What in the world is Shrove Tuesday?A celebration is about to take place at FUMC! We’ll eat pancakes and lots of other good breakfast foods. The church will provide the batter, and we'll have pancake stations around Wesley Hall. You can either make your own pancakes or have someone make them for you! We need up to 16 people to bring a griddle. The cost is $4 per adult and $2 per child. We’ll have a special mission project called ‘Stuff a Sock”, where we will stuff socks with personal hygiene items for the Salvation Army. We're asking for donations to cover the cost of this project, and $2,500 is our goal. We'll conclude the evening with a short worship service in which we will burn the palms to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday. This will be a celebration for all ages. But why in the world are we doing this? Why are we having a party on a Tuesday night? Why are we eating pancakes? And what is a “Shrove?” We are actually taking part in a Christian tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. The word “Shrove” comes from the word “shrive” which means to confess sins. On the day before the season of Lent begins (the day before Ash Wednesday), the early Christians would confess so they could enter the Lenten season forgiven of their sins. Thus we have the name “Shrove Tuesday.” But why eat pancakes? Shrove Tuesday is not only a day of penitence; it is also a day of celebration. Lent is a time for abstinence, which is a time of giving up certain things. These certain things included rich foods. So the day before the beginning of the Lenten season became a day of indulgence. It became a time to eat up the food not allowed during Lent. Why pancakes? Pancakes include butter, fat and eggs – foods that were traditionally forbid-den during Lent. Certain countries call Shrove Tuesday “Pancake Day.” At First UMC Tupelo we call it a GREAT night of fun and fellowship and all the pan-cakes you can eat! Come be part of this traditional celebration. The fun starts at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9 in Wesley Hall.

VOLUME 46 No. 4 January 27, 2016

FUMC’s ANNUAL

Pancake Supper and Worship Service Tuesday, February 9 5:15 p.m.

Wesley Hall

REFRESH IS BACK! Dinner begins at 5:15—Study is at 6:00—New and improved menus—at a new price!

$6 per person/$20 per family Wednesday Night Study: Rev. Smith Lilley is leading a four-week study based on the book Being Chris-tian by Rowan Williams. This is a study of four essentials to the Christian life: Baptism, Bible, Holy Com-munion, and Prayer. The schedule is as follows:

January 27th – Holy Communion February 3rd – Prayer

“There is a huge and bewildering variety in Christian thinking and practice about all kinds of things, but these four basic activities have remained constant and indispensable for the majority of those who call themselves Christians…we shall be looking at what those activities tell us about the essence of Christian life, and what kind of people we might hope to become in a community where these things are done.” —Rowan Williams, Cambridge

Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Larry Hilliard, Conference Director of Spiritual Leadership Adult Basic Course: The Rev. Mary R. Hutson, Ordained Elder serving The Ruleville and Glendora United Methodist Churches Advanced Class 1-Leading in Prayer: The Rev. Dr. Jimmy Barnes, Tupelo District Superintendent Advanced Class 2-Opening Ourselves to Grace: The Rev. Chad Bowen, Provisional Elder serving the Shannon/Brewer Charge A lay servant is a professing member of a local church or charge who is ready and desirous to serve the church and who is well informed on and committed to the scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization and life of the United Methodist Church and who has received specific training to develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken commu-nications, church and community leadership and care-giving ministries. (Paragraph 267, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.)

SCHEDULE

Friday, March 4, 2016: 6:00 p.m.—Lay Servant Dinner with keynote speech by The Rev. Larry Hilliard, Conference Director of Spiritual Leader-ship 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.—Class Saturday, March 5, 2016: 8:00 a.m. to Noon—Class 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.—Lunch Break 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.—Class

The United Methodist Church Tupelo District PO BOX 3957

Tupelo, MS 38803-3957 Phone: 662-842-8477 Fax: 662-842-8401

Email: tupdist@gmail.com

Tupelo District Lay Servant

Training Event

March 4 and 5, 2016

Wesley United Methodist Church 2010 West Main Street

Tupelo, MS

Update

We are very sorry for the t-shirt delay. Comfort Colors moved their warehouse and became very back-logged. We have been told they should be shipped in 3 weeks, putting them here at the end of January. We hope to have them soon and will keep everyone posted!!

