February Inside this issue: A Moment in Black History Pastor K s Message 2. Happenings at The Road UMC. Doctors Corner 4

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1 February 2015 Welcome Visitors The Road UMC is the place to be! The mission of The Road UMC is to become a community of believers committed to helping all people to personally know Jesus Christ by delivering a biblically based teaching and preaching of the gospel to those saved and seeking Christ and thereby developing disciples, families and communities through the power of the Holy Spirit. If you are new to our community and looking for a church home or desire to explore your spirituality, please consider us. At The ROAD, we are engaged in the L4 experience: Loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and loving neighbor as thyself Living a life that is Christ-centered and biblically oriented. Learning to be a disciple of Jesus Christ as we live counter to the culture following wholeheartedly after God in a broken world. Leading others to experience God; being light in darkness and salt in a decaying environment. If you would like to enter into fellowship with The ROAD UMC Come during the Invitation to Discipleship See our pastor or a member after church Call the church office and schedule an appointment to speak with the pastor us at stmarysrd@theroadumc.org See one of our greeters or ministers after the worship service This is the working church! The lazy church is down the street! James R. King, Jr., Resident Bishop Cynthia Williams, Lay Leader Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper, District Superintendent Willie Belfield, Associate Lay Leader The SMRUMC Staff Shea Ellis, Receptionist Jacqueline McCall, Administrative Assistant Jacquelyn Egins, Director of Music Debra Alexander, Youth Musician stmarysrd@theroadumc.org F/B: The ROAD UMC Pastor s Office Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Tuesday Thursday (and by appointment) PastorK@theroadumc.org Telephone Number: (706) A Christ-centered Church where we are loving, living, learning and leading in the kingdom of God Inside this issue: A Moment in Black History Pastor K s Message 2 Happenings at The Road UMC Doctors Corner 4 Special Days within the United Methodist Church Happenings at The Road UMC News in the Pews 7 Celebrations 8 Prayer Warriors 9 Kids Korner 10 February Calendar 11 Welcome Visitors St. Mary s Road Columbus, GA (706) stmarysrd@theroadumc.org f/b: The ROAD UMC Rev. Dr. L.K. Pendleton, Pastor It has been 50 years since that horrific day in Alabama, when voting rights protesters declared that Black lives matter and the unceasing struggle for justice still goes on today. The Selma voting rights demonstrations of 1965 culminated in March with the March from Selma to Montgomery. Protesters were turned backed by sheriff s deputies and state troopers, who beat them and tear-gassed them at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, on March 7th. This day later became known as Bloody Sunday. After a second attempt failed on the bridge two days later, the march finally went forward on March 17th. On March 25th more than 20,000 demonstrators gathered at the Alabama state capitol in Montgomery; led by civil rights leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, and Hosea Williams. More recently, December 25, 2015, the release of the movie Selma showcases not only the key aspects of the civil rights movement but also one of American history s most important episodes that paved the way for more recent social justice struggles. Selma documents living Black History. Have we become so complacent in our thinking that the fight is over? More recent incidents have proved just the opposite, as the protests in the aftermath of the decisions of the grand jury on the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases have found out demonstrations that was witnessed in Selma. Each of these movements, at different times, places, and circumstances have confronted regimes of state-sanctioned violence with an uncompromising vision of social justice. If you have not seen the movie Selma, go and take your children who are of age. This is a movie that you will want to purchase for your video library when it becomes available. Selma is a movie not only telling how people stood up for voting rights, but for those rights we take for granted. Remember when we couldn t go in the front door of a restaurant, or a doctor s office, and not to mention go to the hospital - we were put in the basement next to the broom closet, just to name a few. Parents teach your children our history the Good and the Bad!!

