FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK ………. It is with tremendous excitement and enthusiasm that I announce Kristin Farquharson will become the Hindman United Methodist Church’s (HUMC) Missions Minister. Several months ago the Outreach Witness & Evangelism (OWE) Team under the leadership of Sharon Boggs presented to the Church Council an ambitious strategy for our mission work with Uganda. The Church Council approved this strategy. The strategy included the following projects: 1. Sponsor a Wango in the Gulu District. A WANGO is a ministry to children providing them support and mentoring 2. Sponsor the HUMC Challenge to the District. HUMC will raise $5,000 by Christmas and challenge other UMCs in the Prestonsburg and Ashland Districts to raise the remaining $25,000 to purchase property ($30,000) requested by Bishop Wandabula for the future construction of a multi-purpose facility for worship and ministry, a clinic, a technical training center, and a mission/ guest house to facilitate future VIM trips in the region. 3. Be a catalyst to build a network of Prestonsburg UMCs, other churches, groups and individuals in the support of the Uganda Mission. 4. Send a Volunteer In Missions (VIM) Team to the Gulu District of Uganda. It was evident that neither a volunteer nor the pastor had sufficient enough time to lead HUMC in this vitally important and ambitious strategy. God inspired an anonymous donor to offer to contribute $6600 to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to cover Kristin’s stipend for the purpose of leading us in this effort. The Administrative Council gratefully accepted this offer. Kristin, her husband Peter and their children (Cameron, Megan, and Ian) have been missionaries of MCC for over three years working with the SWAP (Sharing With Appalachian People) Ministry. During the school year, Kristin worked in the Hindman Settlement School’s (HSS) Adult Education program and helped Peter coordinate the SWAP Ministry during the summer. Mike Mullins, the Director of HSS, introduced the SWAP Ministry to HUMC and provided us the opportunity to partner with MCC to host this vital home mission. Prior to Kristen’s work with MCC, she lived in Brazil for a year (1984-85) and in 2003 she and daughter Megan raised their support to do short-term missionary work in Venezuela. Kristin has taken course work for three years through the Missionary Development Program (sponsored by the BIC church) to help local churches develop their mission ministry. Kristin will bring to this position the same leadership skills she displayed when she and Frieda Mullins were co-coordinators for hosting the Hope for African Children Choir last spring. Both of these ladies are superlative planners, organizers and leaders. People have said that this was one of the best things that HUMC has ever done. In other Districts where the choir performed there were several churches working together to host the choir. The HUMC hosted the choir operating alone. This was due to the hard-working people of our church but it could not have been done with out the outstanding leadership of Kristin and Frieda. Kristin will begin with the HUMC Challenge. Edie and I have already given our $1000 Christmas gift to Jesus to go toward the $5000 our church intends to raise toward the Ugandan property purchase. Kristen will help the HUMC raise the remaining $4,000 by Christmas for its part of the $30,000; she will be involved in carrying our challenge to other churches in the Prestonsburg and Ashland Districts. Watch for announcements in the coming weeks regarding how you can get involved in this mission effort. Let’s get all excited about our missions work and support Kristen as she leads us. ~ Pastor John
The DMT met on October 5 for the last meeting with the current team. Team members were given the opportunity to serve again on the Disciple Making Team or on another HUMC ministry team for the year beginning after the church charge conference on October 27. A "Read Through the Bible" program was recommended by Blanch Taylor who has evaluated a number of different program. It will be available beginning November 1 with handouts for the congregation as well as a monthly guide in the newsletter. Members of the team are still working on a "sponsor" program to assist new attendees in becoming integrated into the life of the church family. Leaders of various ministries have been asked to submit a description of their program for inclusion and we are working on an information booklet to be available. Pictures are being taken for a church directory which would be included as well. Classes for the Discipleship Track (10 Timeless Values, Stewardship, Basic Christian Beliefs, Spiritual Gifts Discovery and Purpose