Have you ever had a task before you that seemed insurmountable? I mean, something had to be done, you knew you had to do it, but you didn’t know how to do it? Then, to compound that anxiety were the words and advice of others, people who didn’t believe it could be done, didn’t believe you could do it, didn’t believe anyone could do it. Their voices were full of woe and despair at the least and antagonistic at the worst. 

I think we’ve all been there at some point in time. Maybe, when you faced it, the words had such an affect on you that you complied and gave up. Or, maybe they had a powerfully different affect, and suddenly you found yourself motivated to prove the doubters and naysayers wrong, or at least show yourself what you could accomplish despite the challenges. 

Ezra and Nehemiah, two leaders in the Old Testament faced something similar. They each have books named after them respectively. The neat thing about these books is they both share the same story from two different perspectives. Ezra was a priest and Nehemiah was a governor for the Jewish people. They were leading the charge to rebuild Jerusalem. 

They received permission from the messianic type king of Persia, Artaxerxes, to return home from exile and to bring their diasporic people with them. Their post exilic mission began in a furor of excitement. Yes, the celebrations were soon dashed at the painful reality of a destroyed and desolate homeland, a ruinous city, and a razed temple.  

Nevertheless, Nehemiah organized and led the people along with Ezra’s encouragement. They prioritized work on the temple and then rebuilt the city walls. All the while, many of their own people doubted and nearby cities harassed them. Yet, they remained focused on the task, prayed vigilantly, and trusted God. 

Here’s what really sticks out to me. They completed their task in record time! It didn’t drag out for months on end like a highway construction project. They completed the work in less than two months, 52 days!

What project is God calling you to work on? What is God leading us to reconstruct in new and amazing ways? You probably have a work in progress with your own life, your own family, or maybe your own occupation. 

Together, we all have one within the church. We’re working to rebuild our community of faith in a COVID/Post-COVID 19 world. We’re working to reconstruct our children and youth ministries. We’re working to engage our people in the Body of Christ in meaningful ways so that we can all use our God given gifts to edify, fortify, and vivify our amazing church. 

We might have naysayers, doubters, and even a few antagonists. Yet, Nehemiah said, “The God of heaven will give us success! As God’s servants, we will start building. But you will have no share, right, or claim in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:20)

I pray that no one is left out or behind. Yet, God has given us the work to share the gospel, bring souls to salvation, and change this community for the Kingdom of Heaven. Together, we can do this. Together, we can make life better and you better at life through Jesus Christ. 

Grace and peace, 

Pastor Daniel

Pastor Daniel will be holding a Confirmation Orientation Meeting on Wednesday, January 12th at 6:00pm for all youth who are 8th grade and up and have not yet been through confirmation and their parents, grandparents or anyone who may be interested in being a sponsor/mentor. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss exactly what to expect during confirmation.

The words we say have the power to build up or destroy, to polarize or unite. How do we avoid using hurtful words and instead, use our tongues to bless others? Worship with us as we explore a new sermon series about practical, relevant and inspirational ways the power of our words affect life with our families, work, in the digital age and in the political arena. The series begins Sunday, January 16th.  Invite a frien and join us for worship!

Beginning this year, we will be posting birthdays in the monthly newsletter for any birthdays in the upcoming month.  If your birthday is is the current month but doesn't appear, that means we don't have it in our data base, so pleased email me with your birthdate.  If you are unsure if we have that information, feel free to email me andf I weill check.

Laura

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVERYONE WITH A JANUARY BIRTHDAY!

