The Methodist Messenger

Transcription

1 The Methodist Messenger Newbern First United Methodist Church P. O. Box 72, Newbern TN Located at the corner of Main and Monroe Streets Church Office Phone (731) Church Office Fax (731) Church September 2008 Pastor s Cell Phone (731) Pastor s Milan Phone (731) Pastor s GLohrum@charter.net Praise And Worship Sunday Morning Gathering 9:30am Sunday School for all ages - 9:45 am Sunday Worship Service 10:50 am Wednesday ACTS 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Wednesday Choir Practice 7:15 pm Church Staff Rev. Gus Lohrum, Pastor Mary Puraty, Office Secretary Bob Schlabach, Music Director Liz Patterson and Marilyn Schlabach, Musicians Jane Perry, Custodian The book of Acts described the activity of the early believers of Jesus gathering for worship, sharing meals, contributing to a common pool of money to do ministry and just enjoying friendship that was centered in Christ. Acts 2:44 states, And those who had believed were together, and had all things in common. A real sign of spiritual strength in congregations is when people get together because they want to not; because they have to. September can be a special time for us as a church to get together. Saturday the 20 th. will be Depot Days. Our church through the leadership of Alma Ruth Michael is planning to use small gestures of hospitality to communicate God s grace. As some one once said, people would rather see a sermon; then hear a sermon. We are having a booth on the main drag and plan to give some things away as well as go out amongst the Depot Day attendees and hand some things out. There also may be some activities going on at our church during Depot Days. On Sunday the 21 st we are having guest from Lambuth University with us in morning worship and then we will have the southern gospel group, Firm Foundation here for an afternoon concert with some light refreshments following the concert. This is a great time to enjoy our friendships in Christ besides the time we worship together. It is a great way to share Christ with those who may be seeking God but aren t necessarily going to take that first step by coming to worship. I hope the weekend of September will be a time when people in Newbern will see us enjoying our friendships that are based on the love and goodness that Jesus Christ has given us. Gus

2 PRAYER CONCERNS Harris Armstrong, cannot take the oral chemo any longer, tumor is not getting an smaller but it is not growing either. Harris is at John Hopkins in Baltimore where they have been able to remove about 90% of the tumor and will begin an experimental treatment (16407 Zurraquin De Avila, Tampa, FL 33613) Dixie Borden, is battling cancer-outlook at the present is not very good. (418 Forcum St, Dyersburg, TN 38024) Shana Brainard, continuing chemo treatments (3381 Blair Road, Cleveland, TN 37312) Liz Burnett, having knee surgery September 10 (200 Wheatley Drive, Oackview Apts #A1, Newbern, TN 38059) Charles Caldwell, is recovering at home from a stroke suffered August 3. (829 Williams, Apt 2, Newbern, TN 38059) Eva Christopher, stressed and overwhelmed with taking care of mother and brother. (406 Edwards Street, Newbern, TN 38059) Sue Daniels, is having some additional health problems after hearing that she had a good report from a cancer scare. John and Martha Drane (304 West Main St., Newbern, TN 38059) Bradley Dycus, grandson of Mary Dycus, is at MD Anderson for cancer treatments Jane Edwards. recovering at home following hospital stay. She will be having some more tests later (206 Clearview Acres, Newbern, TN 38059) Mrs. Willie Hays, is recovering at home from burns received while cooking (3821 Hwy 78, Dyersburg, TN 38024) Joyce Huie (Canterbury Place, 900 Hwy 51 ByPass, Dyersburg, TN 38024) Patti Matson, is completing the chemo treatments and will now begin radiation treatments (17719 Abby Lane, Spring, Texas 77379) Joyce Ann Ladd Murphey, having trouble with rheumatoid arthritis (422 Jefferson, Street, Newbern, TN 38059) Dorothy Pierce, having trouble with her blood pressure and is recovering from cataract surgery and dealing with muscular degeneration (401 West Main St., Newbern, TN 38059) Wallace Pierce, has been in Memphis hospital and is not doing very well Brenda Poor, need prayer, health not doing well lately (470 Ebenezer Road, Troy, TN 38260) Mary Puraty is recovering from cataract surgery and will be having the other cataract surgery Sept. 10 (901 Enochs Road, Newbern, TN 38059) Robert Arnett Poore is in failing health and is at his home (1629 Benson-Jones Way, Fulton, MS 38845) Bill and Debra Powell, are at their Nashville home recovering from injuries recently received Dorothy Ritter (Dyersburg Manor, Room 112, Parr Ave, Dyersburg, TN 38024) Rommie and Barbara Roberts, will be going to some scheduled doctor appointments soon and Rommie continues to recover from a recent stroke and deal with other health problems. (296 Enochs Road, Newbern) Matt Whitehouse, grandson of Gil and Bobbie Allen, has been deployed to Iraq. (10045 Trimble Road, Trimble, TN 38259) Bea Young, is home following a stay at Jackson General. (61 Johnny Dodd Road, Newbern, TN 38059) Continue to keep in prayer: Robert Caldwell, Margaret Cary, Harry Cobb, Paula Davidson, Dorothy Enochs, Irene Flack, Rowena Fuller, Margaret Hargett, Iva Leach, Otis Lemons, Jean Palmer, Ray Rines, Christopher Schlabach, Opal Wilkerson, Holly Woody, Buffy Worley, Jo Wynn, Gladys Yandell Church and Community, many friends and family are facing health, medical, personal or career challenges. Remember the lost and the unchurched and the hurting. Remember our local ministries: Transitions, Life Choices, CrossRoads, Jail Ministry, Matthew 25:40 and other agencies designed to assist and guide.

