FEBRUARY 2018

Monthly Newsletter of Salem UMC, Morganton, NC

Salem Scoop

1206 Salem Road / Morganton, NC 28655 / www.sumcm.org / 828-433-6600

New Bible Study Tools for ALL Spiritual formation is a core focus for us in 2018. We're looking to experiment with new ways for folks to grow in their faith in-cluding the birth of small groups and studies at home, work, or school. I’m excited to share that our church now has access to an extensive, new video library called RightNow Media! It’s like the "Netflix of Video Bible Studies" and has a HUGE library of faith-based videos that you can access whenever and wherever you want—on your phone, iPad, computer, or at home on your TV. At Salem, we’re always looking for ways to help you develop and strengthen your faith. We believe that RightNow Media will be a tool to serve you as you live out your faith at home, at work and in your neighborhood. RightNow Media has videos for every-one—kids, youth, parents, married couples, college students, single adults, working professionals—all aimed at helping you grow in Christ. For those with email addresses on file, you will soon receive an official invitation email to give you FREE access to RightNow Me-dia. If we don't have your email address please call or email the church office asap so you don't miss out on this resource. If you haven't received an email soon, check your mail filter (because it came from RightNow's system, it may have gotten caught there). Once you find the email, simply click the link, sign up for an account, and you’re all set to explore more than 18,000 videos. We pray that RightNow Media will be a blessing for you and your family and a step toward deeper formation at Salem! Pastor Norm

https://www.rightnowmedia.org/

Children & Youth Director Search Begins It has been a joy and a privilege to serve as the Children and Youth Director for Salem UMC these past 18 months. This opportunity has allowed me to get to know you all and grow in faith alongside you while providing service projects and fellow-ship programing for our children and youth. Norm and I feel so blessed to be part of a loving, growing, and giving church family. To step into this role as an interim director was truly a gift for our family. While I hope to still participate with children and youth, I will no longer be the Children and Youth Director after June of this year. The SPRC has begun a search for a new leader to continue nurturing and providing ministry opportunities for our children and youth. Thank you for the tremendous ways you have supported me in this role and for all the ways you support the ministries and programs for our children and youth. They play such a special and important part of our church family. Please be in prayer for our children, youth, and SPRC leaders during this time of transition. With thanksgiving, Kathryn Jones

SUMC Co-Ed Rec Basketball 2018 Schedule (Games are Tues or Thurs at Collett St Rec (CS) or Mtn. View Rec (MV))

-Feb 6 New Day, 7:30pm @ CS -Feb 8 Summit, 7:30pm @ MV -Feb 13 1st Advent, 7:30pm @ CS -Feb 15 CoG, 6:30pm @ MV -Feb 20 Zion Bapt., 7:30pm @ MV -Feb 22 Shine Light, 7:30pm @ MV

(remaining schedule TBD) We love our fans!Come cheer us on to victory this winter!

This year’s roster includes: Josh Autrey, Matthew & Neal Causby, Carrigan & Courtney Causby, Kacey Hensley, Norm Jones, Tyler Noble, Jason Penney, Ethan Pons, Konrad Sommer, Brittany Vinesett.

District Leadership Article 5 Tensions of Small/Middle Size Congregations By Kim Shockley, Catawba Valley District Vitality Strategist

Here it is – the last of the five tensions felt by small and medium sized churches: the natural desire to do more, not less. Carey Nieuwhof states in his original blog*: “As you grow, you will be tempted to do more. Every time there are more peo-ple/money/resources, the pressure will be strong to add programming and complexity to your organization. Resist that. Just be-cause you can doesn’t mean you should.” What I often experience in local churches is that they often try to do more even when they aren’t growing! What we end up doing is burning out the leaders and workers, and exhausting the energy of the congrega-tion. Do more = less results. Nieuwhof makes the plea to simplify so that a few things done well create better opportunities to meet and develop people. So how do we do this? First, start with vision (are you surprised I said that???) As you move through 2018 evaluate eve-rything you do through the lens of your vision or purpose. Does this event/program/activity help this vision become a reali-ty? Be brutally honest about the way you answer this question, because we can rationalize nearly everything. How did it help us make disciples? How did it help us love God more? How did it help us reach new people? How did we build relationships with new people? Ask and answer the hard questions! If you can answer yes to these questions, then it is something worth doing, and doing even better. How can we make this program even more effective? If you answer no to the evaluative questions, then it is time to decide NOT to do it again. Just because we have always done this, doesn’t necessarily mean that we always should! Sometimes this is painful, so direct the people who are invested in this activity to more fruitful events. If the Spring Fling is not helping to reach our purpose, then how can those folks become more involved in our Food Pantry? Redirect their energy to more purposeful events. Two questions I picked up during 2017 that I think are powerful questions for evaluation are: 1. How do our programs/activities help us build relationships - within the church and within the community? 2. How do our programs/activities give other people a chance to know who we really are, not just what we do? This is espe-cially important if we have to rebuild a reputation within the community. Becoming like Jesus is an important endeavor for all of us today.

