FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NON-PROFIT ORG. 117 N. Second Street U.S. POSTAGE PAID Clarksburg, WV 26301 CLARKSBURG, WV THE GRAPEVINE

Phone: 304-623-3397 UNITED METHODIST

PERMIT #74 CLARKSBURGFIRST website: www.cfumc.org A P R I L 2 0 1 7 E-mail: [email protected]

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

F R O M T H E DESK OF THE 2 ASSOC. PASTOR

“METHODIST BY 3 BIRTH”

LIGHT & LIFE 4

EASTER EGG TREE E A S T E R 5 FLOWERS OPEN HEARTS...OPEN MINDS...OPEN DOORS FLOWERS ON THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. T H E C R O S S

H O L Y W E E K Pastor Greg Godwin SERVICES COMMUNITY 6 Rev. Harry Jenkins, Associate Pastor L E N T E N SERVICES Don Gardner, Director of Music and Operations C.O.M.E. Jocelyn Blackwell, Director of Children’s Ministry MISSION 7 GRAND - AGERS Ethan Rapking, Director of Youth Ministry STEPHEN Brett Milller, Organist MINISTRY/ MONASTIC Debby McCune, Secretary MEAL/ 8 F U M C W O M E N John Greaver, Don Barickman, Custodians WEDNESDAY W O R S H I P

MEETINGS / BIRTHDAYS/ 9 U S H E R S / V A N D R I V E R

10 CAN - D O K I D S BREAKAWAY YOUTH

SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 A.M. …… SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10:45 A.M. …… ALL ARE WELCOME! A P R I L C A L E N D A R 11

** Staff Meetings — every Wednesday @ 11:00 am Page 2 ** NA Meetings — every Mon., Wed. & Thurs. @ 7:00 pm April 2017 ** AA Meetings — every Mon., Tues., & Wed. @ 12 noon ; and Tues. at 7:30 pm FROM THE DESK OF THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR—Harry Jenkins All NA & AA meetings take place in the Library.

Alive in the World Sun. 2 — 9:30 am Church School Mon. 17 — Offices Closed 10:45 am Worship Service/Holy Communion 12:00 pm Feed My Sheep Please note this quote by Robert Raines: “To be an Christian is to see something, somewhere, of Children’s Church during worship Tues. 18— 12:15 pm Monastic Meal Christ in every person you meet and come to love, for love has its own peculiar vision. When you do 12:00 pm Church Council meeting after worship 5:00 pm Finance Committee love another person, you see something of Christ in him—you see beauty that nobody else can see, that is 12:00 pm Children & Youth Lunch 5:00 pm Outreach Committee opened, unfolded, given only to love. You see a marvel, a greatness, a treasure, a grandeur, a unique 12:15 pm Children & Youth Choir 6:00 pm Church Council possibility hidden to the ordinary view. And, you know, we need now and then when we see a beauty and 1:00 pm Can-Do-Kids (till 2:00 pm) Wed. 19— 4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry a marvel in each other, to tell each other about it, because sometimes the last person to know that Christ 1:00 pm BreakAway Youth (till 2:00 pm) 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00) is alive in a man is the man himself. And to know it is the resurrection. Mon. 3 — 6:00 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee 6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45) Tues. 4 — 12:15 pm Monastic Meal To be an Easter Christian is to be a catcher of souls—a ‘Catcher in the Rye,’ on the road, in the restaurant. Thurs. 20— 12:00 pm FUMC Women in the fellowship hall Wed. 5 — 4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry It is to be a looker for the lost, a finder of the lonely, and a liberator of the captive. It is to see the whole NO Handbell Rehearsal 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00) human family with new eyes, to each person you see.” 5:30 pm Disciple Bible Study 6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45) NO Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thurs. 6— 4:00 pm Handbell Rehearsal ********************************************************************************* The Easter gift is to be able to see the Risen Christ at work in the world today. It is to be able to recognize 5:30 pm Disciple Bible Study Sun. 23— 9:30 am Church School him in the everdayness of life. As we reach out to others let us be aware of His Presence. It’s because of 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10:45 am Worship Service Easter we can offer the world hope in the midst of despair. It’s because of Easter we can offer the world Children’s Church during worship meaning in the midst of meaninglessness. It’s because of Easter we can proclaim with joy Good News in ********************************************************************************** 12:00 pm Children & Youth Lunch the midst of so much bad news. Sun. 9— 9:30 am Mission Meal Prep 12:15 pm “Horton” Dress Rehearsal 9:30 am Church School Tues. 25— 12:15 pm Monastic Meal Rev. Harry Jenkins 10:45 am Worship Wed. 26— 4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry NO Children & Youth Activities EASTER 4:00 pm Trustees Meeting Tues. 11— 12:15 pm Monastic Meal I shall tell you what Easter means; I shall tell you what Easter means; 5:15 pm Fellowship Meal ($4.00) To me, that is: To me, that is: Wed. 12— 4:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 6:00 pm Wednesday Worship (thru 6:45) Not so many tulips and daffodils, The Eternal whispering, “Behold, 5:30 pm Seder Meal & Vespers Thurs. 27— 4:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal Bonnets and bunnies, Rising higher and higher, Thurs. 13— 7:00 pm Service 5:30 pm Disciple Bible Study Baked hams and lambs. Expanding enveloping. Fri. 14— 7:00 pm Service Can you bear my being? ************************************************************************************ 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal It is the Creator suddenly bursting Courage, child.” Sun. 16— 6:30 am at Clarksburg ********************************************************************************* The chrysalis in my heart, Sun. 30— 9:30 am Sunday School With my consent, Easter comes so many moons after Parking Garage Setting me free, uncongruously. This or that, 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Fellowship Hall Worship— The words return: “If the But also, now and tomorrow. 10:45 am Easter Sunday Kid’s Choir Lead Worship Son therefore shall set you free, I pray, Children’s Church during Worship Native American Ministries Offering Ye shall be free indeed.” “In me arise, my Lord! 12:00 pm Covered-dish Lunch And keep on rising.”