2 I know they were scheming to hurt me so I sent messengers back with this: I m doing a great work; I can t Page 2 Newsletter (PK Message) come down! Nehemiah 6:2-3 As we thank God for a new month of mercy and a fresh move of His spirit, I want to remind you that God has positioned us as winners in the novel of life. Nehemiah was a man committed to rebuilding Jerusalem s wall however his enemies conspired, threatened and even ridiculed him in order to get him to forfeit God s ordained plan for his life. His enemies tried to distract his progress. Albeit, as Nehemiah continued his building project, his enemies increased their threats yet he reminded them, I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down. What does it take to be a winner? Nehemiah was Persistent! Persistence is the ability to be determined to do or achieve something regardless of any setbacks! Many have the capacity to set goals and plans toward success yet only few succeed because only a few remain committed to the process. How many times have you cross-examined a church member who has come to church for over 10 years, hears the same teaching and preaching that you do week after week but continue to face the same old problems, same sins and complaining about the same old things. Just because you believe something does not guarantee conviction. You don t change until you are convicted and are persistent about changing. How many times have you agreed to something but did not do it? How many times did you testify to truth but didn t obey it? Nehemiah was Persistent. Nehemiah was Productive! There are some people who have a gift for making life happen and grow as people while others resign themselves to a life of unmitigated stasis; the state of being stuck in the middle. Nehemiah refused to interrupt progress to deal with distraction from his haters. Instead of leaving his position on the wall, he organized his resources and work crew, focused on his assignment and was able to rebuild the wall in 52 days. Nehemiah was Prudent! There is a tendency to focus on the insignificant at the expense of the profound. It happens to all of us. The driver who focuses on the road has a far greater chance of arriving at his destination accident free than the driver who focuses on sending text messages on is phone. You can t always control circumstances but you can always control your thoughts. In life I believe it s not what you are that holds you back. It s who you think you are not. Nothing changes until your mind changes. Nehemiah s haters tried to distract him from his purpose. However, Nehemiah held steadfast to his desire to rebuild the wall and to create winners who would complete the project of rebuilding the walls of Judea. A winner is in every one of us. Sometimes adversity can be the catalyst of success. Be encouraged by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13 that records, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. See you on the next level! Your sister on the way, Pastor K! 1 B/P, Diabetes and Cholesterol screenings Children s Church Heritage Sunday 9:00 a.m. (Choir Room) ~ February 2015 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Worship Mtg. Boy Scout Mtg. 8 UMW Mtg. after worship service Heritage Sunday 9:00 a.m. (Choir Room) 15 B/P, Diabetes and Cholesterol screenings Children s Church Heritage Sunday 9:00 a.m. (Choir Room) 22 Black Heritage Sunday Dinner following worship service August Calendar Trustee Meeting 9 Anniversary 5:00 p.m. Finance Mtg. Married Couples 16 President s Day Rock 11:30 a.m. 23 Council Meeting Trustees on Call for February Sheila Woodbury (706) Roy Sumlin Jr. (706) Choir Choir Kids Night Out Ash Wednesday Choir Choir Kids Night Out 12 SPRC Mtg. 19 Breakfast Ministry Open House 26 UMW Mtg. Food Box Pick Up UMM 8:30 a.m. 20 Newsletter Deadline Food Box Deadline ***Vital Signs for January 2015*** A: Attendance B: Offering Week 1: 196 $15, Week 2: 210 $6, Week 3: 200 $8, Week 4: 132 $12, TOTAL RECEIVED: $43, TOTAL NEEDED: $46, Boy Scout Mtg. Safe Sanctuaries Training Children s Rehearsal for Heritage 11:15 1:00 p.m.

3 St. Mary s Road Family, You are cordially invited to the Muskogee District Boy Scouts of America volunteer recognition dinner. Scoutmaster Harold Claytor will be receiving an award. February 26, :30 p.m. $15.00 per person Registration deadline: February 15, 2015 For those who would like to attend, checks should be made payable to Boy Scouts of America Troop #238 For more information contact James Darty (706) Members, You are cordially invited To the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Breakfast March 2, :00 a.m. Columbus Convention and Trade Center Women in Fine Arts will be honored Our own Mrs. Jacquelyn Joy Egins, Music Director, is one of the honorees This breakfast is sponsored by SISTER, Inc. (the charity outreach) of Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Thank you for your support of Jackie and for scholarships throughout the Chattahoochee Valley Area. Please see Juanita Patrick, Phyllis Jones, Maxine Lee or Yvonne Hart for information.