Poor Mans Lunch

Sunday Feb.18 after worship (pinto beans and trimmings). Hotdogs for those who do not eat pintos. All donations go to-ward AC unit for the Fellowship Hall.

UMW mission for BUCM Our UMW are collecting men's, women's, and children’s socks, underwear and T-shirts in all sizes. We would greatly ap-preciate your help with this. Please place donated items in the UMW tote in the hallway behind the sanctuary. We will collect through Feb. 18 for Burke United Christian Ministries.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful group of individuals to embrace leadership roles this year. Please lift them in prayer as they strive to follow God’s lead and inspire us in fruitful ministry.

SALEM UMC 2018 CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Church Council Officers Chair – Lisa Propst Nurture (Explore) - Kay Pollard/Joyce Gibson Nominations – Norm Jones Witness (Embrace) – Sherry Senter Lay Leader – Rita Bowman SPRC – Thomas Simmons Finance – Bruce Pollard Trustee – Dennis Carswell Parsonage Chair – Joyanne Benfield Treasurer – Dawn Hutchins Financial Secretary – Shirley Simmons AC delegate – Lara Autrey UMM – Eric Carswell UMW – Lara Autrey UMY/Young adult – Carrigan Causby Charge Conf/Recording Secretary - Angie Dotson

Ministry Teams: Nominations Team: Norm Jones 2018 Dawn Wellman 2019 Sara Pons 2020 Lynda Woody 2018 Cary Clark 2019 Margaret Carswell 2020 Todd Shuping

SPRC Team: Thomas Simmons 2018 Marilyn Davis 2019 Mary Ellen Nelson 2020 Jerry Carroll 2018 Doris Ingram 2019 Thomas Simmons 2020 Jodi Brown Lara Autrey

Trustees Team: Dennis Carswell 2018 Eric Carswell 2019 Dennis Carswell 2020 Rick Senter 2018 Dian Goodnight 2019 Denver Hensley 2020 Larry Koon Joyanne Benfield (Parsonage)

Parsonage Team: Joyanne Benfield 2018 Brenda Duckworth 2019 Charles Autrey 2020 Fred Causby 2018 Tim Hampton 2019 Alan Byrd 2020 Joyanne Benfield

Finance Team: Bruce Pollard Chris Causby Dawn Hutchins Jonathan Pons Trustee Bob Harbour Rita Bowman Kathryn Duckworth

Witness Ministry Team: Dian Goodnight Susan Kaika Eric Bowman Grant Causby Lisa Propst Margaret Shell

Outreach Ministry Team: Tom Ayers Margaret Carswell Amy Causby Nina Horton Melissa Causby Marilyn Boykin Nikki Carswell

Nurture Ministry Team: Jack Bridges Jon Duckworth Kathryn Jones Vicky Stevens

Additional Church Leadership: Lay Speakers: Rita Bowman, Eric Carswell, Courtney Causby, Cary Clark, Angie Dotson, Lisa Propst, Ricky Senter

Church School Superintendent – Communications Coordinator – Bob Harbour Church Historian – Edith Dale/Doris Ingram Communion Stewards – Angie & Carrie Williams Reserve Delegate to AC - Marilyn Davis Scripture Coordinator – Rachel Kelly Acolyte Coordinator – Kay Duckworth

Cemetery – Alan Byrd, Dennis Carswell, Freddie Causby BUCM Coordinator – Beulah Duckworth Usher Captains – Bruce Pollard, Dobie Kelly, Tim Keller, Dylan Carswell, Kay Pollard

Weekly/Monthly Happenings at Salem

UMW meet first Thursdays of each month. (March 1, 7pm in FH Cora Ora) (March 1 6:30pm FH Sadie Rosemary) (March 1, Mary Alice) Lois Velna– Meets 3rd Tues-days in the FH at 10 am

Deeper Water Bible Study Meets Wed. at 10 :30am in youth

room. All are

The Remnant

This Bible Study meets Wednesdays at 6

pm in the Parlor.

