ZERO PERCENT?

Last Saturday was supposed to be a beautiful day. The forecasters predicted a zero percent chance of rain. Zero ElaineWilder percent! That hardly ever happens. So Paul made big plans for a day of work in the yard. He had a long list of projects to tackle.

When we got up, the sky was grey, but we remained optimistic. The forecasters said zero percent! As we ate breakfast, more clouds rolled in. Paul kept looking out the window and grumbling. Certainly it won't rain, we thought. Then the drizzling began. I found myself saying, "Well, you can't mow, but you can still trim back the bushes." All Paul said, was "Zero Percent?" Then it started pouring. Paul pulled up his weather app and showed it to me. "It still says zero percent! Can you believe that?"

Certainty is something we long for and crave. We want things to be settled, and we like to make plans. But it doesn't take long to realize that the only thing certain in life is that most things are uncertain. As people of faith, we aren't given any special solutions and our odds are the same as those of our neighbor. The storms come; the illness strikes; we journey through grief.

With God, though, there are some certainties. God's unconditional love is certain. God's forgiveness and grace are certain. And God's promise to stand with us amidst the uncertainty of life is certain.

Trust the weather zero percent of the time, but trust God one hundred percent of the time.

I certainly hope to see you this Sunday,

News

Addiction: Hope and Healing. In worship on Sunday, October 26, we will offer special prayers for individuals and families who have been touched by addiction of all kinds. Following our 11:15 am service, we will have an open luncheon for anyone who has been impacted by these issues. There will also be a drug take-back box on campus all morning as an opportunity to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

A Caregivers Conference will take place on Saturday, October 25 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. here at FUMC. Speakers will offer info and resources for people caring for or preparing to care for loved ones who are aging or facing illness. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The Dementia/Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Join us for the 2014 Beth Berman Memorial Fund Dinner and Silent Auction on Thursday, October 30 in the Family Life Hall. The Silent Auction begins at 6 p.m. in Room 104 and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Our guest speaker, Dr. Eric Mathis of Samford University will present "Let it Go: The Blessing and Bane of Missions in the North American Church." Tickets are available through the church office. (E-mail Ed Payne or Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Our annual Blessing of the Animals service will be on Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m. in the Park on Polk. Join us as we celebrate God's creatures! (Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

FUMC welcomes First Presbyterian for Power 45! on Sunday, October 12 from 4-6 p.m. Our Park on Polk is a great location for fun with friends! (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Tailgate Treats is coming soon! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26 from 4-6 p.m. for our annual fall celebration. There will be hay rides, petting farm, cake walk, costume contests, and lots of candy! (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

The United Methodist Women will host the annual UMW Café on Sunday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Eat in or take out soups, sandwiches and desserts. $8 per person with a $25 family cap. Proceeds will benefit UMW mission projects.

The Archives wants your history. Our Archives is looking for family stories and other items to add to its collection. Visit the Archives in Room 201A on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join our Peru Mission Team. The group will work in Chimbote, Peru November 8-15. There is a need for medical personnel to work in the health clinic, and also workers with basic carpentry or electrical skills. Send an e-mail to Kathy Cadle for more information.

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Web site, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

This Week

This Sunday is World Communion Sunday.

Our A Closer Look class, a five-week series for new members, visitors, and those who want to know more, begins this Sunday, October 5 from 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor. Each Sunday will feature a distinct perspective from our ministers and staff. Click here to register. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Church Family Supper is served in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

October 1: Roast beef with gravy or grilled tilapia, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts. Kids: Chicken sandwich, tater rounds, salad bar, and dessert.

Save the Date

Senior Adult Ministry Luncheon

Wednesday, October 1

Power 45! Retreat

October 3-5

A Closer Look
Begins Sunday, October 5

Fuse Football/Cheer Starts
Sunday, October 5

Dementia/Alzheimer's

Caregivers Support Group

Wednesday, October 8

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 11