Canton First Methodist Church

You’re invited to worship with us this Sunday! Come worship together, grow in God’s Word, and connect with your church family. There’s a place for you at Canton First Methodist!

8:15am Chapel | 9:30am Modern | 11:00am Traditional
Sunday School before or after worship.

Canton FMC Preschool CFMC Children's Ministry - Kids Connect CFMC Student Ministry - LEaD

Join us for Be the Church on Sunday, Oct 18 as we put our faith into action!
🥞 Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast | 8:15am
⛪ Gather for one brief worship service | 9:30am
🤲 Serve as the hands & feet of Jesus Christ | 10am

Sign Up to Serve Today: https://cantonfmc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3888856

How should Christians understand war and armed conflict?

In this episode, we explore different Christian responses to war, including pacifism, just war theory, and just peacemaking. Join us as we consider how Christians have wrestled with questions of conflict, peace, justice, and faithful discipleship.

🎧 Listen to the episode and join the conversation!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSl6eQkXxhQ&list=PLTyg8FI322A8&index=1

Week 9, Day 4; Read Acts 28

Acts 28:30-31 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

In the last chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 28, Luke shares the fulfillment of Jesus’ commission provided to us in Acts 1:8 -- to spread the Gospel message from Jerusalem “to the ends of the earth.” Following a long and difficult journey to Rome, where Paul is placed under house arrest, he continues preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God, boldly proclaiming the Gospel and sharing the story of Jesus with all who would listen.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles Paul faced, he persevered in sharing his faith. For me, Acts 28 is a reminder that the Gospel is not limited by human intervention or opposition. It also encourages us to Trust that, with God’s help, we can overcome difficult circumstances -- including the ordinary obstacles we face in our daily lives.

In 2027, Canton First will celebrate 185 years of ministry in Canton and Cherokee County. While there have been obstacles along the way, we have endeavored to “Be the Light” in our community by sharing the Gospel and living our lives for others. As we look toward 2027 and all the good things God has in store for our church, may we remember that The Story Continues . . .and it continues with us. May God grant us the courage, wisdom, and faithfulness to live that story well.

By Susan Dreschel

Week 9, Day 3; Read Acts 27

Acts 27:23-24 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’

Paul was in trouble…again!

In Acts Chapter 27 we read about his harrowing experience sailing to Rome. After his three missionary journeys stretching nearly 7000 miles over twenty years, he decided to return to Jerusalem despite the warnings and better judgment of his companions. He went anyway and after 7 days preaching in the synagogue, he found himself surrounded by an angry mob of Jewish protesters. We read in Acts 21 that the commander of the Roman troops had to stop the mob from beating him. He was arrested and bound in chains. In Chapter 22 we learn that he was ordered flogged. But when he revealed that he was a Roman citizen, things changed. He was spirited to Caesarea at night by an attachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen! He was taken there to stand trial by the governor.

Two years pass before he has his trial before Festus and King Agrippa. Ironically, we learn in Chapter 25:12 that he would have been released except for the fact that he asked for a trial before Caesar, hence the journey aboard ship to Rome described in Chapter 27.

And what a journey it was. With a hurricane force storm raging all seemed to be lost when an angel of God told Paul to not be afraid because he must stand trial before Caesar. Consequently, even though shipwrecked he survived along with all 276 on board.

What can we learn from all this? We sometimes may feel like we are at the end of our rope so to speak. Circumstances may make us feel discouraged and even despair, but only God knows what will happen. He is in control, and directs our paths. So what can we do in those circumstances? Pray for His strength and guidance. In John 15:7 we read “if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you” What a powerful promise from our loving God who hears and answers prayers.

By Mike Haydin

⚠️ New Ministry Partner! ⚠️
Canton First Methodist is honored to be a host location for counseling services through The Bridge program.

The Bridge is a collaborative program between Rise Wellness, LLC, a licensed behavioral health practice, and local churches. The program is designed to bridge the gap between faith communities and professional mental health care by embedding licensed clinicians within church settings while maintaining clinical independence, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance.

Through The Bridge, churches serve as a trusted access point rather than a clinical provider. All counseling services are delivered by Rise Wellness clinicians, who maintain responsibility for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, documentation, billing, insurance claims, and professional liability.

For more information and to schedule an appointment contact The Rise Team at https://www.risewellnessga.com/the-rise-team

Week 9, Day 2; Read Acts 26

Acts 26:14-15 We all fell down, and I heard a voice speaking to me in Hebrew, ‘Paul, Paul, why are you persecuting me? You are only hurting yourself.’ “‘Who are you, sir?’ I asked. And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.’

Paul tells of his conversion – One of the most dramatic conversions from sin is when Saul was struck down by a bright light on the road to Damascus as he was journeying to destroy Christians.

Paul, the former Pharisee became a humble believer and always identified himself as ‘the worst of sinners’.

Paul is an example of what Christ can do for us. The worst of sinners was transformed into one of Christ’s most faithful Apostles. Are we open to hear as the Holy Spirit quietly speaks to our hearts – or do we need a loud voice and a dazzling light from Heaven to wake us up?

Do you remember your conversion? I was a 13-year old, saved during a revival. Oh, how I wanted to die at that moment, since I had been washed clean of sin by the shed blood of Jesus! But, God gives us the strength to remain living in this sinful world as witnesses for others and by grace makes us ‘white as snow’ when we ask for forgiveness.

When our Lord answered Paul’s question, “Who are you?”, he suddenly realized he was persecuting the Son Of God who had come to earth, lived among us, was crucified, paid the price for our sin and was raised from the dead. And Saul, who became Paul, was convicted and converted! I believe that same Jesus saves me from my sin and lives today. Do you?

By JoEllen Wilson

CFMC Student Ministry - LEaD is thriving! We are so thankful for Pastor Kayla and her team who help connect and encourage our young people.🥰