01/02    Alexis Greer
01/02    Ashley Havens
01/03    Olivia Kirby
01/04    Emily Reed
01/05    Al Herter
01/06    Hope Maine
01/06    Mindy Conner
01/07    Earl Kinney
01/07    Linda Teal
01/08    Dawson Dunlap
01/08    Georgia Smith
01/09    Neal Wheeler
01/09    Pat Flippo
01/10    Marilyn Bentley
01/10    Maya Bizzle
01/10    Robert Bainbridge
01/11    Barb Hagebock
01/11    Candy Gearhart
01/12    Juanita Kelm
01/13    Ben Camp
01/13    Zo Holley
01/14    Bill Kimes
01/14    George Hill
01/15    Chris Brown
01/15    Haley Czeschin
01/16    Ella Elkins
01/18    David Osmon
01/18    Lylah Campbell
01/18    Michael DeMass
01/18    Samuel Bryant
01/18    Warren Haley
01/19    Darrell Zoch
01/20    Jackson Shurley
01/20    Mike Densmore
01/20    Suzanne Mell
01/21    Toby Snow
01/22    Kolsen Reed
01/24    Cullen Kelly
01/25    Ray Bauer
01/25    Wave Simmons
01/27    Bob Bodenhamer
01/27    Brooke Burchard
01/28    Dustin Glueck
01/28    Emma Reed
01/29    Jeff Clements
01/29    Lynnell Cooper
01/29    Rick Steiner
01/30    Rebecca Johnson
01/31    Curtis Grant

Cindy Long
Stacey Simmons

Pastor Daniel is inviting all newcomers to join him for lunch at 12:15 PM on January 23rd in the parlor. If you are new here, attending for less than a year, or are wanting information on becoming a member of FUMC Mountain Home, then this luncheon is for you. We will hear from Pastor Daniel and his team a little about what it means to be a Christian in the Methodist tradition, some of our local church history, how we are involved in the community, how you can get involved and connected with the church, and what it means to be a member. This is a free lunch. Please call or email Kathy Davis at the church office to RSVP, 807-425-6036, kdavis@fumcmh.org.  

Our annual Chili Cook-off and Youth Pie Auction will be on Sunday, January 21st at 5:00 pm. This is an event you won't want to miss! Make your best pot of chili and enter the contest or just come and eat the chili and vote for your favorite. There will be prizes for the best chili and the best decorated booth. The cost is $5 per person to eat and vote.  Set up for those making Chili is 4:00 pm.

Then be sure to stay for the dessert auction.  Everyone will recvieve an auction paddle for bidding.  If you've never been, this can get quite exciting and competitive but in a fun way!  Bring your checkbooks because you won't want to miss the fun! If you are a baker, we would love for you to make your favorites to donate to the auction. This is our largest youth fundraiser and all proceeds go to youth missions. 

We hope to see you there! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who helped with The Hanging of the Greens and/or The Taking Down of the Greens!  

The short service before The Hanging of the Greens that explained what the "greens" mean and singing of songs helped set the mood for all of us.  We then gathered in our specific areas, and with busy hands made our task go quickly.

The prepared meal of soup, sandwiches, bread and beverages that followed, hit the spot after our joint endeavors and was scrumptious.

The taking down of the greens always seems to go quite quickly and smoothly as many hands make light work.  

Your help and efforts meant so much to all of us.

Thank You Again,

Bette Gould, Joan Barker & Jill Chandler

Wesley Kitchen is excited to announce that they will resume in- room dining on Thursday, January 13th. We are very proud that we have been able to continue this ministry with our drive-thru modification, but are eager to return to the fellowship that in- room dining allows.

Do you sometimes wonder if it’s worth the trouble to save can tabs for the Hackler Intermediate School’s student needs?  We have been able to donate at least six gallon bags each year thanks to your generosity.  It takes 200 pounds of tabs for the school to receive $80.00 cash.  Students are in grades three, four, and five. 

I had a nice discussion with Hackler’s secretary, Angie Wilhite.  She said, “We take care of our kiddos.”  It was a surprise for me to learn all the good Hackler does for the children with needs.  With parental permission, school personnel are able to laundry clothes, give the children food, showers, toothbrushes, haircuts, and school supplies. Sometimes a child who never gets to eat in a restaurant is taken (with parental permission) to one of the local places (i.e., McDonalds).  

Ms. Wilhite stated that when children are hungry or dirty and these basic needs aren’t met, it is hard for them to learn.  She also said the can tabs are “absolutely appreciated.”

Many thanks to all of you who have donated can tabs.  If you would like to collect more tabs for the students’ needs, please take tabs from vegetables, pop and dog food cans, etc., to the First United Methodist Church office.

THANK YOU!
Pat Rush

Do you love your morning coffee on Sunday mornings at FUMCMH? Are you a coffee enthusiast looking for a way to serve others?

