Volume 38, Issue 6 August 30, 2016

Tri-AnglesOur mission here at First United Methodist Church says that we exist “to be more like Jesus for our community and beyond.” One of the questions I’m always asking is how we do that. How do we become more like Jesus together? One way, and perhaps the best way, is to spend time with Jesus. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more like him we will become together. That’s really Jesus’ point in John 15 when he says, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.”

To abide in Jesus means we spend time with him. Just like any good friend, we learn what Jesus loves, and find ourselves loving the same things (and same people) he does. Over time, we pick up some of his behaviors and attitudes. It might happen slowly, but the more time we spend with Jesus, the more like him we become.

We have some great new ministry opportunities this fall that are meant to help each of us find ways-large and small—to spend more time with Jesus: + Our new care team ministry will help us build relationships with those in need in our community– and when we meet and serve our neighbors, Jesus is there. + In September, we’ll be sharing our new “Discipleship Pathway,” meant to help us all find the next step for us on the journey of faith. Whenever we take a step towards God, God comes close and walks with us. + In October two really powerful, life-changing small group studies will begin: Disciple and Christian Believer. Anytime we study God’s Word together and share in fellowship with one another, Jesus finds a way to turn up!

Look for more about each of these ministries, and all that’s coming up here at FUMC this fall, in this newsletter. As you read, I hope you’ll prayerfully consider how God might be calling you to spend more time with Jesus, growing in his love and sharing it with others in need. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your pastor. In Christ,George

OUR MISSION

United in the Spirit,First United Methodist Church of Belmont exists

to be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to:

Mathew and Hollan Delany upon the birth of their daughter Eleanor Taylor Delany on May 25, 2016

Mark and Cheryl Sutton upon the birth of their daughter Marie Sullivan Sutton on July 25, 2016 Andy and Megan Wilhelm upon the birth of their daughter Claire Elizabeth Wilhelm on July 31, 2016

CARE TEAM MINISTRYat First United Methodist of Belmont

Have you ever been interested in going on a mission trip, but found it expensive, timely, and too far away? The new Care Team Ministry at our church might be for you! Mark 12:33 says “ to love God with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." Let’s put these words to actions together by joining and forming Care Teams. Each Care Team will be designated a family in our community. Over the course of a year, teams will visit and become the “hands and feet of Jesus.” One team might complete light yard work like trimming bushes or planting flowers. Another team might wash windows and enjoy a homemade lunch together. Teams at Myrtle Terrace might enjoy hot tea, playing cards, and chatting about their grandchildren. Two of our core values at our church are to focus on relationships and to show care and compassion. As a team spends quality time together, they will carry out both of these core values! Are you interested? Applications are in the church office (please see Kristen). All applications need to be in by September 4. Required training will be either September 11 at noon or September 18 at 5 p.m. You may choose the time that best suites. We will contact you with training information by September 6.

Thank you for your excitement, prayers, and compassion!Quanna C. McAlister

CONGRATULATIONS, KRISTEN SURRATT

Congratulations to Kristen Surratt who will graduate on September 1 from The Divinity School at Duke University with a Masters of Arts in Christian Practice degree. This fall, Kristen is beginning the process to seek ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church.

CHURCH STAFFto Attend Leadership Institute Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, your church staff will be traveling to Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, Missouri to attend their 2016 Leadership Institute on September 28-30. This annual event brings clergy and ministry professionals together from around the country to experience the ministry and best practices of Church of the Resurrection, learn together, and share in inspiring worship and conversation with one another. Church of the Resurrection, founded in 1990 by Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton, is the largest United Methodist Church in the United States, with membership of over 20,000 and weekly attendance of 11,000. We look forward to sharing all that we learn and experience when we return!

NEW WORSHIP SERIES The Way of Discipleship – Becoming More Like Jesus Together

Join us in worship beginning September 11 for a new series, exploring how we can become more like Jesus together. Each week, we’ll be exploring the promises we make as members of the church, asking how they do more than make us good members but actually help us grow in our faith and discipleship together. Don’t forget, we have worship each week at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY Our mission statement as a church is “United in Spirit, First United Methodist Church of Belmont exists to be more like Jesus Christ for our community and beyond.” The question is how do we intend to become disciples in our church and equip ourselves to go into the community and beyond being the hands and feet of Jesus? Our Discipleship Pathway, coming to you in September, will offer you practical ways to grow your faith through both individual and communal practices. The guide will offer realistic and hands-on options for how to honor the commitments we make in membership through your prayers, presence, service, gi�s and witness. No matter where you are in the journey, new to the church or a life-long Methodist and anything in between, this guide will help you to strive towards a life centered on Christ.