Everyone is welcome.

Prayer Shawls are tangible reminders of God's love, comfort, and peace. The group meets Monday from 10 - 11:30am All are welcome.

If you know who needs a shawl contact Margaret Carswell

Grades 6th-12th

Sundays 5-7 pm

Christ Bread A monthly program for all retirees and older adults. Christ Bread will meet February 27 at 11 am in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a dish to share.

Burke United Christian Ministries

Join us 1st Tuesday of each month at 3:30pm as we serve dinner at BUCM. 1st Sundays of each

month we encourage you to bring food for their pantry. (305 West Union St.) www.bucm.net

Mom's Coffee time will meet March 2 from 8:30-10am in the Youth room for moms with young children not yet in school.

Our Financial Stewardship:

Thru January 31 2017

Budgeted Need: $18,300.00 Total Received for Budget: $15,782.00 Ministry Expenses to Date: $15,494.71

Other Ministry Gifts Received to Date: Backpack Ministry: $370.00 Building Fund: $690.00 Cemetery: $65.00 Youth Fund: $220.00

Mom’s

Time Gifts given in Honor or Memory (January) Betty Gibbs by Morganton Burke Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23 Scott Pruett by Robert Pruett Marie Causby by Elise T Roper & Janet Davis Betty Gibbs by Salem Fire and Rescue Betty Gibbs by Lynda Woody Donald Clark by Lynda Woody Dashia Newton by Bruce & Kay Pollard Dashia Newton by Lynda Woody Bob McGhinnis by Clarice & Jerry Shuping Bob McGhinnis by Jack & Beatrice Hensley Bob McGhinnis by John & Mary Anderson Bob McGhinnis by Elise T. Roper & Janet Davis Jack Russ Sr. by Lynda Woody Betty Gibbs by Salem Firemen Betty Gibbs by Salem Fire Rescue Bob McGhinnis by Linda Wilson Honor of Bob Harbour by Linda Wilson Honor of Pastor Norm Jones by Robert Pruett

Family / Kids Movie Night

Join us for dinner,

popcorn and “Up”

Friday, February 23 6pm

Bluebird Organic Farm Those who missed January's Christ Bread not only missed a great meal, but missed an in-formative program about a local family owned business - Bluebird Farm. You can purchase their fresh meats and vegetables at several local farmers' markets. Subscribe to their newsletter at

www.bluebirdfarmnc.com.

Dear Lord, hear our prayers….

Servant Leaders for February

Acolytes: 4– Jaxon Penney 11– Faith Pons 18– Brady Keller 25– Ellie Shuping Usher Captains: 4 - Dylan Carswell 11- Dobie Kelly 18- Bruce Pollard 25 - Tim Keller Reader for 11 am 4 – Melissa Causby 18 - Gordon Ronk 18 - Kacey Hensley 25 – Rita Bowman Nursery 4- 10 am– Kay Duckworth & Amy Causby 11 am– Courtney Causby & Edith Dale 11- 10 am— & De’Nae Huffman 11 am– Liz Smith & Margaret Duckworth 18- 10 am— Muriell McNeely & Amanda Simmons 11 am - Kay Pollard & Brenna Call 25- 10 am— Sara Pons & Melissa Causby 11 am– Joann Byrd & Nikki Carswell

Prayers & Concerns: Cary Clark, Thomas Ayers, Kevin Patton,

Charles & Leota Garrison, Seth Loven, Victor Nogales, Alex Austin,

Lou Ann Parks, Scott Burnette , Robert Pruett,

Homebound: Millie Avery, Mildred Mull, Mary Wilson, Jean Jar-

rell

Nursing Home Residents:

