Hampstead United Methodist Church

WEEKLY MISSIVE

Hampstead United Methodist Church

15395 US Hwy 17 N., Hampstead, NC 28443

Email: office@hampsteadumc.org

October 10, 2024

Howdy friends!

For those of you who are reading this on our website, note that this is a weekly “missive” from the pastor to our current church family and anyone else who is interested. This is the same as the email that is emailed to all our members and constituents each Thursday afternoon. Next week we’ll send another one. At the end my ramblings there will be other items of interest and Hampstead UMC upcoming events. If you are looking for more details about calendar items, or our prayer list, please scroll down.

The gospel reading for Sunday is Mark 10:17-31. Most of us know this story as the story of the rich young ruler, although Mark is the only one who suggests he is rich. Matthew is the only one who says he is young. And Luke is the one who says he’s the ruler. So we combine them all and call it the story of the rich young ruler.

That’s called harmonizing the gospels. I love the way we have four gospels. It’s like hearing a story from four different people.

For instance, a few weeks ago we had the great pumpkin patch toss. (And by the way, the next one is THIS Saturday, please come help). A lot of people were there, from the high school girls volleyball team to children from Wesleyan Chapel to adult HUMC members to children and youth to many others from the community.

Everyone who was there would tell a slightly different version of what happened that day – how the pumpkins were unloaded, how certain ones (not many) were dropped and splattered, how certain people were really helpful and how some kids had loads of fun jumping into the pile of hay before it was spread out. Judging from the smiles I saw, I’m sure many memories were made and many, many stories were told.

Of course, all the stories would be true, maybe a little exaggerated, but each would emphasize different things based on who was telling the story

And that’s the way the gospels are – they tell the same story – the good news of a God who loved the world so much, that for our salvation, this God became enfleshed as Jesus Christ, who taught us about love and self-giving in his life, death and resurrection

I think the fact that this particular scriptural story, of either the rich or the young or the ruler or all three, shows up in three out of our four gospels, means it’s pretty important. And because of this man, we have a record of what might be one of the hardest sayings in the whole bible, “Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the pour and you will have treasure in heaven;

then come follow me.”

But when the rich, young, ruler, “heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.” (v.22). This leads to Jesus telling the disciples that it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. And the disciples ask, “Then who can be saved?”

This question, “Who can be saved?” is this Sunday’s sermon title. I promise you there will be good news for ALL of us.

I hope to see you then.

Peace,

Pastor Debbie

910-578-5905

Debbie.matthis@nccumc.org

General Fund Report

Through September 2024

YTD Income (Giving Only): $305,591.59

YTD Expenses: $347,733.01

YTD +/- (Giving Only): -$42,141.42

Celebrations!

David & Robin Williams welcome their grandson, Reid Jay Williams, born October 6^th, 6 lbs. 10oz. 19 inches, son of Brandon & Anna Williams

David & Robin also celebrated the marriage of their son, James and new daughter in law Kendall Williams, on Saturday, October 5^th.

Announcements

v 2024 Charge Conference A joint Charge Conference will be held on Monday, October 21^st at HUMC. Faith Harbor UMC will join us. We will worship together at 6:30 PM, followed by our Charge Conference meeting at 7:00 PM

v Prayer Shawl Ministry We are meeting this Thursday, October 17^that 9:00 AM in room 9. All are welcome!

v Methodism Study Pastor Debbie’s Methodism Study meets on Thursdays, at 10:30 AM in room 9. Each study covers a different part of Methodism, so you can attend as you would like.

v HUMC Pumpkin Patch The Pumpkin Patch is open through the end of October. We received a second load of pumpkins yesterday so there are a lot of pumpkins available. We accept payment by cash, check or Zelle.

Pumpkin Patch hours of operation are Monday through Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sundays 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

We still have spaces open for volunteers to man the patch, especially during the 10:00 to 12:00 time. Questions? Contact our Youth Director Jaime Alberti, 910-524-1712 or email: humcyouth@hampsteadumc.org.

v HUMC Coat Drive Anyone who has been around schools and school buses during the few cold days we experience in southeastern North Carolina, has seen children come to school inadequately clothed. Sometimes children don’t come to school because they don’t have the sweatshirt, jacket, or sweater to keep them warm outside. And this situation doesn’t apply only to children. There are plenty of elderly grandparents who don’t have the warm clothing or even a lap robe to stay warm.

Everyone has extra or outgrown coats, sweatshirts, hats, gloves and scarves in their drawers, bins in the attic or garage and even hanging in the closets. You probably have extra blankets or a throw that you’re just not using anymore. Put them to good use! Any size blanket from crib sized to king sized is perfect. Any size coat from infant to adult is great.

During the months of October and November, do an inventory of things you might have that you’re not using and bring them to the church to share with others. There will be a box in the narthex for you to deposit your items.

These items will be distributed to those individuals in need through St. Joseph’s food bank in Burgaw as well as other organizations in the Hampstead area. Be generous and make a difference! Questions Contact Caroline Withers: (Carolinewithers1551@gmail.com)

Calendar of Events

October 13, 2024—October 20, 2024

Sunday—10/13

8:45 AM Worship Service

10:00 AM Sunday School

11:00 AM Worship Service

4:00 PM Power Kids (FLC)

5:00 PM Power Kids and Youth Meal (FLC)

6:00 PM Jr./Sr. High Youth (FLC)

Monday—10/14

8:00 AM ROMEOs (HUMC Library)

6:00 PM Cub Scouts Dens (Rms. 2, 3, 5/6, Sanc, FLC)

7:00 PM Boy Scouts (FLC)

Tuesday—10/15

9:00 AM Prayer Team (HUMC Library)

6:30 PM Divorce Care (Rm. 9)

7:00 PM Al-Anon (FLC Rm. #1)

7:00 PM Al-Ateen (FLC)

Wednesday—10/16

5:00 PM Praise Band Rehearsal (Sanc)

6:30 PM Bible Study Fellowship (Rms. 2, 5/6, 9, Sanc)

7:00 PM Choir Practice (Sanc)

Thursday—10/17

9:00 AM Prayer Shawl Ministry (Rm. 9)

10:00 AM Bible Study “12 Daring Women” (Rm. 5/6)