Newsletter for week of October 21 , 2026

 

Trunk or Treat

October 25,2026

FUMC Trunk or Treat is October 25, 2026, with trunk setup at 4pm and Trunk or Treat beginning at 5pm.  There will be finger foods in the CLC following the end of the treating.  If there is rain or high winds, the Trunk or Treat will be moved inside the CLC building with everyone having one large rectangular table to decorate. If you have any questions, please call the church office or Carol Beasley (629-5631).  We look forward to having a big crowd and good fellowship!

 

UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS

 

October 27th – The Worship committee meets at 5:00 p.m.

October 28th – FUMC feeds the LCHS football team at 5:00 p.m.

November 8th – Christians Connect meets following the 8:15 a.m. service. Friends & Fellowship will host.

November 10th – UMW Executive Committee meets at 3:30 p.m. in the Wesley classroom.

November 10th – Finance Committee meets at 5:30 p.m.

November 10th – Administrative Board meets at 6:00 p.m.

November 14th – FUMC hosts the Community meal

November 17th – The Nurture committee meets

November 21st -  WTF annual November harvest in the CLC

 

…Bob Wedge, who is a member of FUMC has 8 single dose pre-filled Ozempic pins. He has been put on a different medication and his pharmacy suggested to him to see if anyone needed them instead of throwing them away. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact Mr. Wedge at 931-244-3233.

 

 

The Fellowship Hall is undergoing a bit of a facelift. The plan is to make it more user friendly for everyone. Two or three card tables are needed as the space is being set up. If you have one you are not using and would like to donate it, be most appreciated. Please email Judy Benson at jabljbenson@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to help. Thank you!

 

SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS

  Our annual UWF November Harvest which funds local and global mission projects is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, in the CLC. We need your help providing items for the Silent Auction. We are asking for your donations of themed baskets or quality antique and collectible items. Please bring your items to Terri in the church office by Tuesday, November 17th, so we can display photograph, and advertise them before the auction. Call Melinda Deason at 931-242-7926 if you have any questions. Thanks so much for your help!

 

 

 

 

Sept. 21, 2026

 

Lunch with the District Superintendent

On Sunday, October 4th, following the 10:30 a.m. worship service and prior to Charge Conference, lunch will be offered in the CLC for those who would like an opportunity to meet our new District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Jathanial Cavitt. If you plan to come, please contact the church office with the number of people who will be attending. We want to make sure that we have food for everyone and all are welcome!

 

Received from Janet Pierce:

We the new Southwestern District United Women in Faith, are not starting this new journey on a very strong step. Very few are volunteering to be an officer.

The following positions are open:

President

Program Coordinator/Vice President

Secretary

Spiritual Growth

Social Action

MNO

Program Resources Coordinator/Management

Please talk to all of your members, whether they have served as an officer before or not? Maybe someone is waiting to be asked. I truly believe if someone wants to work with someone else as a Co-________, that this thought would not be turned down. We are a Leadership Team, and we take the word Team seriously. No one works alone.

This is an opportunity to start fresh, almost like a new beginning, I believe the plan is to vote on the state of officers by the end of October, so they can have a Zoom meeting in November. (Leadership Team meetings are by Zoom.)

If you are interested, please contact Carol Beasley (629-5631).

 

14September2026

 Dear Beautiful Church Family,

 At the advice of my children and my shrink I have decided to take a step back from church for the time being and begin an extended leave of absence from FUMC.  Please know that I hold no malice or ill will toward anyone at our church.  Furthermore, I forgive those who have spoken unkind words to and/or about me because I need to move forward from the toxic atmosphere at church.  Lastly, for those I may have hurt through my actions, deeds and words, I offer my most sincere apology.  I never intended for this to happen, but when I saw our church was absent of all of our children and youth, I felt compelled to take action.  I take full responsibility for the petition seeking removal of our pastor, Rev. Tory S. Dillard.  After speaking to many members who felt they had no voice, I felt this would be a tool in the hands of the SPRC Committee to help them gauge the pulse of the congregation at their next meeting.

My kindest regards, Sid James

 

Dear Church Family,

           Thank you to everyone for the cards, calls and texts during the loss of my mother. We truly appreciate the meal provided after her service so a special thank you for that as well. My family and I are blessed to have such a thoughtful, caring and loving church family. God Bless,

Janice Bailey & Family

 The Committee on Nominations and Lay that was scheduled for Sept. 22nd, will be re-scheduled at a later time.

