Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Fall 2012 Preview




As a new school year approaches, we’re getting ready for an active season of ministry at Faith UMC.  There are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to worship, grow, and serve with us this fall.  Here’s a brief preview of things to come:



Worship
§         Our 10:00 Sunday morning worship service is always the launching point for our ministry.  This fall, services will center around three successive sermon series:
           
1.      “Seven signs of Jesus” (September 2-October 14) - Who is Jesus?  What did he come to do?  Why does it matter to me?  In this series we explore the seven miraculous signs Jesus performs in the Gospel of John.  More than miracle stories, these events are signs that point us toward the heart of Jesus’ identity, message, and mission.

2.      “Beyond the Walls” (October 21-November 18) – In this series, we’ll articulate God’s dream for us to get Beyond the Walls of our church building and into our community, serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world.  The series culminates with commitment Sunday, when we pledge to support God’s mission by our prayers, presence, gifts, and service.

3.      “Prepare the Way” (December 2-December 23) – This Advent series invites us to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus by engaging Old Testament prophecy that point to God’s plan for our salvation, and its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus.

§         Our choir will again be leading us in worship each Sunday, and will be sporting new robes this fall!  The choir is open to singers of any and all abilities.  Rehearsals are held each Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

§         This fall, Faith UMC is the proud sponsor of Belle Voci, a new community women’s choir that will be in residence at Faith.  The new choir will sing in our worship services twice this fall (October 14, and December 2).

§         This Advent, we’ll be forming our first Children’s choir.  The choir will meet over a four to six week period and will perform in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  More details are forthcoming.

Grow
Bible Times Theater is Coming this Fall!
§         Children’s Sunday School is experiencing a makeover this fall as we introduce the Bible Times Theater (BTT).  BTT  is a fun, theatrical journey through the great stories of scripture.  Walk in the shoes of Abraham, carry the staff of Moses, touch the robe of Jesus.  In BTT the story of God comes to life – and every child has a role to play!  Designed for ages 4-11, BTT is held every Sunday following the children’s message and begins September 9th.

§         Four small groups for adults are forming this fall.  They launch the week of September 9th.  You can sign up for them by calling the church office or visiting the “grow” page at faithfoxchapel.org:
           
1.      Rooted in the Word: Adult Sunday School (Sundays @ 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall).  Bring your Bible, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy a deep dive into the scriptures.  This group is for adults who seek a deeper relationship with God through Bible study and prayer.  Weekly Bible passages align with the weekly sermon, so that you'll come to worship prepared to hear God's Word proclaimed.  Childcare is available.

  1. Young Adult Fellowship (Tuesdays @ 7 p.m. at the Parkinson’s) Every week, this group enjoys a fellowship meal and Bible study.  Held in the Parkinson home, the group provides a comfortable, safe space to share in conversation.  This year's Bible study will focus on the Book of Acts.  The group is for single adults and parents with young children.  Childcare is provided.

  1. Women of Faith (Wednesdays @ 9:15 a.m. at Pittsburgh Mills Panera) Care for body and soul with this group of women.  Each week begins with a brief devotion and then a 45 minute mall walk.  This is a great time for deep conversation in a small group community of mutual support.  Children are always welcome.

  1. Faith Book Club (Fourth Saturdays @ 7 p.m. at Jenkins’) Engage your mind and heart by sharing in this book study.  Once a month, the group gathers to discuss a devotional book.  Held in the Jenkins' living room, this small group is a relaxed place to share in meaningful conversation about faith and life and to hold one another up in prayer.

Serve
Serving at the table has become a staple
in our ministry.
§         On August 30th, and one other date TBA we’ll be serving the meal at The Table, a community kitchen on the Southside.  We’re always looking for volunteers to help serve the meal, cook, and donate deserts.

§         Each month we collect non-perishable items for the Bread of Life Food Pantry.  Bring your items with you as an offering on Sunday mornings.  Here are the collection items for each month:

            September – Bath soaps, hand soaps
            October - Dishwashing detergent
            November – Flour, sugar
                                                                             December – Rice, boxed potatoes, kids cereal

§         On a date TBA, we will send a group to Global Links to sort surplus medical supplies that will be sent around the world to support local hospitals and medical clinics.

The November election will bring large crowds to Faith, which serves as a polling place.  Faith Grilfriends will be running a bake sale to support Imagine No Malaria and will need volunteers to donate baked goods and staff the table.

Fellowship
§         Enjoy a cup of coffee and a light snack every Sunday after the worship service during our weekly coffee fellowship.

§         Stay after worship on Sunday, September 23rd for our annual Open House pot-luck luncheon.  Details are forthcoming.

Why rush out of worship, when you can grab a cup of
coffee and enjoy a chat during Coffer Fellowship?
§         Our annual Fall Festival will be held after worship on Sunday October 14th.  There will be plenty of food and games and activities for children.

§         On Saturday, November 17th at 10 a.m. put on your game face for our first ever Faith UMC Turkey Bowl.  The young, the old, and the in between are invited to a good ole game of flag football, followed by lunch.  Come to play, or just come to watch!

§         Fox Hill preschool, a ministry of Faith UMC, is always looking for church members who are willing to come read to children, or share about there careers on career day.  Contact the church office for more details.

No comments:

Post a Comment