That’s it! Freedom. Freedom to live, to love, That is what Easter mean; And thus to give, To me, that is. To take a glorious chance on life, —Sallie Chesham To be both liberated And lost—in wonder. Page 10

Every Sunday at 1:00—2:00 p.m. April 2017

CAN-DO-KIDS If you have questions or would like more information ------“METHODIST BY BIRTH” about Can-Do-Kids, you can contact Jocelyn Blackwell at Seeing that phrase in obituaries breaks my heart a little. News for Children and 304-669-3675 or e-mail [email protected]. I imagine a family in those awful, awkward hours right after a beloved one dies, trying to make so many difficult their Families! decisions. “Did we contact everybody we need to?” “Which funeral home do we use?” “How do we write the notice for the newspaper?” Spring into Easter with us! “Methodist by birth” All children are welcome and encouraged to bring friends as we celebrate this Lenten Season together. I read this and wonder…. did this man once attend one of the hundreds of United Methodist churches of West Virginia? …did her mother take this “child of God” to Sunday school? …or, as is sometimes the case, was it We will NOT be having after church activities on Palm Sunday (April 9th) Grandma or Grandpa who fetched the little one, and tried teaching “Jesus Loves Me” and “The Lord Is My or on Easter (April 16th). Shepherd” and John 3:16 to their grandchild?

“Methodist by birth” Join us right after church for our annual Easter on April 16th. My fear is that these three words imply that whatever happened many years ago didn’t take. The faith that one Those in 5th grade and below are welcome! Bring a friend to “Hop around with”. was born into didn’t continue into adulthood.

Maybe a job required a move, and a church home in the new community was never found. Maybe kids came along, and amidst the busy-ness of their schedules, attending worship fell by the wayside. Every Sunday at 1:00—2:00 p.m. Maybe Grandpa’s “mantle of faith” was sturdy and all-encompassing, and one’s own never quite measured up. Maybe there was an argument at the church over communion, or hymns, or ….., and mercy got lost in the shuffle. BREAKAWAY If you have any questions or would like more information Maybe the important questions about God and belief came up, and the answers provided didn’t satisfy … on BreakAway Youth, contact Pastor Greg at or even worse, the questions – and the questioner – were ridiculed. YOUTH Maybe one’s “birth Methodism” was ignored and unnourished. 304-623-3397.

