Church Announcements

The Psalmist said, "Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful" (Psalm 149:1). We sing using the words of Thomas O. Chisholm, who was a pastor at First Church Vineland in the early 2oth century, "Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; all I have needed thy hand hath provided; great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!"

More than 50 years ago Rev Ken Enright established an aviation ministry in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo in order to fly critically ill persons to medical facilities.
Our conference Lay Leader, Rosa Williams, and Bishop Devadhar are appealing to the churches of our conference to once again this year raise funds for another airplane for this ministry. The goal is $250,000 of which $183,000 has already been raised with another $50,000 to be raised by annual conference beginning on May 30.

Conference Lay Leader Williams has asked that our Lay member bring any monies we collect in the form of a check to our Annual Conference on May 30 to aid in reaching this goal.

An envelope will be in your bulletins each worship this month in which you may place you contribution to this important ministry. If giving cash mark the envelope Wings of the Morning or indicate that in the memo block of your check.

It is wonderful knowing caring people like you-a circle of friends who can be counted on to lend a hand to do what ever is needed to help a friend in need. Thank you for being thoughtful and generous in helping me since my surgery. A special thanks to those who provided transportation to doctor visits and physical therapy. I really enjoyed all the cards and visits. You have a special place in my heart and my life.

Blessings and peace,
Margaret Taylor

The following scholarships are available to members or affiliates of First United Methodist Church and have been actively involved in the life of and service to the church:

Bingham-Nelson Scholarship - This is available to high school seniors and will be considered on the basis of their current church activities. Their involvement in worship is to be of primary importance. Students must have been accepted by a two or four year college or technical school in a program which will lead to certification or degree.

Ken Stone Scholarship - This is available to a high school senior who has provided valuable and exemplary service to the church during the individual's high school years. Students must have been accepted by a two or four year college or technical school in a program which will lead to certification or degree.

Walden Cox-Blackman Scholarship - This is available to an applicant who is entering their junior or senior year in college who has demonstrated outstanding service to the church and is academically qualified. Preference will be given to a student who is attending a Methodist related college and is majoring in music and/or is involved in music related activities.

Helen Jones Scholarship - This is available to a high school senior considered on their need and intent to go to college. Students must have been accepted by a two or four year college or technical school in a program which will lead to certification or degree. (Note: Previously this scholarship was offered to juniors or seniors in college majoring in education. Helen Jones requested a change in the criteria in order to provide funding for more church youth.)

Applications can be picked up in the church office or in the youth group room.
Please return the application form to the church office by NEXT SUNDAY!

We would like to recognize ALL GRADUATES in the 9:30 service that day. Will you or a family member graduate from High School or did they receive an Associate, Bachelor, Master or Doctorate Degree? Please provide a picture, along with name of school or Univ, and type of degree received to be displayed on the poster board.

Leave it in the office by NEXT SUNDAY MAY 20TH!

OUR PASTORS' FAREWELL RECEPTIONS WILL BE HELD
IN REEVES HALL
AFTER 11:00 SERVICE

Pastor Steve's Reception is Sunday, June 3rd
Pastor Melissa's Reception is Sunday, June 10
Please reserve these dates!

Taize is an exciting service which focuses on quiet worship and prayer. During the service there will be moments of silence, reading of scripture, and listening to music. This service is held the third Sunday of each month in the Sanctuary at seven o'clock in the evening.

Come out and experience this relaxing service NEXT SUNDAY at 7:00 p.m.

The Wee Fitness Baby Bottles for Cornerstone Women's Resource Centers are available when you leave worship. Cornerstone is able to offer pregnancy testing, perform ultrasound scans, and share the Gospel and other services for FREE because of individuals like you filling your Wee Witness Baby Bottles with change, cash and checks.

For more information contact Alvina Baum (785-1374).
Please return the bottles by JUNE 10!

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL - MAY 22 (Tuesday) 7:00 p.m.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE - MAY 24 (Thursday) 7:00 p.m.

