Page 2

Dear FUMC:

It has been an amazing three years for me here at First United Methodist Cherryville. I have no idea where to begin this last column as your Director of Christian Education, so my thoughts may ramble throughout this column. I know that may be upsetting to some of you who are so use to my clear, well thought out, and concise articles that I have written over the past three years.

Three years ago, I was searching for what the Lord was wanting me to do in my life. It was during that search that He brought us together. I will never forget coming for my interview in December, 2003. The UMKids were practicing for their Christmas program that night. I remember walking into the parlor, and meeting this room of strangers for the first time. I don't remember much about that meeting, but it was my first visit to Cherryville.

I received a call from Jim a few days before Christmas letting me know that I was hired for the position. It was a great Christmas gift. Kristy and I attended the next worship service and I remember meeting many of you that Sunday. We were very excited about this new opportunity in our life.

I have too many fond memories of my time here to list everything, but I would like to take time to share some with you. I have enjoyed working with the UMYF here at First United Methodist Cherryville. We have some of the best young people around. I was always amazed (and thankful) that on all the trips that we went on, I never had any major discipline problems to deal with. I appreciated our youth's willingness to participate and help whenever they were asked. I will miss our youth and all who helped me with the youth during the past three years. I know the youth will be in good hands until the Lord brings you your next Director of Christian Education.

Our UMKids have been a lot of fun and never a dull moment with that group. The UMKids met in the evenings when I arrived and then we moved it to after school. You never knew what to expect with that group. The UMKids love to run everywhere (it reminds me of Forrest Gump). They run to put their book bags downstairs, run to the bus garage for snacks, run to the playground, run on the playground, and sometimes run when they are supposed to be walking. If you like excitement, then we still need volunteers to help with UMKids through April 4th.

I have enjoyed the Young at Heart meetings and the food was always good. We have some great cooks in our church. The fellowship and the programs were very good (except maybe the two that I did). I enjoyed starting the Joyful Travelers and the trips that we took. I will always remember the great time that we had at Myrtle Beach last spring. The Carolina Opry and the Dixie Stampede were awesome and I did not have to worry about anyone in that group getting in trouble like on our youth trips. I enjoyed teaching in many of your Sunday School classes over the past three years, and I'm looking forward to teaching the Florene Styles class this Sunday.

I will never forget your prayers, support, cards, gifts, and generosity during Kristy's lengthy battle with headaches for most of this year. I can't find the words to express what it meant to me during the toughest time in my life. I know that I could not have gotten through it without the support of my church.

Kristy and I will have a special place in our heart for First United Methodist Cherryville for the rest of our lives. We will be back on occasions to worship with you in the future and look forward to enjoying Homecoming with you in the future.

In Christ,

Scott


2006 Bible Reading Schedule
Dec 28 Rev 10-14 Dec 29 Rev 15-18
Dec 30 Rev 19-20 Dec 31 Rev 21-22


DCE NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:

UMKIDS: We need people to help with our UMKids program. If you would like to help with this important ministry, please contact Susan Beam. Our UMKids will begin again on January 3rd and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

UMKids Snack Schedule:
Wednesday, Jan 3rd Shawn Rupard
Wednesday, Jan 10th Kris and Shane Stroupe

BIBLE STUDY Our Wednesday evening Bible Study will resume meeting on Wednesday, January 31. At that time we will begin a study of Dr. Ellsworth Kalas' book, "Parables from the Back Side." We meet each Wednesday at 7:00 P.M., and everyone is invited to come and join us as we discuss God's Word. Study books are available in the church office.

WINTER SPORTS WITH THE YMCA! The Cherryville YMCA is taking registrations now for several winter sports. The deadline to register a team for the church basketball league is January 15. Each team must have a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 12 players, and participation is open to men and women age 15 and older. The league will run from January 29th through March 3rd. The registration fee per team is $400. If our church is going to have a team, we will need both players and sponsors. Please contact the church office if you are interested. If you have questions, you can contact Ashley Lavender at 704-445-9622.

2007 BUILDING TEAM APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE Applications are available for 38 building teams heading to 13 countries with hammers and nails, shovels and picks, and also taking a huge portion of love and passion for Christian servanthood as they work as United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, repairing and building churches and other facilities for those in need. Applications are due now. For more information and downloads go to http://www.wnccumc.org/bgt/building_teams.htm.