I have seen these things happen, and more. I’m guessing that you have, too. And I lament that, for whatever Upshur Parish House Daytrip — Saturday, April 29 reason, another person has died without possibly knowing the wonderful and wonderfully confounding love of a church home where people of faith gather in all their brokenness, in all their sorrow, to find comfort and The youth continuing to explore the mission projects sponsored by the United Methodist Church in forgiveness and lovingkindness. I lament that the church family is somehow lessened by this, as well. West Virginia. We will go to the Upshur Parish house to learn what they do there and to do some mission work ourselves. We will meet at our church at 10:00 and head to Buckhannon from there. Lunch will be provided. And I am hopeful.

—————————————- Hopeful that one of you may read this and decide to give United Methodism another go here at First Church. th Hopeful that the First Church family may always be honest enough to seek out and confess where we have erred. Our annual International Dinner has been scheduled for May 7 . Hopeful that the rebirth found in the re-awakening of the stunning WV landscape this Spring may ignite your faith. We are very excited about this event and hope everyone will be able to come Hopeful that I truly may be an “instrument of God’s peace” and grace, and joy, and light….for God’s glory. and enjoy food from around the world and learn more about the church outside the United States. Easter is coming. A time when we celebrate resurrection. “Methodist by birth”? I hope for more than that.

Lord, help us not only to be born into faith, but also to grow in faith, TAX ASSISTANCE HERE AT FIRST CHURCH every day…every year; until, at the last, one may say of us: Free tax preparations by Fairmont State University accounting students. “Here lies a faithful child of God, one who worshipped and served and witnessed Tuesday, April 4, from 3:00—8:00 p.m. from birth until death.”

“Lead me, Lord. Lead me in your righteousness.” “First Come - First Served” Questions? Contact Trudy at 304-367-4261 Must have photo ID for taxpayer AND spouse. Blessed Easter to you and yours, Must have Social Security card for each listed on return. Must have medical insurance info. Don Gardner Page 4

Page 9 April 2017 COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE April 2017

Light and Life JUST A APRIL BIRTHDAYS

REMINDER …

Monday, April 3 6:00 pm Staff Parish Relations Committee Happy Birthday to All!! Tuesday, April 18 04/01 Beth Taylor 04/22 William 5:00 pm Finance Meeting 04/01 Brenda Davisson Righter III 5:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting 04/01 Wesley Walls 04/23 Sarah Rogers 6:00 pm Church Council 04/01 Jennifer Alberts 04/25 Maren WEDNESDAY, April 26 04/01 Garrett Harpold Rodriguez 4:00 pm Trustees Meeting 04/02 Jackie White 04/27 Kevin Cox 04/02 Joen Tayman 04/27 James PLEASE MAKE NOTE AND PLAN TO ATTEND. 04/03 Joshua Maxwell Blurton III 04/05 Mary Finly 04/27 Sierra Walls