4 Keep Your Heart Healthy You can take steps today to lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. To help prevent heart disease, you can: Eat healthy and get active Watch your weight Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke Control your cholesterol and blood pressure If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation What is heart disease? When people talk about heart disease, they are usually talking about coronary heart disease (CHD). It s also called coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the most common type of disease. When someone has CHD, the coronary arteries (tubes) that take blood to the heart are narrow or blocked. This happens when cholesterol and fatty material, called plaque (plak), build up inside the arteries. Plaque is caused by: fat and cholesterol in the blood, high blood pressure, smoking, and too much sugar in the blood (usually because of diabetes). When plaque blocks an artery, it s hard for blood to flow to the heart. A blocked artery can cause chest pain or a heart attack. Am I at risk for heart disease? You are a higher risk for heart disease if you are a woman over age 55, a man over age 45, and there is a history in the family of heart disease. As you get older, your risk for heart disease and having a heart attack increases. But the good news is that heart disease can be prevented. Common signs of a heart attack: Chest pain (or a feeling like pressure, squeezing, or fullness) Pain or discomfort in the upper body-like the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach (above the belly button) Trouble breathing (while resting or being active) Feeling sick to the stomach or throwing up Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or unusually tired Breaking out in a cold sweat Not everyone who has a heart attack will have all these signs. Don t ignore changes in how you feel. Talk to your doctor and tell him how you feel. Take Action!! Call 911 right away if you or someone else has signs of a heart attack. Acting fast can save a life! START TODAY: SMALL STEPS SAVE LIVES ***February is Healthy Heart Month*** TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A HEALTHY HEART 1. Know your risk factors for heart disease. 2. Talk to your doctor about how to lower your risk for heart disease. 3. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. 4. Know your cholesterol numbers. [These include total cholesterol, HDL or "good" cholesterol, LDL or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides.] 5. Have your blood sugar level checked for diabetes. 6. Do not smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products and limit your exposure to secondhand smoke. 7. Have a healthy diet eat to protect your heart health. 8. Get regular physical activity. At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. 9. Aim for a healthy weight and maintain it. 10. Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the importance of calling immediately. Visit Parish Nurses Station to Know Your Number Prayer Warrior On-Call for the month of February Ms. Sheila Woodbury (706) Prayer Concerns Raven P.K. Arnold 2750 Vivians Way Street, Leonard, MD (619) Harold Claytor 926 Celia Drive, Columbus, GA (07) (706) Curtis Milliner 5369 Gettysburg Way, Columbus, GA (07) (706) Isis Shrader 2750 Vivians Way Street, Leonard, MD (619) R. Kane Smelser 6216 Brightlea Drive, Lanham, MD (301) Emily Walker 5410 Kennedy Street, Columbus, GA (07) (706) Please call the church office at (706) to notify the staff of any known illnesses, hospitalizations or deaths. Trustee Alert Installation of surveillance cameras has been completed! St. Mary's Road UMC campus is being monitored 24/7 at both interior and exterior spaces. Please refrain from giving money to people who approach you on our campus. We have ministries in place to respond to persons in need. If you have any articles, announcements, or important events you would like to share with the church, please contact one of the editors or the church office. Pictures are also wanted! Moreover, we will appreciate any suggestions that will help make our newsletter better. FOOD PANTRY ITINERARY Food Pantry Order Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2015 Food Pantry Distribution Date: Thursday, January 26, NEWSLETTER DEADLINE DATES ***February 20***March 20***April 17***May 22***June 19***July 17***

5 Page 5 West & Kimberly Dryden 8th Turner & Aurie McCrary 12th C.J. & Latessa Johnson 14th Stephanie Conwell 1st Kenneth Putnam 2nd Shontae Lewis 3rd John Noah McGowan 5th Geraldine Hightower 10th Lattie Hardy 17th Kendra Lee 21st Debra Alexander 25th Sandra Snell 28th 59th Church Anniversary The Legacy Continues On the Road to Sixty!!! Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas Feb.2nd, celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. It is on this day we commemorate when Jesus Christ was presented in the Temple 40 days after His birth as required by Jewish law. Male children were presented in the Temple along with a pair of pigeons. The child would be purified and the mother would go to wash herself (Tevilah) at the Mikveh, or pool. Jesus and Mary did not have to be presented or washed because they both were pure. However, in keeping with their Jewish traditions, they were part of the rituals. This day became known as Candlemas because of the introduction of candles in the Mass in the 11th century. The faithful held lighted candles in a dark church as the canticle of Simeon is sung. Transfiguration Sunday Feb. 15th, is the final and climactic Sunday in the Epiphany season. Because the Epiphany season is the culmination of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Transfiguration Sunday is really the culmination of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. On Transfiguration Sunday, we as Christians celebrate Jesus transfiguration (literally, his metamorphosis) on the mountain, where Peter, John, and James watched in amazement as the radiant Jesus spoke with glorified Moses and Elijah. (Mt.17:1-6, Mk.9:1-8, Lk.9:28-36). Ash Wednesday Feb. 18th, the first day of Lent, marks the beginning of a period of reflection and penance. In the Bible, sprinkling oneself with ashes was traditionally a sign of one s sorrow for having committed sins. In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday also marked the beginning of preparation for the understanding of the death and resurrection of Christ. The particular symbolism of ashes for this day comes from a practice in the Roman Catholic churches in which ashes from palms used in the preceding year s palm Sunday celebration are blessed. With these ashes, the priest on the first day of Lent marks a cross on the forehead of each worshiper. This practice has become a part of Ash Wednesday services in many United Methodist churches. First Sunday in Lent Feb. 22nd. Lent is an observance in the liturgical year of many Christian denominations, lasting for a period of approximately six weeks leading up to Easter. In most Western denominations Lent is taken to run from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) or to Easter Eve. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving, and self-denial. Boy Scout Sunday ( Scouting Ministries Sunday) - Feb. 8th. The United Methodist Church designates the second Sunday in February for Boy Scouts. The United Methodist Commission on United Methodist Men takes the lead in nurturing Scouting ministries in the denomination. Here at St. Mary s Road United Methodist Church we have a very active and thriving Scouting Program. If you are interested in becoming a scout contact one of the United Methodist Men of the church.

