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November 2, 2020
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What I love about being part of Valdosta FUMC is that I don’t feel like just a number. From being mentored one-on-one by the pastor years ago, to attending the Discipleship study with my wife, to being plugged-in to the Kairos prison ministry and Walk to Emmaus, to being part of an active Sunday School class — I feel like our Church cares about me and my family, and that, in turn, encourages me to get involved with the service, mission, and fellowship opportunities our Church offers. I thank God for FUMC Valdosta! -Hansell Watt #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc
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November 3, 2020 |
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November 4, 2020 |
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When I think about Valdosta FUMC, I am thankful for its rich history and deep roots that were planted long ago and, as a result, have nurtured me—as a child who grew up here—and also my husband and our children.
Our members are loyal to our church and to each other. The friendships made in my Sunday School class are much more than that—they are like family. These are just a few of the many reasons I am so thankful for my church! -Leigh Jordan #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 5, 2020 |
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We are thankful for Valdosta FUMC in more ways than we can say in one post. We started visiting FUMC after a friend suggested the Mother’s Morning Out program for our then 1 year old son. We LOVED everyone who cared for him and joined the church. The altar is a place I’m most thankful for. It’s the place both our children have been baptized, where both children graduated preschool, where Steve & I renewed our wedding vows and both children stood next to us as “best man and maid of honor”, where our oldest recently kneeled for confirmation, where Steve as an usher has stood with the offering plate, where I’ve stood to share about our Compassion International child & pray for our congregation, and where pastors have prayed healing prayers over my health- the altar my tears have stained. The altar is special to our family & so are the people who make up our church.
-Betsy Burch #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 6, 2020 |
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Why the Brad Tarpleys are thankful for Valdosta First United Methodist...
We are thankful for the many things VFUMC means to us. Among the worship and the fellowship, we have take pride in the history of our church and the many traditions. We are also so grateful for the relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. While teaching in The Rock and Children’s Church, we love encouraging the children and the legacy they will leave for Valdosta First. But most of all, we are thankful for Wednesday Church Night Suppers. -The 'Brad' Tarpleys #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 7, 2020 |
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Thankful means the 3 F's to us-family, friends, and First United Methodist Church. We are so blessed with a loving family and friends, and First United Methodist has been an important part of our lives. Ben, having been raised in our church and a member all his life, and me joining in the 1970's. Also , our daughters and grandson were raised in our church.
We have been members of the Becky Anthony Class for over 40 years and we love our Sunday school class and its members. Our class looks after and cares about one another in sickness and in health. We feel blessed to be a part of First United Methodist and hope to remain active members of the church and Sunday school class for many more years to come. -Ben and Nisey Wetherington #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 8, 2020 |
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November 9, 2020 |
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Mama always said, "you get out what you put in." Well this is true, but when it comes to my church family, God just seems to have multiplied the blessings. We've been a part of FUMC ever since we moved back in 03. My husband's family for a few generations prior. It is home. Is it a place of encouragement, support, and very real Prayer. This church has nurtured our three sons since birth. There is just so much love. It hasn't always been pretty or easy. Sometimes it's been hard. But it has always been right for us. I too have cried buckets on that beautiful altar. I've said goodbye to grandmothers and beloved friends at funerals. But I've also witnessed glorious weddings, baptisms, and confirmations. This is a church that seeks the will of God. It's been a beautiful journey to be on.
-Rebecca Moseley #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 10, 2020 |
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Becoming a member in the late 70's, my memories are so filled with gratitude. My children were 10 or eleven years old and have such wonderful memories of Brother Billy Keys. He had such an influence on both Eldridge and Mark Closson, I can never say thank you enough. It was during their teen years of attending the youth group and church that continues this day in their growth in the Christian faith. What a beautiful thing to watch your children grow in their love of Jesus. Today they have their own families and continue with their love of the church in their own community. As for me, I was a member of the Sarah Vallotton Sunday School Class. We became active in the foundation of the ministry of the first Van that the Church owned. There were four of us that drove the bus picking up the older members for Sunday evening services, taking turns each Sunday. Again, I was able to have our children be a part of that ministry by escorting the ladies up on the van and after church walking them to their home assuring that they were safely in their homes. What a beautiful opportunity to teach the true meaning of ministry by actually doing. It also was in the Sarah Vallotton Sunday School Class that again the teaching of the the Sunday lessons was shared. Such people as Dr. Raymond Cook and Dr. Tom Gandy are just a few of those leading the lessons. I was truly mentored by the best of Christian believers and became a teacher myself. Sarah was such a fine southern lady with a faith in her Lord that would never be shaken. Others that I remember in the class were the Powells, Trudy Menza, Jan Carter, the Fishers and Sally and Doug Frank. Most of those who where members of the Sarah Vallotton Sunday Class may be gone, but their legacy continues on. Each of the members of that class had always been very supportive of me during Life challenges.
