theConnectionF I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H C A R Y

July 10, 2015

Worship:

Sunday Sanctuary: 8:25, 9:45, & 11:05 a.m.

Sunday Celebration: 11:11 a.m.

117 South Academy Street Cary, NC 27511

Sunday 1st on Chatham: 9:45 a.m.

The Cary, 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511

office: (919) 467-1861

pastor on call: (919) 467-1862

firstcary.com

Lori Barmer Communications Coordinator

If you have a testimony to share, we would love to

hear from you! Please email lbarmer@fumc-cary.org or call the church office.

“O LORD, let my soul rise up to meet you as the day

rises to meet the sun.”

Sharing the heartof Christ from the

heart of Cary.

Caring for Those Who Care for Us – Lori Barmer

We recently welcomed a new member of our pastoral staff, Rev. Heather Herrin Wong. She is taking on the role of Pastor of Senior Adult Ministry.

Rev. William Green, Executive Pastor of Congregational Care, said, “We have been blessed with a growing number of senior adults at First UMC Cary. This presents us with both an opportunity and a challenge. The challenge comes in the increased need for congregational care. The opportunity comes with the recognition that we have a tremendous resource of gifted persons who have a significant ministry to offer.”

“My initial calling to ministry came through youth ministry,” said Rev. Wong. “As soon as I was old enough, I began attending NC Conference Youth Ministry events, and later served on staff whenever I could. While serving on staff for the first time, one of the other leaders made a passing comment to me, and in that moment I saw my calling. No, God did not speak in words to me; God gave me a vision. Though young, I had been struggling with pursuing pastoral ministry for a few years. On that day, I ceased to struggle with the calling part (some days I still question God as to why I was called, but that’s a story for another day).”

Rev. Wong attended college at Appalachian State (where she was very active in the Wesley Foundation), and later, Duke Divinity School. She said, “Over the years I have worked in various areas of ministry, and had ups and downs in those ventures. I have served in Rocky Mount, Granville County, and Raleigh, doing general ministry, children and youth ministry, and outreach. I am excited to now be involved with congregational care and especially work with senior adults. My last appointment was a wonderful ‘training ground’ for this specialized area of ministry!

“I still enjoy working with youth, especially high school youth. However, in my last appointment, I mostly worked with older adults. And I loved it! No matter where they were in their faith walk,

they had much to share from life lessons. They also wanted to learn more, to grow in faith and understanding. What I loved about being in ministry with older adults was the opportunity to walk beside them as we grew together as disciples; we were partners, in that sometimes I was the teacher, while other times they were the teachers. I hope to bring some of what I experienced and learned at The Wesley Foundation the last five years to my new experience here at First UMC Cary. I look forward to growing in faith and as a disciple of Jesus Christ with this new faith community.

Rev. Green said, “Rev. Heather Wong is a welcomed addition to our pastoral staff. She will provide invaluable congregational care to our growing number of senior adults, along with helping them to become active participants in our church’s ministry.”

Be sure to warmly welcome Rev. Wong, her husband, Phil, and their two children Samantha and Matthew, as they become a part of our church family.

Music and Arts Camp 2015!During the week of June 22-26, an energetic group of children came together to learn about musical theatre. Monday through Wednesday mornings were spent memorizing the music and lines, making scenery and learning movements to enhance the songs. Thursday morning was spent polishing everything they had learned and then practicing on the stage. On Thursday evening June 25 they presented the musical The Story of Noah and the Great Flood to an appreciative audience of family and friends. Friday morning the show was presented to the campers who were attending MCC preschool camp.

All of this was possible through the help of four adult and five youth servants. The servants shared their gifts of creativity, music and movement with a very talented group of campers.

It was inspiring to watch the campers work hard to listen and learn from adult leaders, and never complain. There were many moments of blessing as the children helped and encouraged each other. The campers left with this truth of God’s promise, “This is my promise as wide as the sky, stonger than thunder and deep as the sea, that speaks to the hunger in every hearts cry. You are my children and you belong to me.”

Special thanks to youth servants, Julia Straight, Gracelyn Kitchings, Kathryn Hubbard, Andrew and Collin Thrash. Adult leaders were Carrie Hubbard, drama; Susan Harley, movement; Melba White, accompaniment; Patti Cook, director. – Patti Cook, Director of Children’s Music

Photographs by Chris & Amy Miller

Worship In the Midst of Creation“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and those that live in it.” Psalm 24:1

Praise to our God, the Creator. We give thanks for these beautiful days of early summer.