In order to keep our Sunday Morning Coffee Bar Ministry going our Sunday morning services, we need volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering in this capacity on an occasional Sunday morning, please contact Kathy Davis by calling the curch office or email her using the link below.

Thank you to all who donate hats and/or mittens of all sizes for children in need by placing them on the Mitten Tree in the Narthex.  The smallest items were given to children in the Early Headstart program here at the church and the remainder were taken to our local DHS to be distributed to children in need.  It ewarms a heart to know that this church is making an effort to keep the little ones in our community warm!

Along with the hats and mittens, the many baby clothes and other items donated for the Baby Jesus Shower were taken to our local DHS and will be distributed by them to babies in need.  Thank you for your generosity!

Hello Church Family!

I hope you all had wonderful Christmas and New Year's holidays!  As many of you know, we help a parent/volunteer meeting for our Children and Yourh Ministries on Wednesday, January 5th.  If you were not able to attend the meeting, here is the update:

• Ministry Architechts has officially begun their search for a new Children's Director and a new Youth Director.

• We plan to kick of our afterschool program for children on February 2nd.  If you would like your child to attend, please visit the church website and fill out the registration form or use the link below.  You will also need to infor your child's school if your chiild will be taking the FUMCMH bus.

• We are in need of Wednesday afternoon volunteers for the following positions: 

          Bus drivers (2)
          Bus riders (2)
          Snack preparers (1 or 2)
          Recreation Leaders (2)
          Classroom leaders (3)
          Music/Choir Leader (1)         

• We are looking to form a Children's Council as per the recommendations from Ministry Architechts. In order to begin building a foundation, developing a sustainable infrastructure, and addressing the challenges of the children’s ministries, we need to establish a new ministry support team.  We are calling this our "Children's Ministry Action Team".  Please see Pastor Daniel or myself if you would be interested in serving on this team or if you know someone you think would be great!

God bless & have a warm and wonderful January!

Laura Law

Hello Youth and Parents!

I hope you all had wonderful Christmas and New Year's holidays!  As many of you know, we help a parent/volunteer meeting for our Children and Youth Ministries on Wednesday, January 5th.  If you were not able to attend the meeting, here is the update:

• Ministry Architechts has officially begun their search for a new Children's Director and a new Youth Director.

• We plan to kick of our afterschool program for children on February 2nd.  If we can get the volunteers to supervise, we would like to have after school hangout time for the youth during this time.  The youth will also be welcomed to act as helpers with the children's ministry activities.  If you would like to volunteer to hang out with the youth on Wednesday afternoons, please let us know.

• While the search conitues for a new Youth Director, we are planing exciting and engaging monthly activities for the Youth.  Here are the next couple activities:

Chili Cook-off/Dessert Auction: Sunday, January 30th 5:00pm  
Veritas: February 25-27 in Rogers AR • Cost is $70 per student
(scholarships available) • chaperones needed
Bowling: (TBD)
Axe Throwing: (TBD)
Local Mission Project: (TBD)         

• We are looking to form a Youth Council as per the recommendations from Ministry Architechts. In order to begin building a foundation, developing a sustainable infrastructure, and addressing the challenges of the student ministries, we need to establish a new ministry support team.  We are calling this our "Student Ministry Action Team".  Please see Pastor Daniel or myself if you would be interested in serving on this team or if you know someone you think would be great!

• Confirmation classes start soon for any students 8th grade and above who have not yet gone through confirmation.  Please try to attend the Confirmation Orientation Meeting with Pastor Daniel on Wednesday, January 12th at 6:00pm.

God bless & have a warm and wonderful month!