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Have you been elected to serve in an office in the church? Would you like to learn more about how you can serve God and the church in some area or another? Do you feel that God is leading you to grow in some aspect of your life? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you need to attend the Gastonia District Leadership Conference. This event will be held on Sunday, January 7, at First UMC, Gastonia, from 2:15 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. The classes being offered this year include: Pastor/-Staff Parish Relations Workshop, Growing Your United Methodist Women's Ministry, Growing Your United Methodist Men's Ministry, Being an Effective Lay Leader, Learn About Lay Speaking Ministries, Beyond Budgets: Effective Church Financial Leadership, Hispanic Ministries Development, Vision 20/20: Congregational Development, Ebracing Diversity in Our Congregations, Stewardship of Giving - Laity Preview, Small Group Ministry Ideas: Beginnings I & II Overview, Singles Ministries: Lessons Learned & Growth Strategies, Reaching Out to Youth, Learn About "Disciple Bible Study," Learn About "Discover God's Call," Learn About "Walk to Emmaus," Church Unity: Churches Uniting in Christ, and Ideas for Developing Missions in Your Church. Most of the workshops are one hour in length, so those attending will have the opportunity to attend two different workshops. If you have any questions, please ask the pastor.

2007 WILD CARDS, GO-GETTERS, PRAYER CHAIN, AND CHEERIOS: With the beginning of the new year, the Wild Cards, Go-Getters, Prayer Chain, and Cheerios ministries will reorganize. Every member is asked to participate in one of these four groups during 2007. If you are presently serving one of these ministries, you must complete this form again for 2007 or notify the church office. WILD CARDS members send notes and cards (get well, sympathy, good job, etc.) for different occasions. GO-GETTERS make a brief visit within 48 hours to all first-time worship visitors. THE PRAYER CHAIN is activated when there is a special concern involving any of our church members. THE CHEERIOS make one monthly visit to a shut-in, a nursing home patient, or someone else in need from within our congregation.

Put a circle around your choice, tear off the coupon, drop it in the offering plate, or bring by the church office. We want everyone to participate in this vital ministry of our church.

Also, in addition to the above ministries, if you would agree to serve on the Welcoming Team please circle WELCOMING TEAM. This ministry happens on Sunday Morning. Your function is to stand in the Narthex and greet everyone attending Worship Service. If you agree to serve on this team, a schedule will be made assigning dates for you to do this service.

NAME:______________________________________
PHONE NUMBER: __________________________


NEW YEAR PRAYER

God grant us this year a wider view, So we see others' faults through the eyes of You. Teach us to judge not with hasty tongue, Neither the adult ... nor the young. Give us patience and grace to endure And a stronger faith so we feel secure. Instead of remembering, help us forget The irritations that caused us to fret. Freely forgiving for some offense And finding each day a rich recompense. In offering a friendly, helping hand And trying in all ways to understand; That all of us whoever we are ... Are trying to reach an unreachable star. For the great and small ... the good and bad, The young and old ... the sad and glad Are asking today; Is life worth living? The answer is only in, loving and giving. For only Love can make man kind And Kindness of Heart brings Peace of Mind. By giving love, we can start this year To lift the clouds of hate and fear.

author- Helen Steiner Rice


A NEW YEAR WITH THE LORD

A new year is about to unfold With new opportunities to explore Doors will open for new experiences New adventures with the Lord Remember not the former things The things of this past year The Lord will do new things in us Much more than we are aware For He will make a way for us As we put our trust in Him And He will guide our every step By His presence we have within What God has placed within our hearts We find we'll be able to do If we look for the opportunities We'll see the door to go through We mustn't let anything hold us back But rise up and take our place And be all that God wants us to be With a fresh touch of His grace

© By M.S.Lowndes

Page 3

Sunday, December 31
9:00am - Men's Fellowship
9:00am - Adult Handbells
9:45am - Sunday School
11:00am - Worship Service

Monday, January 1
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

Tuesday, January 2
10:00am - Ida Wright Circle

Wednesday, January 3
3:00pm - UMK's
4:30pm - Children's Chimes
7:00pm - Staff Parish Meeting