~Grace Heights– Mable Hoke

~Autumn Care– Joe Carver

~College Pines– Elsie Roper, Avis Williams

~The Brian Center of Spruce Pine– Helen McGee

~Hope Ridge Family Care– Nell Causby

2 Cheryl Garrison 4 Gerald Duckworth 5 Joe Roper 6 Severin Smith 7 Vickie Stevens 14 Rhonda McCoy, John Avery 18 Amy Causby 26 Doris M. Garrison, Linda Snyder Faith Pons 27 Jessica Simonetti 28 Louise Kramer, Gary Whitener 29 David Dale ANNIVERSARIES FEBRUARY 14 Jeremy & Jessica Simonetti 27 Dennis & Nikki Carswell 28 Fred & Kathryn Duckworth

CHURCH STAFF Norm Jones, Jr.—Pastor (rev.norm@alumni.duke.edu)

Virginia Robinson, Dir. of Music (robinsonva62@gmail.com) Sue Bunch, Pianist (s_bunch@att.net)

Zachary Cagle, Office Admin. (salemumchurch@ymail.com) Kathryn Jones– Children & Youth (kbjones549@gmail.com)

When you enjoy singing you are using a God given talent. Keep up that praise and join the choir. We have a great time and would love to have you. There is an empty seat waiting just for you. Come on Wednesday night and see how much you enjoy the fellow-ship of the choir!!

Salem Methodist Backpack Thank you for all you do for our stu-dents not just at Christmas, but all year. The extra food at Christmas, gifts and home delervery is wonderful. God Bless Barbara Jamison, Salem Elementary Social Worker

All youth 6th-12th grade are welcome and invited to join us!

2/4 meet at Fred and Amy Causby’s at 6 pm for a super bowl party. Bring a drink, dessert or appetizer to share. 2/11 meet at church at 5 pm. We will go around Morganton to share Valentine’s with shut-ins. 2/18 Salem Youth 2/25 Salem Youth

SALEM KIDS on a mission Sharing the LOVE

Join us SATURDAY FEB

10 9:30-11:30 am @ SUMC Crafts, cookie decorating, and valentine cards for friends and

neighbors!

Salem UMC Youth Chicken Pie Dinner

Saturday, March 10th

4 – 7 pm

Menu :

Chicken Pie, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes,

Slaw, Roll, Drink, and Homemade desserts

Adults $8

Children 5-12 $4

Under 5 FREE

On Jan 7th, Salem Youth gathered with other UM youth in Burke County for fellowship, worship, and putting together 15 Comfort Kits that will be distributed by DSS to support dis-placed children in our county. Thank you for your donations to this mission project!

Thank you for supporting SUMC Youth Mission Trip and Programs.

Sign up lists are in the Sunday School classes and at the Opportunity Corner. We greatly appreciate donations,

and you are also invited to make a monetary donation in the offering marked "chicken pie supplies" to help us pur-chase needed supplies. Thank you in advance for support-

ing our youth fundraiser!!

February 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22

23 24

25 26 27 28 March 1 2 3

10:30 am Bible Study (Yth Rm) 6 pm Bible Study(Parlor) 7 pm Prayer Group (Parlor) 7:15 pm Choir

10:30am Bible Study (Yth Rm) 7 pm Prayer Group (Parlor) 7:15 pm Choir

8:30—10am Mom’s Coffee

12:15 pm Trustee Mtg (sanct) 6pm youth SB Party (Causby’s)

1– 4:30 FH Reserved 5 pm Youth

1 pm Staff Mtg 6pm Praise Team 7:30 pm BBall @ CS

6pm Praise Team 7:30 pm BBall @ MV

11 am Christ bread (FH) 6pm Praise Team

10am Prayer Shawl (Ed Bldg)

10 am Prayer Shawl (Ed Bldg)

10 am Prayer Shawl (Ed Bldg)

10 am Prayer Shawl (Ed Bldg)

5 pm Youth

10:30am Bible Study (Yth Rm) 6 pm Bible Study(Parlor) 7 pm Prayer Group (Parlor) 7:15 pm Choir

10:30 am Bible Study (Yth Rm) 6 pm Bible Study(Parlor) 7 pm Prayer Group (Ed Bldg) 7:15 pm Choir

UMW Sunday 12:15 - Lunch after worship 5 pm Youth

7:30 pm BBall @ MV

9-3pm Card Class (FH) 7:30 pm BBall @ MV

8:30—10am Mom’s Coffee

6pm Kids Movie night (FH)

7 pm UMW Meeting (FH)

3:30pm BUCM meal 6pm Praise Team 7:30pm Bball @ CS

7:30 pm BBall @ MV

9:30-11:30 Salem kids Valentine’s (FH)