First Methodist

Messenger

December 2019

Troutman 1st United Methodist Church 204 Mills Avenue, P.O. Box 717

Troutman, NC 28166

To Worship, To Learn, To Share the Name of Jesus Ministers: ALL MEMBERS Pastor: Jeff Hamrick Office: 704-528-5110 Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 9:30am - 3:30pm (lunch at noon) Home: 704-980-4231 Visiting: Tuesday & Thursday Cell: 828-429-5925 Sabbath: Monday E-mail: jhamrick1@wnccumc.net www.troutmanmethodist.com

OUR VISION: To be a spiritual connection in the Troutman community…..an example of Christian love to all, and the body of Christ reaching out to those in need.

Luke 2:20 – “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had

heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

When the Shepherds heard the birth announcement of Jesus by the angels, they said to

each other “let us now go to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known

to us.” There at the manger, the shepherds encountered the “good news,” the great joy for all

who would believe. After seeing Jesus for themselves, the shepherds knew without a doubt

that the Messiah had come into the world to save those that were and are still lost today. At

Jesus’ birth, the gift of salvation was offered to the world. The shepherds are filled with

wonder and delight as they encountered the newborn king. Notice what happens next, the

shepherds were filled with joy and they go and tell others of what they have seen. The

shepherds set the example for the Christian community in a nutshell: we are to report to

others the expectation and delight that we experience with God’s grace.

What would it look like if the church followed the example of the shepherds by going

and telling? Think of the difference that we could make in our communities and world.

Jesus entered the world in a humble way to match His purpose in coming: to save those

who humble themselves and believe in Him. Jesus came gently, like those He purposed to

save. As we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth, let us remember that God the Father intended

His Son’s arrival to cause a stir and to bring attention to this miraculous moment. God

called upon lowly, humble servants to carry the message to the world. These humble men,

the shepherds, became His first witnesses to the “good news.” They shared to those who

would listen the good news that God’s grace and salvation is available for all. This

Christmas, help others open and experience the gift of God’s grace. Go and tell!

Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year.

Pastor Jeff Hamrick

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Dine with your neighbors. Join the conversation. Celebrate Jesus’ Birthday!

Free home cooked community meal Hosted by:

Troutman 1st United Methodist Church 204 Mills Ave. 704-528-5110

EVERYONE WELCOME—NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Wednesday, December 11th, at 6:00pm

Wednesday, November 13th, First Troutman sponsored our second community event entitled

“Food for Thought.” The evening began with worship music led by Kenny Overcash & David

Saleeby. The devotional this evening centered around 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Giving Thanks in

All Circumstances.” Conversations around the dinner table centered on what made them smile and

to name three things that each person gives thanks for in their lives. The message challenged us to

look at the many reasons we have to give thanks for Thanksgiving. A delicious meal of Ham, maca-

roni and cheese, green beans, and homemade desserts were served to those attending. When the

meal was completed, table groups worked on creating gifts for Troutman First Shut-in members

for the month of December. We have a talented and creative group of individuals who made

awesome gifts to remember our shut-ins. Special thank you –Linda McCabe, Linda Greenstone,

and all those who helped cook and prepare our delicious meal. Thank you to those who served and

to Leigh Payne & Joyce Clotfelter who helped with our craft project. Our next event will be

Wednesday, December 11th at 6:00 PM. The theme for this month will be “Celebrate Jesus Birth.”

The devotion will focus on the birth of Jesus Christ and there will be Birthday Cake and activities to

help us remember this blessed event. Come Join Us and invite someone who doesn’t know about

the caring, loving, Body of Christ at Troutman First UMC.

Compassion Crafters

Compassion Crafters will be meeting on Friday, December 13 for our all day sew and our Christmas Party. Make sure you come for some make n' takes, games and refreshments. We will also try and get some sewing done! Sonya Yager

Cub Scout Pack 174 Troutman First UMC

This year Pack 174 is going to collect the tabs from cans for

Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, NC. The Ronald McDonald House

provides families of sick children with a place to stay while their children are in the hospital Although it costs the House approximately $142 a night to

shelter a family in medical crisis, families are invited to make only a small donation, but many cannot afford to contribute anything at all.

The Ronald McDonald House has a “Million Tab Challenge” and we at Troutman First UMC can help them reach this goal over the next year.