THE WEEKLY CHAPEL SERVICE AND LAST SENIOR LUNCHEON FOR THIS SEASON WILL BE HELD THIS TUESDAY MAY 15TH.

Do you want a lift during the week? Attend the Tuesday morning Chapel service held 10:30 am led by Pastor Melissa Doyle-Waid then stay for lunch this Tuesday.

Please sign up when you leave worship so those in charge can prepare the meal accordingly.

Come out for an evening of christian fellowship when you attend this UMW meeting tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. in the home of Joan Stetser.

MS WALK 2012 is May 6, 2012
at Parvin State Park, Vineland

This will be the last walk with the Shuster's. MS Walk Team Captains are Regina Shuster, Lora Tubertini and Suzie Dalgleish. You can register for the walk on Sunday, April 22nd and Sunday, April 29th outside of Reeves Hall. If you would like to sponsor a SHINE youth stop by the registration table and talk to Lora and Suzie on the dates listed above.

There is a Registration Fee of $25.00 (12 yrs & older)
Register Under the Team Name:
"For The Love of Chris and Friends"
Make checks payable to: National M.S. Society
• Check-in begins at 9:00 am
• Group Picture at 9:45 am
• Walk starts at 10:00 am
Donations can be made to the team by accessing the link on our church web site www.firstumcmillville.org.

SHINE WEEKEND
Saturday - April 28
Sunday - April 29

"Arise SHINE for your Light has come" Isaiah 60:1

Please Join us as we are prepare to kick off another fantastic year of SHINE Ministries' presence in our community. Hard to believe we are entering our 8th summer, there will be a SHINE presentation and update at each of the services next weekend.

We are planning for this year's Summer Camp; there are many opportunities to serve our Lord as we connect with the City's Youth and surrounding neighborhood.

Take time to visit the Lillian Henry Room this weekend to see the SHINE display and enjoy light refreshments available after Saturday Night Alive also before and after each Sunday service.

The entire congregation has an opportunity to
"Let your light SHINE before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."
Matthew 5:16

I would like to give a shout out to all the fantastic kids in the Sing-Sational Choir this year! I like to challenge the kids and I am pleased that almost everyone sang a solo or duet this year! Their talent and willingness to use their voices to praise God has been such a blessing to me, and I hope to the congregation as well. The parents deserve tons of credit also for making sure the kids came to practices and showed up on Sundays that we sang. It takes a lot of effort on the parents part, and I very much appreciate it.

It has been my joy to work with Marilyn Watts again this year. Her incredible talent playing the piano for the choir made my job easy teaching the parts and solos to the kids. I depend on her all year and she is always there for practices and early on Sundays when we sing. I also would like to thank the congregation for your support in showing your appreciation for the choir when they sing.

Making a "joyful noise" is fun when you feel loved!

Till next year.......

Sandy Hopper
Sing-Sational Choir Director

Do you have a desire to do more than you are doing at the present time for our Lord and Savior? Do you feel there is more you should do? Would you like to share your talents and time, by writing notes, sending cards, cooking meals, visiting those confined in homes or hospitals or perhaps driving someone to appointments...then we have just the answer!

The Care and Nurture Teams NEEDS YOU! Please give Kathy Parkin (327-4815) or Shawn Kahn (609-319-6271) a call, leaving your name and a number where you can be reached. We hope to set-up a time when we can get together to work out the details for our renewed ministry of caring for and loving on our people.

There will be a very important meeting of the Nominations-Leadership Development Committee on Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 pm led by Rev. Dave Buchanan, Administrative Co-Ordinating Elder assigned to FUMC. Please make every effort to attend this meeting.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL APRIL 24 (Tuesday) 7:00 p.m

Attention confirmation mentors and students, our SECOND meeting will be TODAY at 2:30 p.m. and Confirmation Sunday will be May 27.

Hope to see all of you there!
Pastor Melissa