Laura Law

GENERAL FUND
In memory of Lucile Wyborny
Cathy Roshon
In memory of Bob Knight
Cathy Roshon
In memory of Bob Remington
Cathy Roshon
In memory of Shirley Shepard
Cathy Roshon
In memory of Jim McKee
Cathy Roshon
Elton & Mary Kirby
In memory of Joe Norcross
Steve & Tracy Dunn
Judy Strother
Rob & Mindy Conner
Conrad & Ellen Masterson
In honor of Greg & Michele Elders
Bonnie Elders
In memory of Gerry Howard-Marth
Eric & Julie Eckberg
In honor of Calvin Czeschin's 86th birthday
Don & Debby Stanuch

BUILDING FUND
In memory of Lucile Wyborny
Gary & Bernice Bell
June Willborn
In Memory of Shirley Shepard
Gary & Bernice Bell
In memory of Bob Remington
Joyce Holsted
June Willborn
In memory of Joe Norcross
Jim & Bobbi Brown

MUSIC
In memory of Lucile Wyborny
Margaret Ellis
Zo Holley
Phil & Vicki Garner
Family of Lucile Wyborny
Don & Debby Stanuch
Bette Gould

BACKPACK FOOD 4 KIDS
In memory of Bob Remington
Works In Progress Life Group
Mike & Linda DeMass
In memory of Joe Norcross
Mike & Linda DeMass
In memory of Pat Seifert
Mike & Linda DeMass
In memory of Joy Bullock
Mike & Linda DeMass
In memory of Bob Knight
Mike & Linda DeMass
In honor of Kirsten Larson
Judy Recer
In honor of Linda DeMass & Kathy Bauer, Patti Budolfson & All Volunteers
Tommy & Jo Strickland
In honor of Linda DeMass
Paula Cockburn

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
In memory of Barb Duvall
Howard Duvall

CHILDREN
In memory of Joy Bullock
Cathy Roshon

WESLEY KITCHEN
In honor of Terre Ware & Shirley Poynter
Ted & Nancy Roney

HOPE FOR ALL
In memory of Lucile Wyborny
Shirley Poynter
In honor of Kirsten Larson 
Judy Recer

CROSSROADS PRAISE BAND
In memory of Marcy Lanning Willmans
Bill & Mary Margaret Pearson

Prayers After Loss:
RandyLudwig & Family
(on the loss of his father, John Ludwig)

Concerns:
Doug Gregg (1/9/22)
(Clay Williams)
Glenda Bodenhamer (1/9/22)
Ed & Coni Baldwin (1/9/22)
Bob Thompson (12/12/21)
(Bev Thompson’s son)
Vaska Cope (12/5/21)
Pat garner (12/5/21)
Wilma Stockton (11/21/21)
Flossie Wiesend (11/21/21)
(Larry Gobble)
Natalie Dixon (11/21/21)
Brandy Nelson (10/31/21)
Jim Brown (10/31/21)
Debbie Dickerson (10/24/21)
Josh Monderen (10/17/21)
(Kim McDowell’s son)
Jaystan Davis (10/10/21)
(Mary Margaret Pearson)
Nira Wilkerson (10/3/21)
Jeffrey Smith (9/26/21)
(Carolyn Densmore)
John Taylor (9/5/21)
(Sandy Odegard’s daughter’s father-in-law)
Leah Jewel (9/5/21)
(Carl & Umeca Pickett’s daughter)
Twyla Krawczyk (8/29/21)
John Taylor (8/29/21)
(Sandy Odegard’s daughter’s father-in-law))
Nick Mavromatis (8/8/21)
(Susan Dernick’s nephew)
Elden Lowe (8/8/21)
(Jill Chandler’s nephew)
Angie Burnell (8/1/21)
Monique (6/13/21)
(Marti Gilbert)
Klaus Neumann (4/18/21)
(Mary Margaret Pearson)
Ima Moss (3/21/21)
(Carolyn Whisenant’s mother)
Karen Jackson (3/7/21)
(Mary Margaret Pearson)
Jerry Wilkinson (10/25/20)
Arlene Neale (7/26/20) 
(Betty Bennett’s sister)
Scott Cain (6/7/20) 
(Jill Chandler’s son)
Robin Sancho (3/8/20) 
(Paulette Hill)
Julian Toler (11/3/19) 
(Ashley Hardy’s brother)
Beverly Quick (10/27/19)
Melanie Kelly (9/29/19) 
(Paulette Hill)
Beth Griggs Miller (9/29/19) 
(Larry & Debbie Griggs)
William McClendon (4/7/19) 
(Cathie Bodenhamer)
Greg Kostka (3/31/19) 
(Bette Gould’s son-in-law)