Our Cornerstone

First United Methodist Church
121 Harrison, Camden, AR 71701
PHONE: 870-836-6871 FAX: 870-836-3170
E-MAIL: fumcCamden@cablelynx.com
VOL. 24    September 14, 2004    No. 15

Make me to know thy ways,
O LORD;
teach me my paths.
-Psalms 25:4

Pastor's Corner:

    Someone remarked this past weekend that Christmas was only three months away. Is that true? A look at the calendar confirms it. But, between now and then there are some really exciting events that will be happening at our church. We have Administrative Board meeting on the 13th at which time we will approve our budget for next year which hopefully include funding for our coordinator of youth and young adult ministries, a new staff position recommended by the SPRC. Charge Conference will on the 31st of October and will include all the area churches in one bug celebration. This should really be a great experience. However, the thing that excites me most about October are these dates, Oct. 24 - 26. At this time Rev. Bud Reeves, a native Camdenite will be preaching for our fall REVIVAL. Rev. Reeves is the nephew of our own Martha Taylor so if you really want the scoop on Bud, ask Martha. Bud serves Bryant 1st UMC in Bryant, Arkansas. Under Bud's leadership, Bryant 1st has become one the fastest growing churches in central Arkansas, if not the state. We are blessed to be able to share in Bud's ministry and I want to ask you to begin PRAYING now for Bud, our church and our REVIVAL. There will be several special events related to our services. On Sunday evening, October 24th, Vincent Crane will present a pre-revival concert beginning at 6:00 pm in our sanctuary. As many of you know, Vincent is a musician of unusual gifts and talent. He surely will lead us into a wonderful Sunday evening service. We will have noon services on Monday and Tuesday with a light lunch provided and you will want to invite your friends to come hear Bud in these more informal settings. All in all, October promises to be a great month in the life of 1st Camden. I look forward to seeing you all.
Peace, Bro. John     JD

Pastor Appreciation Sunday - Oct. 3rd

Rev. John Dill will be recognized for his eight years of service to this church and 30 plus years of service to Arkansas United Methodist Churches on Oct. 3rd. A reception and light lunch will be served in the Great Hall immediately following the 10:30 am Worship Service. Also, a power-point presentation will be showing of his years at this church during the reception. Make plans now to stay for lunch and celebrate John's successful ministry! For more information or to volunteer with set-up, food (sandwiches, chips/dips, veggies /dips, fruit tray) or serving, contact Louise Bray, Debbie Venable or Lynne Rowland.

Two Bayou Methodist Church Revival:

Oct. 17, 18, 19       6:30 Come, enjoy worship and fellowship with Rev. John Miles Sr, guest minister. He is a retired AR Methodist minister and provided cutting-edge conference leadership for many years. Nelle Jane and John Dawson will be in charge of the music. Take a step back in time and enjoy worshipping as your forefathers did in this little one room historic church. The public is invited to attend any or all services.

Westside UMC Celebrates 50 Years:

Westside UMC will be celebrating their 50th Homecoming on October 10th with a special Worship service. All Methodists are invited to attend.

New Website Up and Running!

Thanks to Sam Connelly, the church website is rejuvenated - current - and just waiting for your visit! For those with a internet connection, the web address is www.gbgm-umc.org/firstumc-camden or you may go the AR United Methodist Conference website and click on Camden First United Methodist Church. Sam is committed to keeping our site current with the sermon, newsletter, pictures, and any new developments. Take time to visit the site and also to thank Sam for his contribution of bringing our church forward in technology.

Fish Fry - Wed. Oct.6th:

The men are cooking again! Fried fish and all the trimmings will be the menu for the Wednesday Fellowship dinner on Oct. 6th....make the reservations as soon as possible in the church office. Adults - $5.00, Children - $3.00, PB&J - $1.00.

United Methodist Women Celebrates 135 Years!

All women of the church are invited to attend the 135th Birthday Party celebrating a Century Plus in Mission on Oct. 4th at 2:00 pm. Refreshments will follow the program in the Great Hall. A special offering by each participant of $1.35 is requested. This money will be collected for the special Anniversary Celebration Mission Fund.