Just think of everything that has a tab on it! You see them every time you open a soda, a can of soup or vegetables, even when you feed your pets. Though small, tabs are clean and easy to collect—and they add up so fast. The House takes tabs into local recycling

centers and exchanges the tabs for money for their guest family fund.

The money from pop tabs helps to ensure that they are able to accommodate every guest, regardless of their ability to pay.

So, church family, start collecting your tabs today! A quart size baggie would be a good place to put them. Then bring the bag of tabs to church and we will get them to the Cub

Scouts for this great service project!

SCOUTS BOSTON BUTT SALE DECEMBER 14TH—GET YOUR TICKETS!

Thank you in advance for supporting the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts!!

FIND HELP

DISCOVER HOPE

EXPERIENCE HEALING

WEEKLY DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP—TROUTMAN FIRST UMC

JANUARY 9TH, 2020—APRIL 2ND, 2020 6:30—8:00PM

DIVORCED? SEPARATED? WE CAN HELP

Divorce Care helps you recover from the pain of separation and divorce. Please join us for

this encouraging support group. Tell your family members and friends that may need this

support group.

Pre-Registration required by January 2nd, 2020. Call 704-528-5110 or register online at

http://www.divorcecare.org/groups.115121/registrations.new

FROM THE STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE:

This is the time of the year that our church makes a recommendation concerning appointment for our Pastor for the next year beginning July 1, 2020. Members can make verbal or written comments to members of the Staff Parish Committee: Jean Brown, Phil Hurst, Kenny Bradburn, Linda Troutman and Patsy Biddy no later than Dec. 12, 2019.

Happy Hearts Thursday, December 5th

Adult Ministry at 11:15am

We will gather at the church at 11:15am. Lunch will be served at 11:30am. After lunch, we’ll have Christmas stories, games & an expensive gift exchange

Please join us for this special time of food, fellowship & fun. Please let Gilda Pryor or Jim Wollin know that you are coming.

Our Prayer Concerns

In Assisted Living/Shut-ins: Annie Lapish, Norma Boone, Jo Levan, Jean H. Ervin, Carleen Ervin Willard, Maxine Warren, Madeline Bradburn Members: Jackson Yager, Kathy, Tommy & Shirley Boger, Kelly Miller, Jack Ervin Pam Bendele, Jean A. Evin, Kim Britland, Clarice Miller, Wynell Clement, Perry Mills, Brenda Sue Scott Relatives & Friends: Hilda Mitchell, Chris Triplett, Tracie Sharpe, Debra Johnson, Jeffrey Olson, Davis Overcash, Richard Reep, Jayme Frazier, Max Smith, Angela Sipes, Josie Frazier, Robert Wingate, Mark Boger, William Summers, Clark Lockwood, Paulette Doss, Bonnie Cook, Rene Bailey, Barbara Ince, Christina Flanders, Kathy Wise, Sandra Ciocca, Devin Kiser, Anthony Fogle, Mike Gunter, Casey Odem, Steve Turbeville, Eleanor Hager, Allie Mae Brooks, Diane Arrington, Bryan Paslay, TiffanyAlexander, Lee Yager, Kenneth Allen, Natalee Brown, Ken Groth, Joe Burchette, Ray Elmore, Luz Martinez, Rev. Leroy Flohr, Ken Crissman, Brandi Porcelli, Elizabeth O’Neill, Janice Estes, Betsy Coan, Susan Sokoll, Chris Arthurs, Roy Yager, Susan Grey Missionaries: Wollin family

*Please call the church, if you or a family member is hospitalized. Also, please keep us updated with relatives and friends about how long to keep them on our prayer list.

RANDY’S SHARE NIGHT Tuesday, December 10th 4 to 8pm

Eat In or Take Out Come to eat and enjoy our Share Night.

You can reserve a side room table spot for dinner with friends. 10% OF ALL RESTAURANT PROCEEDS DURING

THESE 4 HOURS GO TO TFUMC

BEST LITTLE PIZZA HOUSE IN TROUTMAN FAMILY NIGHT & CHRISTMAS KARAOKE TUESDAY, DEC. 3RD, 6—8PM CALL NOW TO SIGN UP! CHURCH 704-528-5110

VISIT FROM SANTA!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEAL AT 5:30PM

SANTA’S VISIT AT 6:30PM

ALL ARE WELCOME!

