Pastoral Blog

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The God We Can Know

By Rev. Keith Turman | 2024-02-07 | 2 min read

In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us the "I Am" sayings—meaningful metaphors and vivid images capturing our imagination, and revealing Jesus’ identity and purpose. During the season of Lent, First United Methodist Church is embarking on a 7-week journey with Rob Fuquay, former pastor of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church, who explores what Jesus meant when he said “I...

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Go on to Perfection

By Rev. Donna Gaither | 2024-01-27 | 3 min read

For many of us, January is a time of taking stock--of looking at our life, focusing on what is most important, and outlining steps for improvement in the coming year. John Wesley understood this concept in our spiritual lives and challenged believers to “go on to perfection” and to continue to grow in their spiritual practices as well as...

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Find Your Group

By Rev. Keith Turman | 2024-01-05 | 3 min read

In the winter of 1729, John Wesley, his brother Charles, William Morgan and Bob Kirkham started a small group. They met every week to pray together, study the Bible together, attend worship services, and share communion. They were intense. Their rigorous pursuit of holiness caused others at Oxford to mock them and call them names. The Bible Moths. The Holy...

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Thoughts of FUMC Waynesville

By Bob & Sarah Hunter | 2023-12-23 | 2 min read

We have just finished the Thanksgiving season and the end of the church year and are entering the seasons of Advent and Christmas and the beginning of a new year for Christians. As we think of these wonderful seasons of the church and of our lives, FUMC-Waynesville comes to our minds: the lasting friendships developed there, the positive impact of...

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Christmas is a Threat

By Rev. Keith Turman | 2023-12-23 | 3 min read

Five years ago, when our son Ben lived in China, son Joey said, “Mom and Dad, I’m not coming home for Christmas. I’m going to China to see Ben.” Not long after Joey’s holiday betrayal, our son Ross said, “Hey Mom and Dad, I’m going to China too. So…I won’t be in Waynesville for Christmas.” A few hours if not...

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