Members of this committee are:

Pastor-Chairperson, Nancy Brewer, Nancy Moore, Martha Jo Gibbs, Beverly Duke, Ashley Dunkin, Leslie Hunt, Melinda Deason, Debbie Hardy and Cissy Holt.

 

As Chair of the Administrative Board, it has been my responsibility to work toward reconciliation and healing for our church, and not to participate in any partisan efforts favoring one group or another. I hope that we can continue to have small group gatherings solely for the purpose of listening to each other as we plan ways to find healing and forgiveness for all of our members in the future.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22nd with the Friends and Fellowship class at 5:00 p.m., at my house at 251 Stribling Road, Lawrenceburg.

I ask for your prayers as we move forward as a loving, caring church which honors Christ in all our activities. Jane Jennings

 OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

Mary Casteel—10/01                                                                  Aaron Story—10/02

Teresa Carey—10/04                                                                  Janice Bailey—10/05

Linda Sowell—10/06 Chris Fann—10/07

Hunter Anne Phelps—10/09 Kathy Johnstone—10/10

Nelta McAdams—10/11 Caroline Vicini—10/15

Lucy Kennedy—10/16 Steven Godbey—10/18

Mary Ann Clayton—10/19 Jennifer Massey—10/21

Ezra Hunt—10/23 Courtney Whelan—10/24

Liam Bradley—10/25 Keely Story—10/27

Mark Brewer—10/30 Debbie Hardy—10/31

 

 

September 2, 2026

The TWK Conference leadership is seeking input from our SPRC in preparation for our Annual Charge Conference on October 4.  Members of the congregation are asked to give input to SPRC members regarding the following:

 

• Mental Health and Well-being–How is the pastor modeling health and well-being for the congregation? How is the congregation supporting the pastor’s mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health? What additional support would help the pastor?

• Professions of Faith and Missional Impact–how is the congregation inviting and welcoming new people and partnering with the pastor to ensure the mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”

• Culture of Call and Itinerancy–How is the congregation helping people–especially children, youth, and young adults–discern God’s call in their lives? How does the pastor encourage lay leadership or potential candidates for ministry? How is the congregation living into its covenant with the conference, including supporting the pastor’s itinerant call?

• Spiritual Leadership Development and Practice of Ministry–How is the pastor leading in the practice of ministry? How is the congregation supporting the pastor’s ongoing spiritual and professional development? What steps are being taken to identify spiritual leaders in the church?

• Disrupting and Dismantling Racism and Discrimination–How is the congregation growing in awareness and action toward dismantling racism and discrimination? In what ways has the pastor led or encouraged anti-racist discipleship, cross-cultural engagement, or justice ministries? How is the church creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued as part of God’s Beloved Community?

• Connectional Covenant and Vision–How do you see the pastor participating in the wider connection of the UMC? How is our congregation supporting the broader mission of the district and conference? Where do you see God leading the church in the next 3-5 years?  What role do you hope the pastor will play in that vision?

• Pastoral Leadership for Next Conference Year–Is the current pastoral leadership the right fit for the congregation’s present season of ministry and mission? 

 

If you wish to give input regarding any/all of the questions above, please contact a member of the SPRC before September 23  to share your thoughts.  Member contact information is as follows:

Judith Whaley, SPRC Chair–(863) 956-6285 (phone) js68whaley@gmail.com

Scott McMahan–(615) 712-1064 (phone) chzbrgrnprdise@icloud.com

Betty Marston–(931) 242-7332 (phone) mimimarston@yahoo.com

Melinda Lee (731) 607-4968 (phone) mglee8324@yahoo.com

Beth Lerner (931) 629-9611 (phone) mary.lerner@lcss.us

Chris Fann (931) 580-1910 (phone) chrisfann2950@gmail.com

Deanna Runnels (deana_376@hotmail.com

Steve Wright (931) 629-6366

Hallie Hoffmeyer (931) 242-9645 (phone) HallieBoston@outlook.com

...Christians Connect will meet on Sunday, September 13th, following the 8:15 a.m. service. This month’s gathering will be hosted by the Wesley class. Please join them for snacks and fellowship.

 

The Committee on Nominations and Lay Leadership will meet on Tuesday, September 22nd, at 5:30 p.m. Members of this committee are:

 My Service

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

Tuesday, Sept. 8th , 2026

Bruce & Barbara Edwards

Ellen Crews

Thursday, Sept. 10th, 2026

Rosa Hawkins,

Linda Ledbetter, Martha Jo Gibbs

Bundt cakes are needed for the Community meal, hosted by First UMC, on Saturday, September 12th, in the CLC. You may drop your cakes off anytime during office hours, or by Friday, September 11th, by 4:00 p.m. Your help is appreciated.