There will be a 2016 Children's Council meeting on Sunday, January 31 at noon in Wesley Hall, Room A. Lunch and child care provided! Please see Leigh or Kristen if you have any questions.

LIBRARY NEWS

We have copies of Rowan Williams book, “Being Christian”, which is the study for Refresh for the next few weeks. They are located on the book cart by the desk. The cost is $9.00. You can pay Jarie Thompson or Lee McKenzie. Come pick one up and join us on Wednesday nights!

“Prodigal Son” by He Qi

Biblical Storytelling

Saturday, February 13, 2016 ~ 9:30am - 3:30pm Gray Center ~ 1530 Way Road, Canton, MS 39046

Led by the Rev. Michelle Bailey, pastor & spiritual director You’re invited to a Day Apart focused on Biblical Storytelling. Explore Biblical Storytelling as a spiritual discipline and experience Biblical narratives through storytelling, your senses, & reflection. “Once upon a time…” are words that open the heart and stir the imagination. Story has the power to entertain, inspire, heal, and challenge those who listen.

Come, listen, and be transformed by the Word within the word!

Cost: $30 (includes snacks & beverages; please bring a lunch)

Register Online Here…

For More Information contact: The Center for Ministry (601-974-1488)

www.centerforministry.com

This Day Apart and others throughout the year are sponsored by the Center for Ministry and the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi

Wesley Foundation United Methodist Campus Ministry at Mississippi State University

What is the Wesley Foundation?

Wesley is the campus ministry of the United Methodist Church who is open to all students from all backgrounds. Wesley Foundation at Mississippi State University nurtures Christian disciples during the crucial college years by offering students

opportunities for worship, study, missions, leadership, community, and support.

Support MSU’s Wesley Foundation by shopping at Kroger!

Please check out this information about a simple way you can help raise money for ministry at Wesley Foundation. By regis-tering your Kroger Plus Card to support Wesley Foundation at Mississippi State, you can earn 4% of every Kroger purchase to support our ministry. It works everywhere in Mississippi and Arkansas and in west Tennessee, including Memphis but not as far east as Nashville. (Here's the answer to the most common question about the deal: It does NOT affect your fuel discount!) 4% of every purchase will add up to significant money for ministry at Wesley Foundation! Would you do two things? 1. If you or your family shops at Kroger, please register your Kroger Plus Card by following the instructions below. It'll take only a couple of minutes. 2. Please spread the word to friends and family members in Mississippi, Arkansas, and western Tennessee. Tell all the Ma-roon Methodists you know about this project, as these folks might be especially inspired to help us. HERE’S HOW TO REGISTER YOUR KROGER CARD FOR MSU WESLEY FOUNDATION TO RECEIVE 4% OF EVERY PURCHASE THROUGH THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: • Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com to register. • Click on Sign In (if you already have a Kroger account) or Create an Online Account to get started (This online account is different from having a Kroger Card). • Fill out the Sign In Information with your email address and a password. Then enter your zip code and click Find to select your preferred store location. • Do you have a Kroger Plus Card or an alternate id#, such as your phone number? Fill in your Kroger Plus Card number or your alternate id# and your last name. Click Save. (If you don't have a Kroger Card, you'll find instructions on how to get one.) • Click on My Account at the top right. • Click on Kroger Community Rewards at the bottom of the page. • Enter Wesley Foundation’s NPO Number: 39449. • Select MSU Wesley Foundation and click confirm. Now you're ready to go shopping! Remember you must swipe your Kroger Card or provide your alternate id # in order to earn 4% of each purchase for Wesley Foundation. Thanks!

