Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes frame up the ethics of the Kin-dom of God by turning the world and our expectations upside down.
DATES AT A GLANCE
Pop-Up Prayer Sunday School Starts - Sunday, September 27, 10AM
Youth Carwash Fundraiser - Sunday, September 27, 4-5:30PM
Protect the Vote Event - Sunday, September 27, 4-5PM
Teacher Appreciation Prep - Monday, October 5, 9AM
Creation Care Zoom Study Session 1 - Thursday, October 8, 6-8PM
Urgent Announcements
Please sign our new media consent form
Please take a few moments to read our new Media Consent Form at this link, choose your preference, and sign the form so that we can add it to our church files. We will need a form for each adult and for each child, so you may have to fill out multiple forms. Child forms should be completed by their parents or guardians, though there is an optional section for a child to express their wishes for media as well. It will not override their parent/guardian decision, but knowing their choice will help our staff understand their wishes for their image. We appreciate everyone's attention to this matter. If you have any questions, you can contact Pastor Michelle (
).
https://fumcbentonville.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/553d11a4-ee3c-4ecd-a15b-eeca7fdf6004
Lost & Found
Please check the Lost & Found baskets in front of the office for any cups, eyeglasses, jackets, Bibles, shoes toys, etc. that you or your family may have left behind.
Community Events

Free Creation Care Study on Zoom
Join the Arkansas Conference Creation Care Team for a free four-session study on creation care and our sacred calling to be stewards of all that God has created. Sessions meet Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm and use the same Zoom link each time. To register click the link
- Oct. 8: Biblical and Theological Foundations, Social Principles, and UMC Creation Care Legislation (Rev. Dan Read and Johnna Kosnoff, CLM)
- Oct. 22: Climate Justice and Climate Care (Brenda Gullett, CLM, and others)
- Jan. 14, 2027: How to Create a Green Team at Your Church
- Jan. 28, 2027: Next Steps for Your Congregation
To earn Lay Servant Ministry credit, you must attend all four sessions, but you're welcome to come to fewer. Questions? Contact Johnna Kosnoff at .

Protect the Vote Event
Central’s SALT is presenting the “Protect the Vote” program on Sunday, September 27 beginning at 4:00pm in CAC (Building C).
”As the United States prepares for the 2026 midterm elections, people of faith have an important role to play in upholding the integrity of the democratic process. These elections reveal the moral, political and social priorities of the nation. Amid concerns about election interference and declining public trust in elections, people of faith are called to stand as protectors and observers of the vote.” (GBCS, UMC)
The keynote speaker will be Rep-elect Max Deitchler, attorney and member of Washington Co Election Commission from 2014-2025. There will be time for Q&A and table discussion. Please mark your calendars for this important program.
“The vote is a sacred expression of our commitment to building the beloved community.” (GBCS, UMC)
Family Ministries

Youth Carwash Fundraiser
Join us on Sunday, September 27 from 4–5:30 PM for a car wash in the church parking lot! Donations are welcome, and every dollar will help fund our Youth Room Refresh.
Can’t make the car wash but still want to support our youth? You can donate to the Youth Fund anytime using this link. Just select “Youth Fund” from the dropdown!
Thank you for investing in our youth and helping us create a space where they can belong, grow, and connect!

OMP Deposit Due Sep. 30
OMP 2027 — Reserve Your Spot!
Current 6th–12th grade students are invited to join us for OMP 2027, June 20–25! This overnight mission experience is a great week of serving our neighbors, building community, and having fun together. OMP’s flagship project is constructing wheelchair ramps, giving students the opportunity to serve while learning new skills.
A $50 deposit reserves your student’s spot. Reserve by September 30!

Snacks for Youth
On Sundays from 4-5:30PM our Youth gather for fun, fellowship and some good food provided by members of our church! We love to have parents, families, groups and Sunday School classes bring or sponsor a light meal for around 15-25 students. This is a great way for our church family to support our young people. Sign up HERE and contact Lexie (
) if you have any questions!

Halloween Candy Crawl
Mark your calendars for this year's Halloween Candy Crawl on Sunday, October 25th from 4-6pm! If your family would like to host a table, sign up here
announcements
Pop-Up Prayer Class Starts Sunday!
Please join us Sunday at 10 am, for our first of eight classes on prayer. Remember, these are stand-alone classes, so it's okay if you can't attend all 8. We'll meet upstairs in Room 228. We hope to see you there. If you’d like to submit a question, email Johnna (
)
Teacher Appreciation 2026-2027
School is back in session and our teachers are working hard to teach our students. We'll be assembling gratitude bags for 180 teachers at our partner schools (The International School at Mary Mae Jones, Gateway Alternative and Virtual High School, and RE Baker Elementary) on Monday, October 5 at 9am, at the church. We'll also be providing breakfast for 40 teachers at Gateway on October 20th. If you want to be part of this work or donate toward the bags or breakfast, contact Rita Seckington (
) or Johnna Kosnoff (
)
Parents of Preschoolers
Whether you have a newborn, a 5-year-old, or multiple kids across different ages and stages, the Parents of Preschoolers group welcomes you to join us on Sundays at 10:00 AM in the Library (across from the Main Office). We drop our kids off with Deb in the nursery and enjoy 45 minutes of fellowship together. There is no homework or commitment required—just join when you can. We'd love to be your community! If you have questions. contact Emily Long (
).
Webinar: Voting, Voice, and Democracy
Join us on Thursday, Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2, over your lunch break (noon, CT) for a timely two-part webinar series exploring what is at stake for voting rights, representation, and the future of American democracy. Hosted by the General Board of Church and Society. If you cannot attend the live webinar, registrants may be able to view a recording later. Learn more and Register HERE
Saving Grace 6 Week Financial Planning Class
Whether you have never built a budget or just need to refresh with a change of life or a new financial situation, this course will help you build a faithful plan. The class will meet for 6 weeks on Wednesday nights beginning October 7. Class will be led by Matt Kendall who has great experience in helping people think through financial questions. To register, click HERE soon as class size is limited to give everyone personal attention.

Guatemala Mission Trip
Our church will be hosting a mission trip to Guatemala in June 2027. If you are interested in joining or would like to know how you can help, come to one of our informational meetings starting October 7th at 6pm.