SMALL-GROUP STUDIES BEGIN IN OCTOBER Disciple I Beginning in October, Pastor George and Kristen Surratt will be leading two different small-groups for the coming year. Kristen will be leading a Disciple I class with options of participating on either Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. or Wednesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Disciple Bible study leads participants through reading 70% of the Bible over the course of 30 weeks. The study uses the work of scholars, personal Bible study and group discussion in conjunction with videos to guide the class. If you are interested in participating or have questions, email Kristen@fumcbelmont.org.

Christian Believer Pastor George will be leading Christian Believer, a study that focuses on the classical teachings of the Christian faith in ways that participants are able to understand. We will read writings from ancient and modern Christian commentators and look at videos from scholars. Christian Believer will be on Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. If you are interested in participating or have questions, email George@fumcbelmont.org.

The study books for both Christian Believer and Disciple I are available to view and for purchase in Kristen’s office.

SAVE THE DATE:MEET IN THE MIDDLE begins October 5

Our Meet in the Middle fellowship meals will resume on October 5 and continue for six weeks, through November 9. Join us for a delicious, home-cooked meal any time from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Carpenter Hall. The cost per person is $5. No reservations are required. If you’d be willing to help on the kitchen crew, please call Betty Pennington at 704-825-2219.

Following dinner, there will be a brief, 15-minute service of Holy Communion in the sanctuary for any and all who are interested.

COMING SOON

"Carolina Cross Connection has been a highlight of my summer for most of my high school years. I love it so much I went again this year and want to be on staff next summer! One of my favorite parts of CCC is meeting new people and working with those people in groups to help those in needs. Whether it be painting shutters or building a deck and stairs, this amazing mission trip is an experi-ence that brings campers closer to God and gives us a greater understanding of service that we can bring back to own communities." --Kayla Karr (Sophomore at UNC Charlotte)

FUMC Youth 2016 Summer Color Night

ATTENTION YOUTH PARENTS

Fall Youth Group Calendars are available to pick-up at the Youth Resource Center located outside the Old Fellowship Hall.

Looking ahead this month: • September 11 -- Youth Kick-Off Event at Goat Island Park 5-7:00 p.m. • Youth Ra�ing Trip --September 16-18 • September 18 --Youth Group 6-7:00 p.m. & Youth Family Commitment Service 7-8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary • September 25 --Youth Group 6-8:00 p.m.

SUMMER REFLECTIONS Highlights from the Youth Group

FUMC Youth have been busy this summer working and playing hard. We've experiencedservice and fun, staying connected with one another and serving God's people. We were in mission with Carolina Cross Connection and Holy Angels, went zip-lining at the National Whitewater Center and studied God's Word each week. We have grown as a community of young believers, celebrating the joy of time together and the blessing to be in community with our neighbors. It truly has been an amazing summer!

FUMC Youth Group 2016Carolina Cross Connection Mission Trip

FUMC Youth Hosting Holy Angels Great Adventures Meeting

September 1 — — — David Washam Ashley McGraw Mike HartgeSeptember 2 — — — Jack Robinson Kendrick Boehlke Hayden CurrierSeptember 3 — — — Joyce HenkelSeptember 4 — — — Eddy Bowen Jeff Hill Chip Thompson Adrian LunsfordSeptember 5 — — — John Rhodes Miles CarterSeptember 6 — — — Jonathan PainterSeptember 7 — — Derek WidenhouseSeptember 8 — — — Carrie KunderSeptember 9 — — — — Traci Pate Lydia WidenhouseSeptember 10 — — Jamie Campbell Caleb Campbell Tyler Thornton Jack PageSeptember 11 — — — Rick Pettus Charles WhitleySeptember 12 — — — Shelton Davis Aaron BlantonSeptember 13 — — Barbara Byrum Blaire Reagan Ludi McGinnis Chris ThorntonSeptember 14 — — Marie Widenhouse Charlie WilliamsSeptember 15 — — Derek Featherston Aimee Russell Adam WilliamsSeptember 16 — Stephanie McKinneySeptember 18 — — Bradley BondurantSeptember 19 — — — Dottie MooreSeptember 21 — — — Valerie Elrod Jonathan Kalmbach Nile TedersSeptember 22 — — — Kathy Rhyne Casey Bork Hollan DelanySeptember 24 — — Cecelia Hendricks Carol HudsonSeptember 26 — — — Josh ElmoreSeptember 28 — — — Keith WilsonSeptember 29 — — Jonathan McKee Caroline Beaty Andrew Langley Abby Curfman Vanessa RiceSeptember 30 — — — Bruce Boney Lauren Bryant

