Weekly Missive
September 4, 2025
Dear Friends,
This Sunday, we’re talking about parties!
In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus tells a story about a great banquet where the invitations go out far and wide. Some people make excuses, some get too busy, but the host won’t give up until the table is full. Right in the middle of that story, Jesus looks at the crowd following him and says something that makes us wince: “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
It sounds hard—and it is—but here’s the good news: when Jesus invites us to the feast, he also gives us the strength to show up. Following him may cost something, but it leads to joy, purpose, and life we can’t find anywhere else.
That’s what we’ll be exploring this Sunday in the sermon “Great Idea to Have a Party! I’m on My Way!”
And then, as God’s people, we’ll gather at the Lord’s Table for Holy Communion. It’s more than bread and cup—it’s our reminder that God never stops inviting us, never stops feeding us, never stops making room for us.
Whether you’re a longtime member, a newcomer, or someone who hasn’t been in a while, I want you to know—you’re invited and you are so very welcome here. The table is set, the Spirit is stirring, and there’s a place for you.
I can’t wait to worship with you.
With joy in Christ,
Pastor Debbie
HUMC Preschool Scholarship Offering
This Sunday, September 7th will benefit our Preschool Griggs Scholarship Fund. Established in memory of Joe and Kathleen Griggs, funds will assist those families for whom preschool tuition at HUMC is too great a burden. No child has ever been turned away because of inability of the family to pay. Please keep the Preschool in your prayers during this time as they begin another challenging year of 'training up' God's children and giving them a strong love of learning and an educational foundation for kindergarten. If you wish to give to this offering, make your check payable to "HUMC" and write "Griggs Fund" in the memo line. If giving by cash, envelopes will be available in the narthex. Write your name and "Griggs Fund" on the envelope. You may give online by credit/debit card: Give (clovergive.com)
HUMC Pumpkin Patch News!
Pumpkin Patch Clean-Up Day! Help us prepare the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, September 20st! We’ll start at 9:00 AM. Bring a rake and some gloves!
Pumpkin Toss Join us on Saturday, September 27th at 9:00 AM for our annual Pumpkin Patch “Pumpkin Toss”. Volunteers are needed to help unload the pumpkins. Many hands make light work! Come be a part of our giant assembly line and help this worthy cause! This can also be counted towards any volunteer community service hours. Free pizza and drinks will be provided. Save the date for October 18th when we will have a second load of pumpkins! Questions? Contact our Youth Director Brooks Anderson, 304-690-4660 or email brooks.n.anderson@gmail.com.
Announcements
United Women In Faith We will meet Tuesday, September 9th at 10:00 AM in room 5/6. All women of the church are invited to attend!
Finance Committee Tuesday, September 9th, 5:30 PM, room 5/6.
Divorce Care Tuesday, September 9th at 6:00 PM in room 9.
Bible Study Fellowship Beginning September 10th, all women in the Hampstead community are invited to join Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) each Wednesday evening, from 6:20 PM to 8:00 PM. Explore God’s word through small-group discussions and hear practical insights from a teaching leader. Find peace, hope, and answers to life’s challenges. Register at join.bsfinternational.org/class/5345.
Bible Study Beginning Thursday, September 11th Jennipher Burns will begin a 7-week Bible study, “Luke in the Land”, at 9:00 AM in room 5/6. Books are $25.00 and are available at the first meeting. Contact Jennipher, 910-206-1903; or jennipherlove09@gmail.com for more information.
Church Council Tuesday, September 16th at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary.
Charge Conference Date Our 2025 Charge Conference is Thursday, October 30th, at 6:00 PM at Wesleyan Chapel UMC (10255 US Hwy 17 N, Wilmington, 28411).
Pumpkin Patch “Pumpkin Toss” Mark your calendars for our first delivery of pumpkins for the Pumpkin Patch, Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. More news to come!