Driven Life) will be offered during the Sunday School hour in 2009 on a rotation schedule. Classes will last 4-6 weeks. Currently, we have scheduled "40 Days of Purpose", a study of The Purpose Driven Life, for the 6 weeks prior to Easter during the Lenten season. The class will begin on Sunday, February 22 and the teacher will be Sharon Boggs. The Praise and Worship Team desires to have a study time during Sunday School and a volunteer is needed to teach that class. Reports were given on the Introduction and Chapter 1 of "Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation" by various team members. A discussion was held on how we as a team and also as a church need practice "Radical Hospitality". Goals for next year include promoting the Discipleship Track and having 22 persons complete at least one class, increase the attendance in the existing small groups by at least 10%, increasing the Sunday School attendance by at least 10% (3-4 people), and increase opportunities for fellowship by scheduling regular potluck dinners and summer activities; continuing the Hospitality Table between Sunday School and church and encouraging more fellowship with new attendees; appointing a "Fellowship Supervisor"; and training the congregation on how to be more hospitable. The next meeting will be January 9, 2009 immediately following the worship service. Lunch will be brown bag with drinks and dessert provided. ~ Jan Stumbo
It’s that time of year again – frost is on the pumpkin, the leaves are falling and it’s time to “Celebrate the Savior”. The date for this year is December 7. The Witness & Outreach Team has held its first planning meeting for “Celebrate the Savior” but there is still a lot to be done. We need “actors”, people to help with getting the stable and grounds ready, lighting and sound people, and people to decorate. Stacy Burnett and Jade Collins are in charge of the outside program, so if you’re willing to show your talents, be sure to offer your acting skills; anyone who can handle a hammer or will work on the grounds, let Don Owens or Pastor know. Things will be a little different this year, as we’re planning to incorporate some Ugandan flair to the program. Speaking of Uganda, I’m sure most of you are aware that our church has taken the initiative to help the United Methodist Church in the Gulu District of Uganda purchase land for a mission/medical facility. Our church is planning to collect $5000 and is challenging the other Methodist churches in the Prestonsburg and Ashland Districts raise an additional $25,000 to help in making the Ugandan’s dream of this facility a reality. So save your pennies, this will be an excellent way to reach out to those in need and give to God’s kingdom. We will be placing emphasis on giving to this project during this year’s Advent season. ~ Sharon Boggs
The SALT Team (Securing Able Leadership and Training) met October 5 and recommended a 5% salary increase for the pastor for 2009. The group also set goals for the upcoming year, including to provide training for effective leadership for ministry teams, to establish mentoring relationships between present leaders and upcoming leaders, and to develop criteria for how leaders mentor. October 19th the team met again to complete a slate of officers and ministry team members to recommend at Charge Conference on October 27th. Thank you to everyone who agreed to fill a position in the church. May each of you be blessed to carry out your work! Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal following the worship service on October 19th in honor of Pastor John. He was also presented a check from the church as part of Pastor Appreciation. Please continue to let John and Edie know how much you care about them and their family. ~ Jennifer Hale
The ladies met October 9th in the Gathering Room of our church. Jan Stanfill opened the meeting with prayer. Jan Stumbo read a letter from Deb Massengale and Linda Gayheart to thank us for our hospitality and the food we served for the first LACE (Lay Academy for Christian Excellence) meeting in September. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and we want to remind everyone that there are still plenty of “Recipes from the Heart, Volume II” cookbooks available. They make a wonderful gift any time of the year for your favorite cook, or want-to-be-cook. The cookbook is filled with 777 great everyday recipes at a cost of $12 each. Please call the church at 606-785-5210 during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., or ask any lady of the church about getting one. Deb Combs shared that it is time to seriously think about our other fundraising project – CANDY! Production will begin November 10 (see advertisement in “Church Classified” section of this newsletter). Lynn shared that there will be a Craft Fair at Hazard ARH November 21st where she has reserved a table and the candy can also be sold. Jan Stumbo shared that 11 ladies have pre-registered for next year’s Women’s Getaway in Pigeon Forge, TN. The balance for the registration fee is due before February. Upcoming events: November 15th – Victorious Women in Paintsville (see Jan Stanfill for details) December 11th – HUMW’s Christmas Party With hunting season in full swing, Jan Stumbo’s devotion centered around deer. Psalm 42:1 compares the thirst of the deer to our soul’s longing for closeness to God. When they sense danger they run towards and through water out of fear. The water washes away their scent and they cannot be tracked by other animals as easily. With Halloween just around the corner, we need to remind children that the devil (danger) is real. We should be mindful not to give him foothold in our lives with morbid costumes. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” To be more firmly grounded in God and get closer to him, we are encouraged to designate a specific time each day to pray, read Scripture and be open to what God wants us to hear. It would be helpful to make notes during our devotion time and write down what is revealing to us. We should then make it a priority to apply to our lives what God is telling us. Our next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on November 13th in the Gathering Room of our church. Volunteers are needed to serve refreshments and for the program. Remember: You don’t have to be a member of Hindman United Methodist Church to attend our meetings. ~ Karin Ritchie
(Jesus Unites Many People) The JUMP program continues to live up to its name. Wednesday nights are filled with a variety of activity. Children are learning about the Creation story and realizing their part in God’s plan of reaching out to all people with the Good News of Christ. An offering to “Nothing But Nets” continues to be collected to purchase mosquito nets that will be shared with families of Africa ($10 buys one net). The youth class is always well attended by an inspiring group of young people. The annual Fall Festival was held October 29th and everyone enjoyed the games and activities led by the youth. Thank you, Stacy, for the example you set for the youth. A class for adults is taught by Blanch Taylor from the book “12 Ordinary Men.” Edie Shroll continues to lead the bell choir for those who choose to make a joyful sound. Each JUMP participant is loved and respected, whether through a birthday recognition, sharing a meal in a family setting, or having the Creation story made more realistic as little ones try to walk on a moonbeam.” Come out and experience a JUMP night each Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. ~ Jennifer Hale
The true calling of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way. ~ Dean Stanley
Father, help me not to tire of doing the ordinary things in life. Help me season each task with Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
6th season of UPWARD BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING
The purpose of UPWARD BASKETBALL and UPWARD CHEERLEADING at Hindman UMC is to recognize that EVERY CHILD is a winner by promoting: SALVATION: To share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone involved. CHARACTER: To help every child grow as Jesus did – spiritually, physically, mentally and socially. SELF ESTEEM: To help every child grow in their understanding and enjoyment of sports. IMPORTANT DATES: November 3 & 6 – Player Evaluations December 1 – First practice week January 10, 2009 – First game day (8 week season) March 7, 2009 – Awards Celebration MINISTRY / COMMISSIONER POSITIONS NEEDED : w Game Day Devotional Commissioner w Coaches w Referee Commissioner w Referees w Follow-Up Commissioner w Practice Night and Game Day Volunteers Please contact Patrick or Alicia Conley, or Karin Ritchie, and let them know that you are as excited about UPWARD as they are and want to help.
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Birthday Challenge $$$ Bethel Ritchie is challenging everyone to make a donation to the Building Fund in honor of their birthday, $1 for each year of their life. FINANCIAL NEWS This year, you may want to consider designating a contribution To the Hindman United Methodist church Building Fund or to the Roof & Ceiling Fund. Even though we have closed our separate building fund account, you may still designate your contribution to go towards either fund. All you have to do is mark your check accordingly. At the end of September, we still owe $553,280.75 and depend on your contribution to pay the loan off as quickly as possible.