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

We are asking church members to "adopt" one of our college freshman to support, pray, and send fun care packages to one of them throughout the year. Contact Sara (sara@fumcbelmont.org) if you are willing to partner with her and provide care packages for one of the following college freshman:

• Madison Canterberry - University of South Carolina • Walker Featherston - UNC Chapel Hill • Bianca Hanafin - UNC Greensboro • Alexandra Lowrance - UNC Charlotte • Craig Nance - NC State University • Sea Rice - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Kaleb Setzer - Appalachian State University • Ben Washam - Appalachian State University

SECOND BLESSING CONSIGNMENT SALE! The Children’s Council will be hosting our semi-annual children’s consignment sale on September 17, 2016. The fall sale will feature gently used fall and winter clothing for children of all ages at a very reasonable cost. Toys, baby items, furniture, maternity wear and sports equipment are also sold. If you are interested in consigning, our consignor packets are on the church website at www.fumcbelmont.org/consign/. Consignment drop off occurs on the Sunday and Monday prior to the sale, with early entry into the sale on Thursday for all of our consignors. If you are interested in helping, we have a variety of opportunities through-out the week and on the day of the sale. Email Jennifer.metz.martin@gmail.com for details.

COLLEGE FRESHMAN CARE PACKAGES

PRAYERS:Please remember the following people in your prayers...

Church Family: David Gensch, Keith Lowe, Pam Martin, John Rhodes

Extended Family and Friends Dustin Drennan (friend of Renee Painter) Lee Craig (Linda England) Kaylan Cuthbertson (Renee Painter) Sharon Lineberger & family (Cat Bashant) Debbie Ballard (mother of Chelsea & Josh Elmore) Kevin Andrews (brother of Greg Andrews) Randy Crane (friend of Stuart Bondurant) Mark & Deb Baxa Soronia Drayton (co-worker of Bob Burnette) Tom Bingham and family (friend of Thomas & Heather Taylor)

Our prayers and sympathy are extended to the Hanafin family upon the death of Lori’s younger sister

Those in Assisted Living Carillon Assisted Living: Trudi Kinney Morningside of Gastonia: Tom Stephens Terrace Ridge: Mary Elizabeth Bowen

Those in the Military: Jay Feimster, McCauley Griffin

NEWCOMERSPizza Luncheon on September 25 Newcomers and visitors are invited to join Pastor George, members of our staff, and others from the congregation for a casual pizza luncheon on September 25 following the 11:00 a.m. service. Following lunch, there will be a short time of introductions and sharing about the life and ministry of the church. It’s a great way to learn more about FUMC, including how to join our church family and get involved. If you’d like more information—or to suggest a name to invite—reach out to Pastor George at george@fumcbelmont.org

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Please join us in welcoming these new members that have joined FUMC Belmont in 2016

Mike and Rita Greene 232 Glencurry Drive Charlotte, NC 28214 704-960-9974

John and Judy Kalmbach 2513 Shannon Drive Belmont, NC 28012 614-657-0813

Natalie Luttrell (son) Raymond 5014 Graystone Estates Drive Belmont, NC 28012 704-770-6158

Shannon Sauerwein 413 McAdenville Road Lowell, NC 28098 704-778-8615

Chris and Kristi Smith (daughter) Abbey 329 Stowe Road Belmont, NC 28012 704-461-8086

Steve Cochran and Melissa Matulis (children) Nicholas, Zachary, Sophia 1163 Oak Crest Trail Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-6664

Andy and Megan Wilhelm (daughter) Claire 141 Berkshire Avenue Belmont, NC 28012

FINANCE NEWS

The Finance Committee would like to joyfully share that year-to-date giving (through June) is $248,504, up $9,722 over the same period last year. In addition, giving in May ($50,318) was the highest non-December month on record. Overall the church has been very blessed by the congregation’s generosity this year and the committee wants to express a warm thank you to everyone for their continued giving.