Thursday, January 4
7:00am - UMYF Prayer Breakfast at Home Folks

Sunday, January 7
9:00am - Men's Fellowship
9:00am - Adult Handbells
9:45am - Sunday School
11:00am - Worship Service
2:15pm - District Leadership Conference at First UMC, Gastonia
6:30pm - Adult Choir

Monday, January 8
3:30pm - Lola Allran Circle
7:00pm - Callie Beam Circle
7:00pm - Bess Payne Circle
7:00pm - Aunt Pearl
7:30pm - Adult Handbell Ensemble

Tuesday, January 9
7:00pm - Parish Nurse Program Meeting

Wednesday, January 10
3:00pm - UMK's
4:30pm - Children's Chimes

JANUARY USHERS:
Gary Thornburg, captain; Bob Faires, Jimmy McGinnis, Cone Carpenter, Dwight Stroupe, Robert Kirby, substitute..


JANUARY GREETERS:
June Medlin Class

TODDLER NURSERY SCHEDULE:
Dec. 31 - Jody & Sarah Fowler


STEWARDSHIP REPORT Dec. 24, 2006
Previous Total $274,174.18
Sunday's Offering $6,839.45
Total To Date $281,013.63
Needs To Date $303,082.52
Under $22,068.89
OTHER: Total to Date:
Sound System $24,578.19
Church Renovation $31,443.50


LOAN UPDATES YEAR-TO-DATE
SOUND SYSTEM
CFSL loan balance as of 12/04/06 $12,708.09
Needs in 2006 towards payments $8,119.80
Received in 2006 towards payments $8,123.19
Over ($3.39)


CHURCH RENOVATION
CFSL Loan balance as of 12/04/06 $12,342.11
Needs in 2006 towards payments $10,439.76
Received in 2006 towards payments $8,872.25
Under $1,567.51

PRAYER LIST (Members)

Fred & Geraldine Carpenter, Peggy Mitchell, Wayne Williams, Bobbie Sorenson, Willa Cooke, Martha Turner, Inez Piccone, Jim McGinnis, and all our homebound and nursing home members.

PRAYER LIST (Non Members)

Sherry Rabon (sister of Scott Aldridge), Mae Jenkins, Peggy Beam, Becky Shive, Betty Little, Danny Anthony, Will Alexander, Lainey Kathryn Moss, Chad Daves, Jack Piccone, Melissa Gallarini (sister of Scott Aldridge), Faye Best, Jane Brown, Pat Seitzler, Wayne Black, Carson Norton, Hester Heavner, and our loved ones in the military.

LOVED ONES IN THE MILITARY:

*Derek Allen, #Frank Harmon, #Michael Wright, *Drew Phillips, #Jeff Hoyle, Reggie Carpenter, Buckey Dellinger, *Justin Sanford, Seige Hood, Trent Black,*Christopher Biggers, Aron Dickerson,*James Coleman, *Jerry Mullen, Daniel Carpenter.

# Church Member; *Stationed in the Middle East

JANUARY ACOLYTES:
Jalie Creech and Katie Walls

JANUARY CRUCIFER:
Clay Thornburg

IN HONOR and MEMORY

We gratefully acknowledge gifts presented to the
church in loving memory of:

RUTH B. BALLARD
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)

BEN & SARAH MAE BEAM
Palmer & Mary Ann Huffstetler (endowment fund)

REBECCA LYNN BELL
Donnie & Holly Bell

FREIDA BIVENS
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Thornburg (sound system)

JERRY DAGGERHART
Deanna S. Daggerhart (sound system)

THERON C. DEVENNY
Palmer & Mary Ann Huffstetler (endowment fund)
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Thornburg (sound system)

ALONZO EAKER
Vera Eaker (sound system)

MR. & MRS. CHARLIE FORD
Florene Styles

JIM FRONEBERGER
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Mayhew
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Stephenson

K.E. GARDO
Peggy Gardo (sound system)

RUTH & MILTON GOLD, SR.
Milt & Jennifer Gold

HENRY CRAIG HARRELSON, SR.
MAE WARLICK HARRELSON
Dr. & Mrs. Henry C. Harrelson

PONESE THORNBURG HEAVNER
(Sister of C.V. Thornburg & Gary Thornburg)
Nell Griggs

TOM HOVIS
Ron & Janice Hovis

MARY BELLE HOWELL
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)