3 Church Council Meetings Monday, October 6 Finance Meeting 6:00pm, Dinner 6:30pm Council Board Meeting 7:00pm Board of Trustees September 15, at 6:00pm Esther Circle September 22, 7:00pm, Fellowship Hall contact: Patsy Tidwell Dorcas Circle September 15, 1:30pm in Fellowship Hall contact: Jane Edwards Dorcas Circle Visitation meet at the back parking lot at 1:30pm, September 22 Senior Ladies Game Day Wednesday, September 17, Fellowship Hall, 11:00am contact: Mary Puraty A.C.T.S. K-12 program will meet Wednesdays at 5:30 7:00 contact: Joan Jones, United Methodist Women Sept 20 Conference Annual Day at Lambuth Oct. 4 District Meeting at Jackson Oct. 13 General Meeting at Newbern Contact: Judy Gregory, Lambuth Day will be celebrated and recognized during Sunday morning worship on September 21. Concert by Firm Foundation Quartet Sunday, September 21, Sanctuary Beginning at 4:00 pm contact: Janie Austin, Deadline for October Newsletter Items & News Monday, October 6 Nursery Worker Schedule September 7 Amy Davis September 14 Melba Moore September 21 Janie Austin September 28 Pattye Williams October 5 Tammy Mann October 12 Nancy Davis If you are unable to serve on the scheduled Sunday, contact Amy Davis, ACTS Snack Volunteers Sept. 10 Joan Jones & Nicole Whitt Sept. 17 Men s Bible Class Sept. 28 Steve & Pattye Williams Oct. 1 Sherry Williams & Martha Lynn Sexton No ACTS on Oct 8 or Oct 15 Fall Break If a conflict arises and you must change to a different date when you would be able to serve the ACTS group, please contact Judy Gregory, Gifts To Our Church In Memory Of Mrs. Bertie Newsom Kay Edmundson In Memory Of Mr. Morgan Caldwell Dr. and Mrs. James Vincent In Memory Of Mrs. Drucilla Huie Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Michael Chris Fox, Jennie and Cathy Smith Notes of thanks Just want to let everyone know that my surgery went well and I am home recovering. Thanks for all the prayers, cards and phone calls!! Carolyn Bartee Dear Friends, We appreciate so much the many telephone calls, cards, prayers, visits and other acts of kindness shown these past weeks as I recover from stent surgery. The food from the Steve Williams family, Jane Edwards and Betty Young was delicious and helped Helen and I so much during this time. Thanks to all of you for your continued care and concern of us. In Christian Love, Dorothy Enochs A great big thank you for your prayers, thoughts, cards and gifts and visits while I was in the hospital. Jane Edwards and daughter, Mary Ann Many Thanks to.... Robert and Nancy Blevins of Newbern who donated the work involved to install a much needed water faucet along the south-side of our church. Jeff Jones and the Dyer County road crew who recently trimmed the overgrowth along the north fence of the Fellowship Hall parking lot.