VBS IN REVIEW

In July, our church hosted over 70 children for a fun-filled week of learning about our great and awesome God at the Surf Shack. Children memorized scripture, raised over $700 throughout the week to purchase a cow for Zoe, and guessed the stories we would learn each evening through a dessert hint, in addition to having worship, completing numerous cra�s and having recreation outside. It absolutely takes a village to make VBS a success. Thank you to the MANY volunteers who helped make VBS happen- dinner helpers, greeters, teachers and leaders, youth volunteers, actors and actresses, all those who floated and served as needed, sound and audio help, the planning team, those who helped clean up on Thursday evening and those who helped with and attended the celebration on Thursday evening. We couldn’t have done it without you.

COLLEGE ADDRESSES NEEDED

Parents, please send your college student’s mailing address to sara@fumcbelmont.org, even if it remained the same. FUMC continues to pray for both the college students and their families as they begin another year.

I hereby command you: Be strong and coura-geous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9

POVERTY SIMULATION

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Poverty Simulation on August 14. We had over 50 people participate, taking the part of families in poverty or service providers in the community. It was an eye-opening experience for all of us. Our facilitator, Gina Esquivel from Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte, reminded us at the start to remember and honor the real experiences and stories behind the simulation we were experiencing. In just a short hour, the time we spent moving through 4 “weeks,” trying to manage the work schedules, transportation, bills and unexpected emergencies of those living “on the edge” gave us a sense of the stress and challenges so many in our community face. Gina asked if any of us would like to “play” the simulation again before reminding us that many people don’t get a choice. They live this world every day. She encouraged us to take notice of those who are working and serving around us in service jobs: waiting on our tables, bagging our groceries, cleaning our offices. What would it look like to take the time to see them, acknowledge their humanity, and give them affirmation and encouragement for their day?

VISIT OUR WEBSITEto view Sunday school topics

Ever wondered what’s happening in other Sunday school classes? Beginning this fall, you will be able to visit our website to view a schedule of current topics for each of our adult Sunday school classes. While each class will continue to choose their studies individually, the published schedules will be updated regularly so that those wishing to visit and attend various classes are able to do so. This is also a wonderful opportu-nity for us to better inform our visitors as to what they can expect when coming to a new church and Sunday school room.

Bulk RateUS Postage Paid

Belmont, NCPermit No 26

807 South Point Rd. / Belmont, NC 28012Office: 704-825-2106 / www.fumcbelmont.org

Our StaffGeorge Ragsdale - PastorJanice Pennington - Business Manager Renee Painter - Director of MusicKristin Surratt - Director of Discipleship MinistriesSara Clark - Youth DirectorLinda Smith - CDC DirectorCarole Bertino - Administrative Assistant

Please Note -- Articles for the October publication of the Tri-Angles are due no later than September 20. Please email articles to Carole in the church office (carole@fumcbelmont.org) or drop them off at the front desk.

MUSIC NOTES

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord…we give you plenty of opportunities to do just that! Our music programs will be gearing up again and there are offerings for folks of all ages!

Adult Bell Choir – Wednesdays, 6 - 7 p.m. beginning September 7

Chancel Choir – Wednesdays, 7 - 8:30 p.m. beginning September 7, Middle School - Adults

Godsquad – Mondays, 2:45 - 5 p.m. beginning September 12, 3rd-5th graders

Sonshine Club – Tuesdays, 2:45 - 4 p.m. beginning September 13, K-2nd graders

Youth Bell Choir – Sundays, 5 - 5:30 p.m. beginning September 18, Middle-High School

Youth Choir – Sundays, 5:30 - 6 p.m. beginning September 18, Middle-High School

We also are looking for people interested in leading worship through music during our 8:30 a.m. worship services. This may be the right fit for you if you have a gi� of playing an instrument or singing and enjoy our more casual service.

If you enjoy our music, come and serve your church by joining one of these ministries. Contact Renee Painter (renee@fumcbelmont.org) for more information.