1 Charles Grace Jimmy Green

Jacey Beth Jenkins 2

Doug Bell John Shannon Gillentine

Debra Grisham Edward Hill

Grant Jennings Adam Massey Lynne Mize

3 Josh Collins

Tom Foy 4

Bo Calhoun Kay Guyton

5 Will Jordan John Lovorn Will Prater

6 Doris Ryan

7 Jon Aguirre Kay Collins

Jo Anne Harris Jackie Massey

Ann Rice Mark Shepherd

8 Karen Dieckmann

Libby Epting Andy Garner

John Thomas Hedges Gary Moore Shelia Moore Landon Morse Peggy Webb

9 Milly Addison

Murphey Asters Duncan Foster

10 Bert Oxford

Brent Wilkins Luanne Wooldridge

11 Joel Baldwin Todd Buskirk Curt Davidson

Ed Neelly 12

Sadie Gardner Tommy Gardner

13 Christopher Pennington

Paige Sasser Don Shepherd

McKamy Smith Patsy Weaver

14 Scooter Carr Jarrett Estess Wesley Partin

Cooper Spencer Josh Wise

15 Drew Clayton, Jr.

Kirk Gatlin Max Meriweather

Tom Powell Mark Rutledge

16 Gennie Adams Catherine Mize Wallis Neelly

17 George Booth, III

Cindy Gilmore Blake Hill Susan Sims

Jodie Thompson Julie Viator

18 Mickey Akers Martha Bland

Chappell Emmons Case Martin

19 Murray Estess Ethan Short

20 Jim Johnson

Ray Reed Gina Spain

Kelly Swindoll 21

Margaret Adams 22

Barbara Briscoe Henry McCormack Halycon Morgan

23 Harrison Gregory

Herb Parham 24

Carl Brangenberg Bob Buckley Alicia Green

Bennie Hankins Costa Hill

Margaret Swords 25

Elle Capps Mark Craig

Lynn Darling Harrison Hawkins Macie Horrocks

Amy Jaggers Tom Wooldridge

26 Cooper Bingham

Guy Mitchell 27

Whitney Denham Drew Partin Brett Russell

Jeff Short Owen Stanford

Lanier Thompson 28

Hattie Abraham Bryce Hodges Terri Williams Yvette Wilson

Scott Yarbrough

6 D/M John Burk

7 M/M Kevin Tate

11 M/M Jeffrey Jaggers

15 M/M Chris Cole

16 M/M James Threadgill

17 M/M Rob Avent

18 M/M Steve McAlilly

20 R/M Fred Britton

23 D/M Vernon Barrow

M/M Anthony Harper 24

M/M Mike Armour

GIVEN IN MEMORY OF: …Sue & William F. Tate …Jettie & William E. Tate …Edna Ellen McCormack By: Becky T. Cade

…Addie Mae Jamieson By: Covenant SS Class Dot Harrelson

…Sam Scott By: M/M Mike Ferris

…Wright Poland By: M/M Jack Reed, Jr. Jean Harper M/M C.B. Egger, Jr. John Pryor Debbie P. Brown M/M Pete Poland Dot Harrelson Mary Richey Circle Jo Anne Harris Jim Ashley Daty Ashley Betty T. Chapman Carolyn Boggan

…Robert Brumfield By: M/M Henry Dodge

…Mary Ruth Gaither Barnes By: Virginia Spight

…Sara Biddle

By: M/M Bobby King M/M Ron Stephens

…Sara Brady …Lee Rogers …Tomicene Wilson …Krissa W. Williams …Kirk Caldwell By: M/M Ron Stephens

GIVEN IN HONOR OF: …Leigh McGregor By: M/M Mike Ferris

…Yvette Wilson By: Bobby Wilson

…M/M Cecil Black …M/M Andy Geoghegan By: M/M Jim Black

…D/M Joe Bailey By: The Bill Almoney family

…Ann Rice By: M/M Rob Rice

…Mary Pace By: D/M Rich Heyer

…D/M Jack Foster By: M/M Mike Asters

…D/M Swan Burrus …M/M Charles Johnston …Jo Mark

…M/M Mitch Ellett By: Jane Riley

…Ann Gibbs …The David Brevard family …The Rev. Lynn Mote family …The Rev. Fred Britton family …D/M Joe Bailey …M/M Steve McAlilly …Jack Reed, Sr. …M/M Wesley Partin …The Rev. Sapada Thomas family …The Jim Karrant family …The Mark/Monroe SS Class …FUMC Staff By: Trentice, Mallie & Carrol Trent Imbler

…M/M Hank Owens …M/M Kelly Holcomb …M/M Mickey Akers …M/M Jack Phipps …Mary Catron By: M/M Raiford Carter