4 Rejoice With Singing & Praise Spotlight Corner The Chancel Choir will begin anthem season Sunday, September 14 th. Anyone interested in joining, please contact Bob Schlabach. I appreciate very much the present choir members, but we can always use more members. All it takes is the ability to carry a tune and have the dedication. We need you to do the Lord s work through song says Bob. This past Sunday we were treated to a beautiful rendition of It Is Well With My Soul presented by Janie Austin on the piano and Emilee Lamb on the flute. A tentative list of anthems being planned are: Lift Me Up Jill Gulina, This Is My Story, This Is My Song Don Besing and Majasty Jack Hayford and Jack Schrader. Maria Dugan will be accompanying the choir on her flute. Depot Days in Newbern Through the Outreach ministry of our church, plans are being made to sponsor a hospitality booth at the Depot Days Festival, Sunday, September 20 th. We plan to hand out water, cookies and balloons. We would like to ask our church family to help with the following: make cookies provide large coolers for ice, we need 2 or 3 small benches for seating, volunteer to man the booth Bring items to the Fellowship Hall by Friday afternoon, September 19 th. For more information about this special date, contact Alma Ruth Michael, or Brother Gus, Lambuth University Lambuth University is an independent undergraduate, church-related institution supported by the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Since 1843, when it began as the Memphis Conference Female Institute, this university has provided students an opportunity to use their intelligence in the service of God and humanity. Lambuth has a limited enrollment with small classes and unlimited opportunities for students in the areas of academic and social life. All students who enter the University are expected to support its purpose and abide by its regulations. However, students are encouraged to think for themselves, and -- in the context of a world that changes each day -- students have the opportunity to question, to discuss, and to bring their concerns to the faculty and administration of the University. As an institution of the United Methodist Church, Lambuth University recognizes the interdependence of education and religion. Lambuth, therefore, reaffirms the Wesleyan emphasis on the necessity for both academic excellence and authentic faith that issue in the highest standards of personal integrity. The University endeavors to provide a congenial atmosphere where persons of all faiths may work together for the fullest development of their total lives. Discover more about Lambuth on their web site: ******************************************************* A note of invitation to all women Sister Circle, Friday, September 12, Center United Methodist Church, 3430 Edgewood Road, Newbern 6:00pm - Meal followed by program; based on Romans and spiritual gifts. Any questions or if attending, please call Brenda Williams, Celebrate Healthy Women, Thursday, September 18, Lannom Center/Chamber of Commerce, Dyersburg 4:00pm-6:00pm - Free Women s Health Expo screenings, health information and more 6:00pm-8:00pm Main Event/Dinner - Laugh and learn with Suzanne Metzger, PhD as she treats you to an inspiring and humorous talk on The Ordinary Miracle of Friendship. Seating is limited, $15.00 per person, telephone to reserve your place for this exciting evening.

5 Newbern First United Methodist Church invite you to an afternoon concert Sunday, September 21 st, beginning at 4:00pm Firm Foundation Quartet With six years of ministry behind Firm Foundation, they've accomplished many things. God has brought them through the fire and kept them focused on His Message. In 2003, they were named the "Kentucky State Quartet of the Year' at the Kentucky State Fair. Not since 1949 had a quartet from their hometown of Owensboro held this honor. The following December, they're very first radio single "When I Lay My Burdens Down" debuted at #11 on the God's Country Gospel chart... and the very next month the song was named the fastest rising radio single in the chart's history when it grabbed the coveted #1 spot. It was clear that God was laying a 'foundation' for the guys to spread his Word to others not only nationwide, but internationally. In 2006, their release, "Good To Know", was praised by gospel music industry critics. Receiving 4 stars by sogospelnews.com and high marks from sgmusicforum.com, the album's first radio single, "Something Better In Mind" was on the prestigious 2007 Dove Award ballot for "Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year". It was clear that God had great intentions for the guys. Andy Pursley, tenor, was born in Springfield, Missouri and currently lives in Owensboro, Kentucky. He was saved at the age of ten and first sang in church at age 13. Firm Foundation became a part of his life in late Andy works as a paramedic when time allows and is quick to give thanks for their continued support and encouragement to his wife, Lavona, his daughters, Jesse and Shasta, and his grandson, Zach. "Without God and my family (in that order), this would be impossible." He would also like to thank the loyal Firm Foundation Fans who have remained with us through the good times and bad. Steve Bridgmon sings lead and was born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. Steve is no stranger to the southern gospel platform, performing in major events across the nation. Steve has been a voice in ministry for the past 20 years. In the fall of 1994, Steve accepted a position with Red Hill Baptist Church as their youth and music director. Other than leading young people to Christ, his proudest moment with the group has been finding out their song was on the Dove Award ballot in 2007 for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. When he is not singing or teaching, he enjoys traveling, playing ball with his nephew, and visiting new places. Steve is currently single and living in Owensboro, Kentucky. Though born in Wichita, Marc Ray was braised Augusta, Kansas. He is very excited about getting the chance to sing with Southern Gospel's BEST progressive group on the road today. At the age of 2, he started playing the piano and by 8 he already showed a great interest in southern gospel music. God called him into the ministry. His dream was to someday sing in a southern gospel quartet. About 6 years ago, while still in school, Marc became good friends with Steve. He prayed that one day he would be able to sing with Firm Foundation. God brought that dream to fruition and put him in the baritone position, making Marc's dreams come true. Marc is husband to Jessica and says, Jessica has been my strength through all of this. She has stood strong with me in these decisions we've made to be a part of Firm Foundation." Anthony Davis is a 2001 graduate of Dyer County High School and has been singing all his life. Anthony recalls that the first time he heard Tim Riley sing 'Under Control' was the moment he knew what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He took the vacant bass position in Firm Foundation in October Anthony has also fulfilled another dream. He is a full-time police officer for the town of Halls where he is the department's Training Officer. He says he is blessed to be able to work in a full time career and ministry together. Please join us for this wonderful afternoon of gospel music. This will be the first concert Firm Foundation Quartet has presented in Dyer County. There will no admission charge, but a love offering will be taken. Everyone is invited to come and hear this dynamic group touch hearts of all ages as they spread the message of Jesus Christ through music. For questions about this wonderful event, telephone Janie Austin at

