Newsletter for week of July 20, 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,