The scriptures are full of Psalms, giving praise to God, the Creator. Images and Bible stories are images of planting and harvesting. Jesus often pointed people to birds and flowers outside. In the months of summer, our children gather for vacation Bible school and outdoor day camps. Our camps are full, as young people, children and adults learn and grow in worship in the midst of creation. Many households plan

vacations near the water or in the mountains or even having a “staycation” and enjoying the trees and the flowers in our own backyards.Our United Methodist Church now has a missionary who was commissioned as missionary to the earth for the care of creation. Pat Watkins travels the connection, teaching and preaching, pointing our United Methodist people out into this beautiful world. Many of our churches have community gardens where vegetables are grown and shared in the communities so that all have good, fresh, nutritious produce in these summer months.I hope that each of us, today, will give thanks to God, who made this gorgeous world and everything in it. So, very soon, go outdoors, feel the sun, the breeze, notice the flowers, the birds, the growing plants and give thanks to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift. – Bishop Hope Morgan WardReprinted from the NCCUMC website

Sharing the BountyFor the months of May through October, First UMC Cary participates in gleaning with the of Society of St. Andrew. Gleaning is a great way for people of all ages and their families to harvest fresh produce to help feed the hungry. Typically, farmers harvest their crops and what is left they offer to gleaners to donate to area food efforts which help feed those in need. Every gleaner makes a difference for many local people in need. Our next gleaning will be July 18. We will depart First UMC Cary from the large parking lot at 8:00am and will arrive back by 12:00pm. For more information, contact Brent Ward at brenttward@gmail.com or visit firstcary.com and click on the “Registration” button in the middle of the home page.

Speakers from Wounded Warrior Project®

Wounded Warrior Project® began when several veterans and friends–moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq–took action to help these heroes.

Their vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history by: raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members; helping injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other; and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

Saturday, July 11, the United Methodist Men will welcome two speakers who are involved with the Wounded Warrior Project:® Patricia DeZetter, Director USO of North Carolina/RDU Center and Shelly Willis, the wife of a wounded warrior and advocate for wounded warriors and their spouses.

On September 7, 2001, Patricia DeZetter accepted a position with The Air Force in their Club System Program in Germany. As Assistant Manager of the Ramstein Enlisted Club she managed, organized and directed club activities for the largest military installation in Europe. Patricia oversaw the scheduling and successful execution of programs for Ramstein area troops and families. An integral part of this success was providing coordination for more than 42 Armed Forces Entertainment, USO and Navy Entertainment shows being hosted in four different venues experienced by over 5,000 airmen and soldiers.

In 2008, Patricia returned to the United States and was selected to the position of Club Manager at Homestead Air Reserve Base, in Homestead, Florida. She continued to support the military’s mission by constantly striving to provide the very best in quality of life programs for the 26,000 Active Duty Military personnel and family members.

Patricia joined the USO of North Carolina Team in June, 2010. She believes her work with the Air Force prepared and guided her to this next phase

in her career. In the fall of 2013, Patricia became the Director of the Raleigh Durham Center. Patricia feels it is an honor and a privilege to serve and support America’s Military by providing programs, which lift the spirits and allow military families to connect–making every moment count.

Shelly Willis has been married for over 23 years to SMSgt Michael Willis, USAFR and they are the proud parents of two teenagers, Kyle 18 and Kyra 16. On June 25, 1996, their lives would change forever. On that night, a terrorist attack occurred at Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia where her husband was stationed, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) became part of the family’s everyday life. Because of this, the family had to learn to be resilient both individually and together to overcome challenges from that tragic event. Leaning on her faith, Shelly decided to pursue her passion, which is to help other military spouses understand that they are not alone in their struggles, and they do not have to remain where they are in life.

Shelly recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Military Resilience at Liberty

University, and is currently working on her Masters in Human Services Counseling: Marriage and Family at Liberty University. She is continuing to show others her compassion and commitment to military families by being an encourager to keep families intact. Her wish is to show others how her walk with Christ intertwines in her everyday life.

We invite everyone to come learn more about today’s warriors’ needs and see how you can help assist those who have given so much for us. Please join us this Saturday at 8:00am in the Fellowship Hall for “The Best Breakfast in Town” and informative, inspiring speakers. Breakfast is $5, free for first-timers.

Warrior Ride in Cary a few weeks ago. (Photo courtesy of Ted Boyd, T.O.C.).

intimately, loves you unconditionally, and calls you his beloved daughter. This six-week study will help you discover your true identity and special significance in the very heart of God. Together we will explore the stories of four ‘anonymous’ women of the Bible who were known and remembered not by their names but by their circumstances...”

If you have any questions or would be interested in participating in this study on another day or time, please contact the group facilitator Jill Wissing at j67fw@yahoo.com.

Traveling LightThe group “Getting Through It…We Can Do It” is studying the Max Lucado book, ‘Traveling Light,’ about releasing the burdens we were never intended to bear. We are a small support group who meet every Monday at 11:00am for prayer and support at Bruegger’s on Cary Parkway.