APRIL 2 APRIL 16 — Easter! 04/05 Nick Dyer 04/27 Makenzie Davis On this communion Sunday in , we This is the day the Lord has made… GREETERS FOR APRIL 04/05 Drew Brannon 04/29 Oleta Martin continue in our journey to the Cross...a time Let us rejoice and be glad!” of introspection and repentance. It is this day that defines us as believers 04/05 Chase Davis 04/30 Anita Burns The Chancel Choir offers a powerful in Christ...this day of resurrection. On this 04/06 Emma Finly 04/30 Vanessa Wood reminder of the lovingkindness of God , Easter Sunday, the choirs of First Church 2 narthex Julie Dyer 04/07 Catherine Lilly “With the Lord, There Is Mercy”. help to lead you, the congregation of First elevator Gary & Rose Winters The handbells present a new setting of Church, in a great celebration of praise and 04/08 Alex Rodriguez an ancient hymn in “Passion Chorale”. We adoration! 9 narthex Millie & Carl Lantz 04/09 Dave Utter know this as “Ah, Holy Jesus”. Bring your family and friends to church elevator John & Charlene Cathell this (and every) Sunday, as we join our 04/09 Jackie Spicer APRIL 9 — Palm Sunday hearts and minds and voices in “Alleluia!” 16 narthex Anita Burns 04/11 Robert Gifford “Hosanna! Hosanna! elevator Sharon Grega 04/11 Chase Brannon Blessed is he APRIL 23 04/13 Kelsey Lantz Who comes in the name of the Lord!” The songs of praise continue throughout 23 elevator Louise Kovach the season of . “Alleluia! Our 04/15 Jill Burlock If there are Bells, brass, voices and organ join on this God is Speaking” is a relatively new song for corrections us here at First Church, and a fun one for 30 narthex Rita & Harry Looker 04/16 Burl Randolph festival Palm Sunday as we recall the joyous or omissions, entry of Christ into Jerusalem. the choir to sing! 04/16 Tim McMunn please accept our The dance-like rhythm is a perfect setting 04/17 Randy Harpold APRIL 12 — Wednesday Vespers of the words of joy and jubilation. apologies, APRIL USHERS 04/17 Andrew Skidmore At 5:30, we adapt the moving liturgy of and let us know. the Jewish Seder meal for an evening of APRIL 30 04/18 Kay Utter Thank you food, scripture and fellowship. “This rule is important and often repeated: Sue Brandimarte, Al Cox, Ike Skidmore, Tim 04/19 Adam Dyer Treat others the way Thompson, Jack Brandimarte-team captain 04/20 Emily Righter APRIL 13 — Maundy Thursday Communion You would like to be treated!” This evening, the music and the service 04/21 Matthew Spicer help us to recall the gathering Christ with Join us in the dining hall on this 5th Sun- 04/21 Matthew the apostles for the . day in April as the children and youth pre- APRIL VAN DRIVER sent lessons based on the Golden Rule, and Kersting APRIL 12 — Good Friday a skit from Dr. Seuss, “Horton Hears a Who!” 04/21 Joshua Reinhart Bring your favorite covered-dish to share John Cathell Darkness surrounds us in this somber service observing’s Christ’s crucifixion. for lunch after the service (instead of a

brunch). Christ Is Lord The Risen Today! Page 5

Page 8 April 2017 April 2017 Tree! STEPHEN MINISTRY … CARING MOMENTS During the Easter season, Community Action will provide “Easter Baskets” “From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” full of food to people in need. Our church has “adopted” 5 baskets to fill. Here’s how you can help - - - On Sundays, April 2nd and 9th, there will be an “Easter Egg Tree” in the narthex John 1:16 (Common English Bible) and at the elevator entrance. Each egg on the tree will list an item needed for the baskets. Spiritual disciplines are a means by which we place ourselves where He can bless us. (Instructions for what to do with the items will be on the back of the eggs.)

Stephen Ministers practice the spiritual disciplines of reading Scripture, prayer and Most of us are fortunate enough to enjoy an Easter meal with our families on Easter Sunday. worship throughout their times of service in this ministry. They aspire to spiritual growth by practicing Through the generosity and assistance that First Church is known for in our community, disciplines each day, and in this way, they remain joined with Christ, as they serve those who desire let’s make this a special Easter for our sisters and brothers in need. comfort and blessing through their care giving. Distributions will be made on April 11th. If you are a member or attend First Church & would like an , please contact Pastor Greg. Stephen Ministers also participate in two meetings per month throughout their time as Stephen All your information will be kept confidential. Questions? Contact Nancy Ferber at 842-2547. Ministers, where their current continuing education is focused on cancer, and how they might better serve those facing this disease, either themselves or someone they care about.