…Ellen T. Short By: Becky T. Cade

…M/M David A. White …M/M Keith Adams …M/M Richard Crenshaw …D/M Jack Foster …M/M Lee Reed …M/M Jim Turner

…M/M Mike VanBuskirk By: M/M Jim Black

…M/M Crofton Sloan By: M/M Guy Mitchell

…FUMC Staff By: M/M Jeff Short

… M/M Keith Adams …D/M Jack Foster … M/M David A. White … M/M Lee Reed …M/M Mike VanBuskirk … M/M Jim Black … M/M Richard Crenshaw By: M/M Jim Turner

…M/M Mitch Ellett By: M/M Mickey Elliott

…M/M Robin McGraw … M/M Crofton Sloan … M/M Raiford Carter … M/M Otis Tims …M/M B.B. Hosch …D/M Doug Clark …D/M Dick White …D/M Hughes Milam … M/M Jack Reed, Jr. …D/M David Irwin … M/M Reggie Rose …D/M Jimmy Hamilton By: M/M Hank Owens

UMW Needs Your Help!

The UMW will be collecting Toilet Tissue for Helping Hands for the month of January. Please put in the bins outside Wesley Hall or in the Fellowship Hall.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH—TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 6, 2016

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 8:45 Worship, Sanctuary 8:45 The Invitation, WH 10:00 Sunday School 11:00 Worship, Sanctuary 12:00 Children’s Council, WH-A 4:00 Cub Scouts 5:00 Earthkeepers, CH 5:00 Youth Choir 6:00 Youth Small Groups 6:00 Sixth Grade Small Group, WH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 9:00 Preschool/Kindergarten 11:30 UMW Meeting/Luncheon, WH 2:30 CASA, CLC

5:00 Book Group, CR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 9:00 Preschool/Kindergarten 9:00 Invitation Worship Planning, CR 10:30 Staff Meeting, CR 2:00 Littlest Angel Choir 2:30 CASA, CLC 3:00 Carol Choir WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 7:00 Youth Prayer Breakfast, Connie’s 9:00 Preschool/Kindergarten 2:30 CASA, CLC 3:00 Children’s Choir 5:15 Refresh Dinner/Study 6:00 Sanctuary Handbells

6:00 Youth Worship, CLC 7:00 Chancel Choir THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 8:00-11:30 Clothes Closet Open for Donations 9:00 Preschool/Kindergarten 9:00 Invitation Worship Planning 1:15 Traceway Van 2:30 CASA, CLC FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 9:00 Preschool/Kindergarten 2:30 CASA, CLC SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 9:00-12:00 Helping Hands Open

SERVING SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 ACOLYTES & CRUCIFERS: 8:45: Autry Barry(C), Clark Atkinson(A) The Invitation: James Pilgrim 11:00: Lilee Rose(C), Anne Daniel Sams(A) SANCTUARY SOUND: 8:45: David Dillard 11:00: Jim Karrant TV OPERATORS: Joe Bailey, David Dillard, Harold Hudson GREETERS: 8:45 Traditional: Costa Hill The Invitation: Brenda Chase 11:00: Jodie and Sean Thompson USHERS: 8:45 Traditional: John Brady, Harry Collins, Gordon Hollingsworth The Invitation: Donnie Bridges, Todd Buskirk, Jeff McGregor, Ken Waldrip, Jim Zuelzke 11:00: Sam Agnew, Jim Diffee, B.B. Hosch, Buzzy Mize, Jak Smith, Joe Yarber

STEWARDSHIP

2016 Budget Goal ........................................ $2,331,817.43 2016 Needed Weekly ....................................... $44,842.65 2016 One-Month Budgeted Amount .............. $194,317.78 Last Week’s Offering through 1/21.................. $39,133.46 2016 Offering through 1/21 ............................ $186,041.45 Spent to Date 2016 through 1/21 .................... $101,083.47

SYMPATHY ...Louise Westmoreland Franklin, who passed away January 19, 2016. She was the aunt of Jason Hogue (Susan). ...Betty Childers, who passed away January 21, 2016. She was the sister of Peggy Carter (Raiford). ...Laverne Commer, who passed away January 25, 2016. She was the mother of Melissa Bell (David).