How can we read the Bible in ways that lead to healing and wholeness? In "Better Ways to Read the Bible" by Zach Lambert, Lambert dismantles four common lenses for reading the Bible that lead to harm, then offers four new lenses that promote healing and wholeness. This book welcomes all Christians--regardless of background, doubts, or wounds--to re engage Scripture in life-giving ways. This class is led by Matt Bishop on Wednesdays at 6 PM in Room 124 starting April 8th.
Tuesdays at Arab First UMC
Looking for a way to strengthen your body and improve your balance? This class is designed to help you move with ease, strength, and confidence.
For our reading program, the book for March- April is “ The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom in Death Row” by Anthony Taylor Hinton
Our local unit of United Women in Faith will not be meeting in April and May. Instead, women are encouraged to participate in the following district and conference programs. Please let the office know if you are interested in attending. Carpooling will be available.
Conference Refresh & Retreat on Saturday, May 2
Morning and afternoon event at Camp Sumatanga Theme: Renewing Our Hearts and Minds Speaker: Karen Marks, Licensed Clinical Social Work/Psychotherapist Music: Arab First UMC Praise Band Registration forms in the church office. Childcare available. Men are invited to attend too.
District Meet and Greet on Saturday, April 25
From 10 AM to Noon at Centre United Methodist Church
No cost to attend. No reservations required.
This event focuses on fellowship, food and fun with prizes!
Driving directions and sign-up sheet in Narthex so carpools can be arranged.
On Wednesday, March 4 Robin and Vincent Lambert with PS4FS (Prayer Shawls for Families of Servicemembers) visited the prayer shawl ministry group, sharing information about their nation-wide ministry. 14 prayer shawls were donated to PS4FS for the Lamberts to bless families that have lost loved ones serving our country as members of the armed forces.
Do you want to highlight ministry happening at Arab First UMC? You can send information and/or photos to the Church Office.
Save the Date!
We are going to try something new on Sunday, May 24th, which is Memorial Day Weekend. Instead of worshipping in our building that Sunday Morning, we are going to worship in our community by serving together. Our plan will be to meet in the fellowship hall at 9:30 am for coffee and to discuss our plans for the day. There will be a group
that goes out into the community to serve and a group that stays in the fellowship hall to put together the supplies for the care kits to go to the Upper Sand Mountain Parish. We will then meet back at the fellowship hall at 11:30 for a fellowship luncheon. Make plans to wear your favorite Arab First UMC t-shirt and join us for this different way to worship and be God’s people in the community!
Do you have a prayer request? Fill out the connect card, call or email the church office at 256-586-5792 / office@arabumc.org or go to www.arabumc.org/prayer
Pray for: Pray for: Lauren Johnson, Meagan Webb, Violet Withey, Lisa & Mike Whitlock
Birthdays This Week
April 14 – Cohen Cantrell
April 15 – Midge Arroll
April 17 – Milo Spethman
No Anniversaries This Week
Capital Campaign Update -As you can see, we have already collected a significant amount towards our capital campaign. Now, it is time for us to finish strong so we can fully pay off the loan for our HVAC project and other projects. If we continue as we have so far, we are on track to put this behind us by the end of 2026. Thank you all for your generous support of Arab First UMC.
Cash/Pledges received as of 4/05/2026 $278,844.35
Cost of HVAC and other Maintenance Projects $305,266.02
Balance left $26,421.67
The Arab First UMC Congregational care team has been hard at work providing support, love and care for our church family!
This is such an important ministry to life of our church family and community! Would you like to be a part of it? Please reach out to the church office for ways you can be involved.
Giving & Attendance for Week – April 5
Worship In-person – 256 | Online/Radio - 55
General Fund Received – $11,235.26 | Year to Date - $111,690.02
Arab First United Methodist Church
1058 North Main Street
PO Box 470
Arab, AL 35016
256-586-5792
www.arabumc.org