We are a Stephen Ministry Church, and as a member of this Stephen Ministry congregation, please pray FLOWERS FOR THE CROSS with them for the continued blessing of this ministry. As they serve as the hands and feet and listening During Easter worship on April 16th, everyone will be invited to decorate the cross ears of Christ our Savior, please help in identifying those who could benefit from this ministry. with artificial flowers to celebrate the Christ. If you, or someone you care about, are in the midst of difficult times, a Stephen Minister can walk along This joyful act is an expression of our faith and hope in the Risen Lord! side as you find grace and hope in our Risen Lord. Begin the journey by contacting Rev. Harry Jenkins At the close of the service we will parade outside with the flowered cross. There we will display the flowered cross for all to see during the Easter Season — (304-623-3397) or Cheryl Moorhead, Referral Coordinator, (304-677-9859). our witness to the community that Jesus Christ has risen and is alive! Please bring with you to the Easter worship service the colorful artificial flowers that you wish to use to decorate the cross. MONASTIC MEAL—Each Tuesday, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. (Flower stems need to be several inches long.)

Come to the parlor to eat in silence as scripture and other inspirational literature are read aloud.

The meal is $3.00. Our sanctuary is open for prayer and meditation prior to the meal. EASTER MEMORIAL FLOWERS Each year, flowers given in memory or honor of loved ones help to adorn our Easter Sunday altar. If you would like to provide a flower, please have it delivered WEDNESDAY WORSHIP AND MEAL to the church by noon on Thursday, April 13, and placed in the Groom’s Room. The Women 5:15 p.m. — ($4.00) Fellowship Meal in our church parlor. All flowers, including lilies, tulips, hyacinths, or any spring flower, are welcome. of First United Methodist Wednesday Worship is from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. Call the church office, 623-3397, by Wednesday, April 12th, with the memorial will meet on Thursday, April 20 information for the bulletin and to let us know whether you will take the flowers at noon in the fellowship hall. Even if you don’t join us for the meal, join us for worship. after the service or if you want the Altar Guild to distribute them to one of our shut-ins. Devotions will led by Laura If you ARE coming to eat, please let us know

Hersman. The program will be at 304-623-3397. In memory/honor of presented by James Harris from If you can’t come on Sunday, ______Health Access. join us for worship on Wednesday. ______

Everyone is invited to attend! Questions? Contact Don Gardner at [email protected] or 304-623-3397. Given by______

Page 6 Page 7 April 2017 OUTREACH INFORMATION April 2017

Celebration Of Mission Event Saturday, May 6th 9:30 a.m. till 3:00 p.m at Quiet Dell United Methodist Church

April 9 April 13 Our Wesleyan District Celebration of Mission Event, which supports our WV Mission projects 10:45 a.m. 7:00 p.m. will be held at Quiet Dell United Methodist Church, on Saturday, May 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join us for worship and Josh Oldaker’s Gospel music, food, crafts, fun. April 12 5:30 p.m. Collection of Items for Missions All Day. MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

CLARKSBURG MISSION’S 16th ANNUAL “NIGHT OF HOPE” GALA

Friday, May 5, 2017 at Bridgeport Conference Center

Doors open at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30 April 14 April 16 April 16 7:00 p.m. 6:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. This is the BIG fundraiser for the year. It is to celebrate ministry, tell their story and to raise money. A great meal, silent and live auctions and storytelling are all a part of this event. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by Clarksburg Parking Garage calling the Mission at 304-622-2451. Questions or Tickets …. Contact Cheryl Moorhead, Outreach Chair. Handicapped Accessible

First United Methodist Please sign the pew pads Church has a page on every Sunday AND Facebook. We ask that you go to our page and Please welcome our visitors click on LIKE”. and encourage them to sign the pew pad. Our page is First United Methodist Church. Lenten Lunches are served at COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICES Worship Service is from First Presbyterian Church, 175 W. Main Street 11:30 a.m. - $4.00 12:30 to 1:00 Lunch available before the service. “GRAND AGERS BANQUET”

Speaker Music Soup “Get out of those rocking chairs April 5 Pastor Greg Godwin Terra Burnett Minestrone Soup and come to the banquet!” First United Methodist Church and Jeff Mitchell, Bells WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 at 6:00 p.m. April 12 Rev. Rahsann Armand Don Gardner Broccoli Cheese 70 years or older? This evening is for you! Zion Missionary Baptist Church Great food -- Great entertainment All at no charge for you -- be our guest! Plan now for the 2017 banquet .