 

 

August 10, 2026

You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children.    

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Romans 8:15

       

 

July 10,  2026

 

FUMC will once again be hosting a breakfast for Ingram Sowell Elementary faculty and staff on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026. If you would like to help provide breakfast food or donate money, please contact Carol Beasley (629-5631) or the church office. We will be purchasing sausage biscuits and other items needed. Please bring the food to the CLC by 7:15 a.m., Tuesday, the 28th or on the 27th to the church office between 8-4 p.m. Do not take the food to the school—there is not always someone in the office at that time to let you in. All food items need to be in a dish/tray that can be thrown away. Thank you so much for helping this faculty and staff as they begin the 2026-2027 school year! God bless and call if you have any questions—Carol.

 

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Hallie Hoffmeyer—08/02                                   Betty Marston—08/02

Steve Wright—08/03                                                       Mia Massey—08/03

Whit Brewer—08/04 Betty Evans—08/05

Ben Caruso—08/09 James (Sonny) Newton—08/11

Scott McMahan—08/15 Ellen Crews—08/21

Frances Rayfield—08/25 Jack Story—08/26

Pat Gray—08/27 Chase Brewer—08/29

Serenity Hendrix—08/29

 

ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT (Beth Lerner)

           The 2026 Tennessee Western Kentucky Annual Conference was held at Murfreesboro First United Methodist Church on June 7-10. This year’s theme was “Rekindling Our Call,” and throughout the annual conference we heard from multiple clergy and laity “Witness to the Flame” stories of how as God’s people we are answering God’s call. Our Bishop, David Graves, preached our opening worship service on Sunday night. His message was one of love, unity, and hope for our conference and the United Methodist Church.

 

Each day of the conference included a worship service with communion. On Monday, the worship was a memorial service, in which the clergy and spouses who have passed on in the past year were remembered. Our sweet Patty Sue Harper was remembered during this time.

 

The business of the conference involved several resolutions that were voted on by the body and overwhelmingly supported and adopted. These included, a housing allowance resolution for retired, disabled, or former clergy persons. The Tennessee Western Kentucky redistricting resolution which will reorganize our conference into 3 districts—Eastern, Northwest, and Southwest districts. We are now in the Southwest District. Other resolutions included a resolution on ending the use of the death penalty in Tennessee and Kentucky, resolutions of Faithful Christian witness in the Israel Palestine Conference, and Resolution of racial justice, voting rights, democratic integrity and faithful public witness. While symbolic, these resolutions demonstrate the United Methodist Church’s practice and history of speaking up and out against injustice, racism, and human rights. Additionally, resolutions were passed regarding distribution of proceeds from the sale of closed church property, a recommended parental leave policy for clergy, and for creation of a committee to support strengthening of the black UMW churches in the TWK.

 

Other business included adopting the budget for the coming fiscal year, recognition of retiring clergy, reports from the Black College Fund Ambassador, the Board of Ordained ministry, the mental health and well being guide team, and church and society ministry team. Each of these groups work diligently to support our pastors, congregations, and communities in so many ways behind the scenes.

 

I cannot overstate the emotion, spirit, and belonging I experienced during each of the worship services during the 4 days at annual conference. While the sermons were all outstanding, I can’t describe how it felt to participate in a group of my Christian brothers and sisters singing out with their whole hearts. As a lover of music, I could feel the holy spirit in the room, alive and at work.

 

Thank you, to each of you, for allowing me to represent our congregation at Annual Conference. It is an honor and privilege to be your representative. I am excited, encouraged, and proud to be a member of our church, and the United Methodist Church as a whole.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

During the summer there are summer Sunday School Classes offered for all children and youth. Preschool and Elementary children meet in the Old Fellowship Hall and then go to their classes in the Education Building. Middle and High School Students meet upstairs in the new education building high school class. There are new teachers at all levels for the summer classes. Come join us! We will learn a lot of exciting things about the Bible.

 

We are missing a prayer bowl that sat inside the door on the Mahr Avenue Entrance. The bowl had bracelet packets in them. If you accidently have moved the bowl, can you please return it back to the table. Thank you.

