Founded in 1876, FUMC's 142 members have written another faithful chapter into the church's 130 years of ministry in Fredericksburg.  We have maintained Christian worship, edified believers and sought to convert the world.
Christian Worship: Worship attendance (through Nov) has slipped from last year's 99 to 93, down 6.1%.  My preaching focused on discipleship including the winter series, "How to Live a Kingdom Life Today" (Sermon on the Mount) and the fall topic "Basic Discipleship."  Drama skits, "Whose Cross Is It Anyway?" introduced our Lenten services; lay preaching was provided by Lloyd Hostetter, Fred Hickok, and Glen Moyer.
Edification of Believers:  Our program focus in 2006 was Priority 1: Our Children emphasizing the 4 Es:  Excellence, Excitement, Edification, and Evangelism.  This year's Sunday School theme, Survivor, began with a fun-filled Survivor Challenge Sunday.  Eighty-five children and adults enjoyed the "Magic of Randy" and ice cream Sundaes, 108 children attended VBS (Son-Treasure Island) and 157 celebrated Christ's birth with the musical, "No Ordinary Night".  Sunday School attendance averaged 55 including: 15 children, 7 youth and 33 adults.
The Prayer Chain responded to 56 requests; Kay Shilling and Esther Bohr visited often and arranged for meals to be delivered.  I  made 66 hospital, 50 home, and 16 care center visits. 
Conversion of the World:  We supported Tom and Vicky Arabis, Jeanie Lowery and Paul Lowery.  On this year's mission trip to Danli, Honduras we dontated $600.00 for school scholarships, $500.00 (community member) for sewing machines, and $262.00 for new power tools.  Two thousand has been collected for a house for Marcos; total benevolence giving is over $6,500.00 including budgeted items.  A nine member youth/adult Appalachia Service Project Team (ASP) did home repair in West Virginia raising $3,500.00.  A community Easter Egg Hunt and VBS finale attracted a full house.  Release-time education continued.
How will you help us be faithful in 2007, FUMC's 131st year?  To God be the glory.                                                                             Ken Bell