DAN & ETHEL HUFFSTETLER
Palmer & Mary Ann Huffstetler (endowment fund)

GENE JARRETT
Carol Roberts

JACK D. JENKINS
Gail, Jeff & Chelsi Jenkins

ELLIS & SUE LEDFORD
Ron & Janice Hovis

ELLIS LEDFORD
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)

D.M. MAXEY
Jim & Bertha Maxey

FRANCES MAYHEW
Frances H. Mauney (church renovations)
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Mayhew

GLENDA MCKEE
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)

BOBBIE GENE MCSWAIN
Donnie & Holly Bell

DAVID CONE MOSS
Ronnie & Hazeline Moss

JEFF PATTERSON
Gail, Jeff & Chelsi Jenkins

PAULINE PEARSON
Mr. & Mrs. Terry Pearson

BOBBIE DEAN PEELER
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)

J. HAL PEELER
Jim & Bertha Maxey

MAMIE B. PEELER
Jim & Bertha Maxey

CHARLES PORTER
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)

RAY A. SMITH
Margaret B. Smith

BILLIE STROUPE
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)

ALBERT STYLES
Florene Styles

DWIGHT SWEATT
Carol Roberts

PAULINE SWEATT
Carol Roberts

FRANCES CARTER WATERMAN
Johnnie Crocker Leonard

DELL WOFFORD
Helen O. Dellinger (sound system)


IN HONOR
We gratefully acknowledge gifts presented to the
church in honor of:

SCOTT & KRISTY ALDRIDGE
Chesley, Beverly, Katie & Brent Walls

JIM & ANN ALLRAN
Milt & Jennifer Gold

NATALIE GRAYSON BARGER
Linda Barger

CHRYSTAL CAUSEY
Men’s Bible Class (sound system)

CHANCEL CHOIR
J.D. & Ruth Gaston (sound system)

D.C. & MARTHA DEVENNY
J.D. & Ruth Gaston (sound system)

MR. & MRS. LARRY GUNNELL
Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Beam (church renovations)

JUNE MEDLIN CLASS
Blanche Self
Florene Styles

DICK & CAROL METZGER
Nell Griggs
Blanche Self

JACK EVERETT MOSS
Ronnie & Hazeline Moss

JEREMY ALUCARD LOPEZ-NORTON
Carson & Sylvia C. Norton

EMMA & HOLDEN PAGE
Linda Barger

TERRY & STACIA PEARSON
Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Beam (church renovations)

JIM & JANET PYATT
Charles & Wilma Metcalf

BLANCHE SELF
(Birthday)
J.D. & Ruth Gaston (sound system)

FLORENE STYLES
(Birthday)
J.D. & Ruth Gaston (sound system)

UMK CAROLERS
Blanche Self
Florene Style

The church is in need of people to supply flowers for our sanctuary on the following Sundays:
February 11
March 4
June 3
If you are willing to provide flowers on one of these dates, please contact Janet Carter or Teresa Gardo.




PLEDGE CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

We have received 96 pledge cards for a total of $216,335.00 toward our 2007 expenses and $1,300 toward the sound system, and $1,300 toward the church renovation loans, for a grand total pledged of $218,935.00.

Sometimes making a gift of stock to the Church is better than making a contribution with cash. If the stock is publicly traded, and if the stock if valued at more than what you paid for it (your cost basis), it could be to your benefit.

When you contribute stock to the Church that has appreciated, you will receive a charitable contribution deduction on your income tax return based upon the average of the high and low market price for the day of the gift. By contributing the stock to the Church, you get the benefit of the full value of the stock, but you avoid having to pay the tax on the capital gain. If you had instead sold the stock and contributed the proceeds, you would have triggered the capital gain and the applicable income taxes.

You might consider consulting your tax professional for further details on this type of transaction. Our Church has procedures in place to assist you with such a transaction. Contact the Church office before it is too late in the year to obtain the information you will need to make this type of gift very easy.


A RECEPTION to honor Scott and Kristy Aldridge will be held on Sunday, December 31, beginning at 12:00 noon in the church fellowship hall. Everyone is invited to attend.

A special Thank You goes to everyone who participated in Scenes of Christmas. The Church office has received numerous phone calls from the community expressing appreciation for this inspiring program.

Nell Griggs