Now updating, Ray and I were married in the Chapel (Dr. Moseley) and now live outside of Hahira. We have visited churches a bit closer to us; however, we just have not been able to leave this beautiful church. Our involvement due to distance may be more limited, but our love for the church and the people has grown over the years. We truly feel the presence of our Lord each Sunday as we worship through the word and music. Thank you to all who add to this wonderful fellowship of believers. -Susan and Ray Ring #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 11, 2020 |
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November 12, 2020 |
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The Fred Anderson family is thankful for Valdosta First United Methodist Church for giving our family roots and wings. Fred and I met while students at Valdosta State College (now University). After marriage and establishing our home, we joined FUMC and started our family. Fred had a career in real estate and I was a teacher. We were blessed with three fine sons (Jeff, Mixson and Justin) who have enriched our lives immensely. They learned Christian principles and values by studying the Holy Bible, the red letter words of Jesus and having many experiences, ministers, friends and
mentors. Fred and I have enjoyed the love and fellowship of the Becky Anthony Sunday School Class for about 50 years. The chancel choir has always been a joy to me. Praising God with singing shows our love, gratitude and understanding of God and his son Jesus Christ. Memories made in the sanctuary include baby dedications, weddings, baptisms, funerals and many special events including our favorite, The Candlelight Christmas Eve service. Our family will forever be grateful for the Christian nurture and FUMC will continue to be an important part of our family. Thank you and to God be the Glory. -Emily Anderson #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 13, 2020 |
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The Gilpatricks joined FUMC in Summer, 1986. Jim Trice was senior pastor. We were in the chancel choir before we joined in the middle of June. Mark's mother passed away that October. Our Ralph Brandon SS Class members helped with his expenses to fly back home for her funeral. That class and our current class, New Covenant, have witnessed love and faith in Christ to our family. Todd and Kristin were nurtured by Pam and Chris Goff in their teens.
Our choir directors have encouraged us, as have all the senior and associate pastors. Diane Shedd has a special place in our hearts. I think of all the saints who have gone on before us: Tom Gandy, Ralph Brandon, Don Pitts, Amorette Campbell, Jackie Harris, Jack Rudolph, and others as well as the living example: Tad Moseley, Emily Anderson, Kyle McQuity, and others. FUMC is one of the fortresses of faith of downtown Valdosta. -Mark and Brenda Gilpatrick #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
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-Wendy Hart #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc
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My family moved to Valdosta in 1963. This was difficult for me because Waycross had always been my home. I had been with the same group of friends at church and school since we were probably four years old. After a tearful beginning, I began to meet the kindest people at First United Methodist Church and Valdosta High School who continue to be friends today. My late husband, Jerry, and I attended First United Methodist Church when we were in high school and college. Later we were married by Dr. Jason Shirah. We were blessed with three children-Bryan (angel in Heaven), Chad (He and his family attend church in Moultrie), and Georgianna.
I am thankful for the ministers, Sunday School teachers, and peers who taught them about the love of Jesus. Our family is thankful for the beautiful memories we have of baptisms, weddings, and special programs. We will never forget Botie Chitty's musical programs. I am thankful for the special friends I have made through Circle, Bible Study, the Altar Guild, and teaching the Four Year Olds Sunday School Class with Georgianna. We are thankful to be members of a loving, caring, giving church. Our daily prayer for First United Methodist Church is Ephesians 1:16- I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. -Kaye Meadows and Georgianna Meadows #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
November 19, 2020
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We are so thankful for First United Methodist Church of Valdosta. Our FUMC experience began over 40 years ago. For us, it was a compromise. Ben grew up at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and I as a Baptist. Ben loves to say he was a Christian but is now a Methodist. Yes, First Methodists we are proud to be. We are so thankful that the Lord led us here. Our children and grandchildren grew up here and learned so much from dedicated and selfless leaders and teachers.
The Becky Anthony Sunday School class and its members are at the core of our religious experiences. Our class supports each other with love, prayers, and participation. Our charitable/mission auction has helped so many in our community and beyond. Wednesday Church Night Supper and Bible studies, as well as dedicated ministers and leaders, have enhanced our spiritual journey. Our blessings are overflowing here at our church. We are extremely grateful for Valdosta First United Methodist Church. Thanks be to God. -Jane and Ben Stanaland #30daysofthanks #valdostafumc |
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