We welcome anyone who is finding chronic and long-term challenges in their life, with them- selves or their family. Please join us. We pray together, support each other, and grow in the Holy Spirit–all with a promise to keep any shared information confidential. Anyone who is interested may call Penny Ford, Stephen Minister Facilitator, at 239-560-3884.

You may visit firstcary.com to sign up for any of our small groups or bible studies.

Pastors On-Call Your pastors continue to seek ways to provide you with quality pastoral care while balancing the other demands of ministry. In an effort to be available, we have an “on-call” system. If you need to reach a pastor in an emergency situation, you may call (919) 467-1862 to reach the on-call pastor for that week. There is also an option to dial this line directly when calling the church office. When you call this number, the pastor on call for the week will respond as soon as possible. Please be mindful when calling this number, as it is for true emergencies only. This includes a death, sudden critical hospitalization of a member, or other such situations. Pastoral care for non-emergencies, such as scheduled hospitalizations, can be arranged through the front office.

Favorite ScriptureGenesis 2:4-7 (nrsv) In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground—then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.

Small Group StudiesI AmA new small group study led by Bob and Sandy Umstead will begin Monday, September 14 and run through Monday, December 14. It will kick-off with an eight-week focus on the ‘I AM’ sayings of Jesus. We will go together with Jesus to places where he reveals his identity and mission. We will go deeper with who God is in Christ and therefore who we are in Christ and what this means for daily living. The next five weeks of our time together will include an Advent study. This opportunity is open to men and women, singles and couples. Please email srumstead@nc.rr.com for more information.

AnonymousA new women’s study group using Cindi Wood’s ‘Anonymous’ will begin meeting Thursday mornings from 10:00am to noon, September 3 through October 8.

“Have you ever felt anonymous–overlooked, rejected, or discounted? Regardless of the opinions of others, the God who created you knows you

JOY NEWSTRIP TO THE MOUNTAINSDue to popular demand, the JOY group will take two identical trips to the NC Mountains/Asheville. The second week’s trip (September 9 and 10) is full, but there are still some open slots for the September 2 and 3 trip.

We will depart the church parking lot at 8:00am. The charge for this trip is $196 for a single room at the hotel or $156 if you wish to share a room. This includes the buffet lunch and the tour of Biltmore House and grounds. You will need to bring cash or credit card for dinner the first night and lunch on the second day.

Visit firstcary.com and click on the Registration button in the middle of the home page to sign up by July 31. Payment is due at time of registration.

ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH & ICE CREAM SOCIALMany presidential daughters have spent their teenage years in the White House, but none is more interesting than Alice Roosevelt. Come and spend an afternoon eating delicious ice cream and hearing of her adventures and misadventures! Join us July 23 at 2:00pm in room 200. Please visit firstcary.com to sign up.

JOY AUGUST “LUNCH & LEARN”Our guest speaker will be Tony Rice, a NASA/Jet Propulsion Lab Ambassador and NASA Langley Research Center speakers bureau member; speaks on solar system exploration in schools, museums and planetariums throughout the Carolinas, Virginia and beyond; contributor to WRAL on spaceflight and astronomy topics. Tony is also the son-in-law of our Ken and Beth Cammie! Join us Thursday, August 20, 11:30am to 1:00pm at Perkins Restaurant, Hwy 64 in Apex. Sign up at firstcary.com or call the church office at 919-467-1861.

Church Pictorial Directory Sign-upsHave you signed up to have your picture taken for the printed and online pictorial directory? There will be two make up dates – September 1 and 2. To sign up, visit our website or call the church office at 919-467-1861. We hope everyone can find a date and time that works for them to come in to be photographed for our new directory!

GriefShare Offers Hope and HealingGriefShare is a 13-week support group study that offers hope and healing during times of loss. We will have a short break during the summer and resume September 3, with a projected completion date of December 17. We will meet in room 125 from 7:00 to 9:00pm. You may register by calling 919-467-1861 or at firstcary.com. (Click on the Registration button in the middle of the home page).

United Methodist Men’s Breakfast Highlighting Wounded Warrior ProjectCome Support Some Real Heroes, Enjoy Fellowship and a Great Breakfast!We invite everyone to come learn more about today’s warrior’s needs and see if you can help assist those who have given so much to us.Join us for the “Best breakfast in town for $5” - the United Methodist Men’s monthly breakfast on Saturday, July 11 at 8:00am. Everyone is invited and first-time visitors eat free! Save the Date: Sunday, August 2 - 9:00am until 12:30pm.The United Methodist Men will be in the church’s Templeton Courtyard with a few miniature golf greens and information about the upcoming ‘Tee Up Fore Charities’ golf tournament. Whether you are Four, Fourteen, Forty, Fifty or Hundred years old, stop by for Five Minutes to enjoy Free Fun & Food!

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE JUNE 28 JULY 5SANCTUARY: 812 671CELEBRATION: 78 791st ON CHATHAM 141 113TOTAL: 1,031 863