himself.
Listen! Humility is hard to maintain in this world. But if we are to have the mind of Christ, then we seek to be mindful of those things that can cause us to be a stumbling block. I have no doubt that there have been those who felt that I was just that for them. And I can assure you that there are those who feel the same about anyone of us. So, we strive to live the best that we can with a sense of humility that Christ is above all things…and when we have been offended, or have offended, that we are able to find the same forgiveness Jesus has given to us.
Stay encouraged; stay faithful.
Still in His Peace,
Pastor William
NEXT SUNDAY (10/2) is World Communion Sunday. The UMC will receive one of the six Special Offerings, while celebrating Communion with Christians around the world. The World Communion Offering supports a diverse mix of national and international ethnic young adults to make a global impact for Christ. Half of the offering benefits World Communion Scholarships for graduate students from the U.S. and other countries; the remainder assists Ethnic Scholarships for U.S. and international students studying in the US and Ethnic In-Service Training. If you would like to give, make your check payable to ‘HUMC”, and write “World Communion” on the memo line. If giving by cash, there will be offering envelopes available from an usher. Write your name and “World Communion” on the envelope.
Communion During Worship: "Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf." These words are spoken during holy communion and in an effort to recognize the congregation as one body united in Christ and to honor Pastor William's desire to serve all those who come to the table, the Worship committee has decided to move to one communion station offering gluten free bread to the entire congregation. This change will begin on October 4 which also coincides with World communion Sunday. May we remember the words of the Invitation, "Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with each other... In His Name, Dee Colenda Worship Chair
Chrismon Ornament Crafting Workshop:The Flower Guild will sponsor a Chrismon ornament crafting workshop on Saturday, October 22 from 9:00-12:00. Our goal is to add to our existing Chrismon collection and to give our new Chrismon tree purchased by the Flower Guild a fresh look! All those who are interested are invited to participate. Please email Dee Colenda at deecolenda@gmail.com. to reserve yourself a place at the crafting table! Coffee and donuts will be provided. We are looking forward to a time of fun and fellowship!
Friendship Circle: We will meet Monday, October 3rd at 2:00 PM in room 5/6 at the church.
HUMC Youth Group! It's that time of year again! HUMC's growing group of Power Kids and Youth is in need of volunteers to help provide meals for their weekly meetings on Sundays. This year our Power Kids & Youth will still meet jointly for dinner, and the meals should be prepared to serve around 5:15. We anticipate averaging 25-30 people each week. Please review the available slots below, and click on the button to sign up if you or a group are interested or able to help feed our group. Thank you so much for your consideration and continued support of our youth! If questions, feel free to contact Jaime Alberti at 910-524-1712.
HUMC Christmas Cantata! We will be performing a Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 17th and 18th. We are looking for more singers and musicians to play the following instruments: flute, oboe, French horn, violin, cello, synth, and percussion. Rehearsals will start at the beginning of September. Please see Bethany Borden if you are interested in participating and sharing the joy of music with the community!
Charge Conference Date Change! Charge Conference has been moved from November 2 to October 30th at 12:30 in the sanctuary.
Adopt A Spot F. Y. I. We do not have a landscaping service to weed HUMC grounds and numerous planting beds. We would like to encourage anyone with some free time to stop by and pull a few weeds before they multiply. There is a weed bucket inside the Prayer Garden behind the heat pumps. There are several wooded areas where the weeds can be deposited. You can even “adopt a spot” to maintain on your own.
September 27, 2022—October 2, 2022
Tuesday—9/27
9:00 AM Prayer Team (Library)
7:00 PM Spirit Circle (Library)
7:00 PM Al-Anon (Rm. 5/6)
Wednesday—9/28
6:00 PM Praise Band Rehearsal (Sanc)
6:00 PM Food on Fourth: Italian Night (FLC)
6:30 PM Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) (Rm. 5/6)
Thursday—9/29
7:00 PM Choir Practice (Sanc)
Friday—9/30
2:00 PM UMW Executive Board Mtg. (Rm. 5/6)
Saturday—10/1
8:00 AM United Methodist Men’s Mtg. (FLC)
9:00 AM Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin Toss
(HUMC Front Lawn)
Sunday—10/2 Communion Sunday
8:30 AM Worship Service (Sanc)
9:45 AM Sunday School (Adults & Children)
9:45 AM Worship Service (Sanc)
9:45 AM Sunday School for all ages
11:00 AM Worship Service (Sanc)
4:00 PM Power Kids (FLC)
5:00 PM Jr.Sr. High Youth Group (FLC)