TOUGH QUESTIONS FROM KIDS: How do I trust God for money? First, pray. Tell God what you need, what you would like, and how you feel. But also tell Him that you trust Him to take care of you and to do what is best for you. Then put your mind at ease and do not worry. God promises to provide for His people. He also tells us to be content with what we have. ~ Focus on the Family
By Hannah Hurnard This book is one of Hannah Hurnard's best known and best loved books. This book is a beautiful allegory dramatizing the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy, and victory. Follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficult places with her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering. Learn how Much-Afraid overcomes her tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places. There she gains a new name and returns to her valley of service, transformed by her union with the loving Shepherd. DRAGON SPELL By Donita K. Paul One Dragon
Egg Holds the Key to the Future. WHAT CAN BE FOUND IN LOST By John Ankerberg & Dillon Burroughs A plane crash. A remote island. Strangers thrown together under unimaginable circumstances. So begins the adventure of Lost. This immensely popular television show has captured the attention of millions...including you. From week to week, you've tried to put together the pieces of the puzzle and yearned for answers to some of the big questions: What secrets does the island hold? How are the castaways connected? What pasts are they trying ot hide? Have they all been stranded on the island together for a reason? Who's really in control? Now you can explore the spiritual side of life on the island. Join authors Ankerberg and Burroughs (both Lost enthusiasts) as they take a fascinating look at the issues of faith that regularly confront the castaways, including... w the existence of God wmiracles wredemption wforgiveness w the nature of good and evil wdestiny wthe afterlife While not all of Lost's mysteries may ever be solved, you can find new insights and intriguing possibilities in this provocative and fan-friendly exploration. See for yourself what can be found in Lost.
I‘m saved, so it doesn’t matter how much I give, or even whether I give at all.
It is right to say that being saved is what matters most, but wrong to conclude that giving is therefore irrelevant. In no way does giving (or any other good work) secure God’s favor. However, once we have been made new by the gospel, that same gospel changes us through and through, causing us to practice generosity (and other good works) out of thanksgiving to and love for God. Thus, while a person’s giving does not in any way determine his salvation, it is an excellent indicator that salvation has come to him. It is the grace of God, not our giving, that saves us. But once we are saved, it is the same grace of God that makes us generous givers. In fact, the Bible says, if we claim to be saved but refuse to give to people in need, the we are deceiving ourselves about being saved in the first place (James 2:14-17). In other works, it is precisely because you are saved that it matters how much you give.
November 30th is the First Sunday of Advent We will be publishing our annual devotional booklet, a sign-up sheet is available. Please turn in your contribution to Karin no later than November 23rd (e-mail: karin@tvscable.com or mail box at church). Forms are available on each table.
Position: Sunday School Teacher for Praise and Worship Team Hours: 10:15-10:45am Sundays Benefits: Eternal Pay: Jewels in your crown Experience Required: Love of the Word Contact: Jan Stumbo ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recipes from the Heart, Volume II will make the perfect gift. The cookbook is filled with 777 easy to follow and time tested recipes that will please anyone who loves to cook, is just learning to cook, or is looking for a different way to preparing a meal (international recipes are included). Cookbooks are available at $12 each and can be purchased either at the church office, from Joyce Childers, or any of the ladies at the church. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$12.00 - 20 oz $20.00 – 40 oz HOLIDAY CANDY BASKETSASSORTED FUDGE, BUCKEYES, & BUTTER CREAMS PICK UP OR DELIVERY DATES: December 4, 11, & 18 NO ORDERS TAKEN AFTER DEC. 15TH FUND RAISER FOR HINDMAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER 10 BOXES ONLY To place a phone order or for more information, call 606-634-5376 or 606-497-8187 or Hindman United Methodist Church 606-785-5210 Contact Deborah Combs at 606-785-5462 Email: debrah.combs@gmail.com
Everything is an expression of our faith in Christ. Our Christian citizenship requires us to register to vote, study the issues in light of the Bible, invite God into the voter booth and vote our conscience. ~ Pastor John
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