FRIDAY NIGHT JAM—CHRISTMAS THEME December 6th, 7—9pm Troutman Elementary School We always need helpers! It is a lot of fun! Come and join us! This is a mission for the school—all proceeds go back to them for their needs.

If you are receiving this newsletter by “snail mail” and have an e-mail address you would like us to send it to, please e-mail gildapryor1@gmail.com

or call me at the office, 704-528-5110.

This will save the church paper and postage, you will receive the newsletter faster, and it will be in full color! You can also access the newsletter on our website at

www.troutmanmethodist.com. The website has a calendar, a schedule of events, and you can listen to the sermons.

from the past Sundays.

DECEMBER 2019

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Refreshments 9:00 Church Family Night Clothes Closet Happy Hearts

Sunday School 9:15 Clothes Closet Best Little Pizza 9:30-11:30am Wendys @ 5:30pm Friday Night

Worship Anew 10:15 9:30-11:30am Christmas Karaoke Wed. Meal 5:30pm Zootastic Lights Jam "Christmas"

6 - 8pm Kids Club, Youth, at 6:30pm 7 - 9pm

Adult Bible Study Troutman Elem

Cub Scouts 7pm 6:30pm

Praise Team 6:00 Choir 7:30pm

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Refreshments 9:00 Clothes Closet Compassion Boy Scout

Sunday School 9:15 Clothes Closet 9:30-11:30am Crafters Boston Butt Sale

Worship Anew 10:15 9:30-11:30am Food for Thought Sewing Day

Randy's BBQ Community Meal 9am - 4pm

Christmas Concert Share Night 4-8pm 6:00pm - After

Rocky Mt. 5pm dinner we celebrate

Cub Scouts 7pm Jesus Birthday

Praise Team 6:00 Choir 7:30pm

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Refreshments 9:00 Clothes Closet

Sunday School 9:15 Clothes Closet 9:30-11:30am

Worship Anew 10:15 9:30-11:30am

Finance Committee Wed. Meal 5:30pm

11:45am Visit from Santa

Methodist Men 6:30pm

6:30pm

Cub Scout Leaders

Praise Team 6:00 Choir 7:30pm meeting 7pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Refreshments 9:00 Clothes Closet Compassion

Sunday School 9:15 9:30 - 11:30am Christmas Eve HAVE A BLESSED Crafters

Worship Anew 10:15 Candlelight & CHRISTMAS DAY Sewing Day

Communion 9am - 4pm

Service at 6:30pm

Praise Team 6:00

29 30 31 Refreshments 9:00 Clothes Closet

Sunday School 9:15 9:30 - 11:30am

Worship Anew 10:15

Praise Team 6:00

BIRTHDAYS: Nancy Nye, Ed Pryor, 5th; John Bendele, 6th; Kelly Miller, Shane Rogers, 7th; Brian Hebbard, 11th; Laura Crater, 14th;

Shon White, Jr., 17th; Elizabeth Bradshaw, 19th; Aidan Hebbard, 21st; Jack Ervin, 25th; RJ Wilson, 27th; Ava Poteat, 29th

ANNIVERSARIES; Danny & Jean Ervin, 2nd; Neil & Ammie Raymer, 21st

Troutman First United Methodist Church PO Box 717 Troutman, NC 28166

DECEMBER 2019 SERVANTS USHERS: Chief: Jim Williams, Lisa Mills, Marsha Johnston, William Brown KEEPER OF THE CHURCH: Virgil Crater SUNDAY SCHOOL NURSERY: Gilda Pryor TELLER: Linda Schade ACOLYTES WORSHIP SERVICE NURSERY JUNIOR CHURCH 12-1 Allen Ragler Donald Auld Dawna Hamrick Aidan Hebbard Lisa Mills & Helpers 12-08 Caytlyn Larson Carrie Larson Dawna Hamrick Keisel Larson Missy Jablonski & Helpers 12-15 Jillian Yager Leigh Payne Dawna Hamrick Donna Miller & Helpers 12-22 Austin Dillon Sharson Chaaban Dawna Hamrick Avery Dillon Nancy Sigmon & Helpers 12-29 Allen Ragler Gilda Pryor Dawna Hamrick Aidan Hebbard Carol Hebbard & Helpers Thank you so much for serving If you can’t serve on the day listed, please switch with someone else.