Welcome New Members:

We welcome the newly confirmed members of the Confirmation class into our church family. They were received into full membership and recognized in the morning Worship Service on Sept. 26. They are Martin Cash, son of Cathy and Mike Cash; Nickolas May, son of Karen and Jeff May; Daniel Pace, son of Cindy Arnold and Margaret and Tim Pace; and Morgan Shirey, daughter of Rhonda and David Shirey.

Administrative Board Meeting:

Wednesday October 13 6:00 pm Servants In Ministry Oct. 3, 2004 Acolytes Markie Turner Meagan Crisp World Communion Sunday UMYF Snack Supper: Cathy & Mike Cash Oct. 6 WAC Snacks Angel Choir Cathy Dawson Wesley/Cherub Choirs Erin McAllister Cathy Dawson Oct. 10 Acolytes Kathryn Holland Jake Rogers UMYF Snack Supper: Mandy Keesaer Oct. 13 WAC Snacks Angel Choir Kim Sponer Wesley/Cherub Choirs Anne Swain Kim Sponer October Sunday School Greeters: Charlotte Parker Mickey Rowe

Record of Faithfulness:

September 19, 2004 Praise Service 36 Sunday School 148 Divine Worship 191 September 26 Praise Service 38 Sunday School 140 Divine Worship 216 September Average Attendance Praise Service 34 Sunday School 139 Divine Worship 179

The Congregation is invited to an Open House:

Oct. 29th 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm honoring J.A. Dooley Womack on his 80th birthday at Womack Realty.

Sympathy and Prayers For:

* Virginia Hollis on the recent death of her niece. Cornerstone (552560) Published bimonthly January - December by First United Methodist Church, 121 Harrison St. SW, Camden, AR 71701. Postage pd by Permit 125 at Camden AR Postoffice Postmaster: Send address changes CORNERSTONE, 121 Harrison St. SW, Camden, AR 71701

United Methodist Handbells :

Fairview UMC and 1st UMC Handbell choirs, under the directions of Cynthia Outlaw and Mike Oden, have agreed to begin practicing and performing together as United Methodist Ringers. This will benefit both churches and enhance the handbell performances all around. Isn't the Methodist connection great!

Youth Activities:

alling all youth, 7th - 12th grades....UMYF meets at the church on Sundays from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm....invite friends to come with you! We will be celebrating CFHS Homecoming this weekend with a 5th Quarter dance following the game - Kevin Cunningham will be the DJ. 5th Quarter starts following the end of the game until midnight. Be sure to have a ride home by 12:00 am. All youth will be expected to remain inside the Great Hall once arriving. Refreshments will be provided.

Harvest Carnival:

Youth are planning a Harvest Carnival on October 31 from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Games, a costume parade, and activities will be held in Wesley Memorial Center. Invite your friends and make plans now to attend.

Women's Crisis Center:

I am writing you today in appreciation of the donations you have sent to the Women's Crisis Center of South AR. Because of you and your willingness to donate to our organization, women and children are becoming more independent and able to sustain a life free of domestic violence. As you know our funding has been cut so we are looking for monthly donations. We are a non-profit (501c3) that is federally funded and any outside donations are what keep our doors open to clients of the 13th Judicial District. Again, thank you for your donations and dedication to our Center. Ashley Palmer, Volunteer Coordinator

Camp Aldersgate Fish Fry:

October 2nd 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Aldersgate Road Little Rock, AR Children's activities, music, bake sale, live & silent auctions, entertainment! (Shuttle service from Baptist Medical Center's southwest parking lot.)

Volunteers are like yachts....

* no matter where they are they arouse your curiosity...who are they? Where do they come from? Why are they here? * they have style! They're fiercely independent. If you have to ask how much they cost, you can't afford them! * volunteers are a necessity and priceless to every church! We could never afford to hire all the work that is done by YOU! * YOU are the eyes, ears, hearts, and hands daily of Jesus! We appreciate your dedication and service to First United Methodist Church!