 

“Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me; and

whoever welcomes me isn’t actually welcoming me but rather the one who

sent me.” Mark 9:37, Common English Bible, United Methodist Church

 

...FUMC delights in hearing the sounds of babies and young ones in the worship service. They bring light and love into our midst in a unique, joyful way that is all their own. If a place of comfort or rest is needed away from the sanctuary, however, a nursery is offered in the Education building. The nursery may be accessed through the double doors under the awning. It is the second door on the right. There you will find a changing table, rocking chairs, cribs, wipes, a bathroom, and age appropriate toys. Please feel free to use the nursery space at any time.

 

There will be a Trustee’s committee meeting on Monday, August 3rd, at 6 p.m. Members of the Trustee’s committee are: Jansen Holt-Chairperson, Mrs. Kris Fann, Wayne Richardson, Leslie Hunt, Barbara Wellman, Beth Benson, Raymond Marston, Charlie Deason, and Judy Benson.

  

My Service

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Bruce & Barbara Edwards

Ellen Crews, Linda Newton

Thursday, July 30th, 2026

Rosa Hawkins,

Linda Ledbetter, Martha Jo Gibbs

 

 PRAYER CONCERNS—(Current Prayer Concerns)

Ada Hancock                                                        Brenda Benson                                  John Spemcer

Brian Shultz                                                          Shara Rood                                            Larry Beuerlein

Pat Gray                                                               Beth Duncan                                                    Diane Fisher

Theresa Marston          Marilyn McAfee Diane Cone

Marty Crews Bob Brown Susie De Antonio

Cheri Harris Patricia Chapman Meredith McCoy McCra

Tonya McClenic Jeff Weeks Joan Emerson

Ongoing Prayer Concern

Betsy Phelps and Family

Danny Puckett Andy & Robin Thigpen Darlene Allen

Bill Akers Larry Bailey Dorothy Lewis

Hazel Perry Roy Harlan Susie Yoder

Warren & Barbara Webster Jennifer Robertson Loulie Brown

Roy Bradley Linda Sowell & Beth Barnes Betty Evans

Lanny Hurst Ron & Mary Randolph

Dr. Scott Benefield & Family Fountain of Life Church-Nicaragua

 

 

 

June 3, 2026

 

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDARS

June 28th—Potluck meal following the 10:30 am. service to honor Mr. & Mrs. Tory Dillard (in lieu of gifts, they are combining households. There will be a money tree for the newlyweds).

 

July 19th—Ice Cream Social/Pool Party/Trivia at the home of John & Carol Beasley

 

October 11th—Fall Picnic at David Crockett State Park, Shelter #1, 3 pm.

 

October 25th—Trunk or Treat at 4 pm.

 

 

GOD’S STOREHOUSE INVITES YOU TO

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER

THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH AT 5:30 P.M.

COLEMAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

This evening is sponsored by God’s Storehouse for those who help in preparing and serving Saturday Community meals, (also those who deliver meals to the homeless); those who help assemble clothing, clean towels and hygiene kits; support shower services; assist in the Mobile Pantry food giveaways, those who help with daily operations and behind the scenes. Because of your time, compassion and commitment, countless lives have been touched and blessed.

 

Please contact Carol Beasley if you plan to attend.

 

My Service

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Bruce & Barbara Edwards

Ellen Crews,

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

John Benson, Rosa Hawkins,

Linda Ledbetter, Martha Jo Gibbs

 

PRAYER CONCERNS—(Current Prayer Concerns)

Brenda Benson                                                   John Spencer                                                   Brian Shultz

Shara Rood                                                          Connie Austin                                                Larry Beuerlein

Pat Gray                                                                                                                                Diane Fisher

Darlene Allen Beth Duncan

Theresa Marston Marilyn McAfee Diane Cone

Marty Crews Bob Brown Susie De Antonio

Cheri Harris Patricia Chapman Meredith McCoy McCra

Tonya McClenic Jeff Weeks Joan Emerson

Ongoing Prayer Concern

Betsy Phelps and Family

Danny Puckett Andy & Robin Thigpen Ann Clifton

Bill Akers Larry Bailey Dorothy Lewis

Hazel Perry Roy Harlan Susie Yoder

Warren & Barbara Webster Jennifer Robertson Loulie Brown

Roy Bradley Linda Sowell & Beth Barnes Betty Evans

Lanny Hurst Ron & Mary Randolph

Dr. Scott Benefield & Family Fountain of Life Church-Nicaragua

 

...Bundt cakes are needed for the Community meal, which FUMC will host in the CLC on June 13th. You may bring them by the church office anytime this week, or next week. Your help is very much appreciated!