6 Dyersburg District Mission Trip Has Been Cancelled Plans to travel and assist the Gulfport, Mississippi area have been cancelled. We would like to note that we had three individuals that had expressed interest in participating in this great trip. Thank you to Donna Uitendaal, Judy Gregory and Rev. Gus Lohrum for your willingness to represent our church at this time. Covenant Discipleship Workshop You are invited to attend either workshop dates. The first opportunity will be on Saturday, October 4 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Memphis. Or you may whether attend the Saturday, October 18 workshop at Union City First United Methodist Church. Both begin at 10:00am and will end around 3:00pm. Rev. Steven Manskar will lead a Covenant Discipleship Worship for clergy and laity. Cost is $20.00 per person for this one-day session. Contact our church office is you are interested in attending. The workshop will covers topics: What is Covenant Discipleship and where does it fit into the total life and ministry of our church? How do we start a Covenant Discipleship group, support it and grow in it? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ pass along and share... What do you do with old Sunday school literature, Christian pamphlets and magazines, Upper Room publications or other similar printed material you no longer use? Have you ever thought if there were only some place that could use these instead of them being thrown away? Well, there are two such projects! Center United Methodist Church collects old Sunday school books and copies of old Upper Rooms. They use these materials for the Dyer County Jail ministry. Contact Theresa Williams, or Janie Austin, Joan Jones, , also gathers literature like the Upper Room, Sunday school material and any similar publications particularly the large print versions.. She shares these things with the residents of Wesley of Dyersburg Nursing Care. Lambuth Day Sunday, September 21, will be an exciting day at Newbern First United Methodist. Mrs. Rachael Hudgins will be our guest during our morning worship time. Rachael graduated from DCHS and now is a member of the faculty at Dyer County. Rachael will be sharing information about Lambuth and we hope everyone will make a point in being on hand to welcome her this day. Great Things Are Happening In ACTS Joan Jones reports there are around thirty youngsters attending ACTS. Emilee Lamb had the idea of participating in Depot Days this year and the Men s Bible Class has signed on to serve this group each month. Bible Trivia Answers (trivia questions published in August newsletter) BAPTISMS 1. What magician came to be baptized by Philip? (search Acts ) Simon the sorceror 2. Who referred to the Israelites crossing of the Red Sea as a baptism? (search 1 Corinthians 10:1-2) Paul 3. What trades-woman was baptized by Paul and Silas? (search Acts 16:14-15) Lydia 4. How many people were baptized on the day of Pentecost? (search Acts 2:41) About three thousand 5. What Roman official did Peter baptize? (search Acts 10:23-48) Cornelius 6. Where did Paul baptize 12 men who had received the baptism of John? (search Acts 19:1-7) Ephesus 7. What did John the Baptist tell the tax collectors who came to him for baptism? (search Luke 3:12-13) Not to collect any more than was legal 8. Which epistle mentions one Lord, one faith, one baptism (search Ephesians 4:5) Ephesians 9. Which two epistles compare baptism to burial? (search Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12) Romans and Colossians 10. Which epistle says that the floodwaters at the time of Noah symbolize baptism? (search Hebrews 3:17-22) Hebrews