6 To: RE: The Board of Honor, Columbus, Georgia Petition for Rev. Dr. William B. Howell We as citizens of Columbus, GA extend this petition in an effort to have the Brown Avenue Bridge dedicated and renamed in honor of Reverend Dr. William B. Howell who served this community in several capacities for several years. Until his death, Rev. Dr. Howell was the President, Founder and CEO of the Columbus Georgia Chapter of The Rainbow Push Coalition. He also served on the National Executive Council of the aforementioned organization. Rev. Dr. Howell marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson as well as many other distinguished leaders during the Civil Rights Movement. He was committed to this community and received numerous awards for his humanitarian efforts. The following citizens of the City of Columbus, Georgia are in agreement that the late Rev. Dr. Howell deserves to be memorialized in this city and therefore we appeal to you to name the Brown Avenue Bridge in his honor. This we feel, would be befitting to honor him posthumously for his commitment to our city. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support of this petition. For your convenience, this petition is in the lobby of the church for your convenience and signature. BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE REV. DR. WILLIAM B. HOWELL PERSONAL Date of Birth February 19, 1932 Place of Birth Guilford County, NC EDUCATION: Matriculated at Clark College, Atlanta, GA Bachelor of Science Degree, Winston Salem NC Master of Divinity, ITC/Gammon, Atlanta, GA Doctor of Ministry Degree, International Bible Institute & Seminary, Orlando, FL Doctor of Sacred Theology, Theological Association of ITC/Emory Univ., Atlanta, GA HONORARY DEGREES: Doctor Of Divinity: Brantridge Forest College, Brantridge Forest England Doctor of Divinity: Daniel Payne College, Birmingham, AL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Law Enforcement Officer, High Point, NC Police Depart,, ATU Agent for the State of NC School Teacher in the Public School System of Southern, Pines, NC Chaplain, Intern Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia Continuing Education Instructor, Turner Theological Seminary (A.M.E.) Pastoral Appointments: Oak Grove, UMC, Winston-Salem, NC,, Hoover s Chapel UMC, Thomasville, NC, Bethel UMC, Morristown, TN, M.L. Harris UMC, Columbus, GA Bethel UMC, Peoria, Illinois, Aldersgate UMC, Moline, IL Civic Affiliations: Mayor s Investigate Committee, Board of Education on Desegregation, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Campaign Manager of the Third Congressional District of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Commissioned to serve on the MLK King, Jr Holiday Commission by Governors Miller and Harris, Advisory Board of Morehouse School of Medicine, Board of Directors of The Methodist Medical Center of Peoria, IL. Ministry of the Month: Acolytes Train up a child in the way he should go, andwhen he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) The Acolytes welcome five new members this past fall. They are Olivia Gathers, Naobi Quick, Jackson Close, Michael Mickey, and Tyasia Moss. We are so proud of these young servants who have stepped up to the plate to serve God. The Acolyte duties are most important during the worship service; for it is the Acolyte who brings in and carries out the LIGHT of CHRIST. It is easy to become an acolyte. Training and exposure starts in Children s Church on the First and Third Sundays and also on the Second and Fourth Wednesdays at Children and Youth Night Out. If you are in Pre-K to 5th grade and are interested in becoming an Acolyte, please contact Mrss. Rose McRae or LaChun Quick. The last day to enroll for healthcare is February 15, Insurance agent Wendy Johnson is offering her complimentary service to assist members of St. Mary's Road UMC. She is a full service health and life agent and welcomes calls from members seeking guidance and direction. Her services are free. Give Wendy a call soon at (770) African American Heritage Sunday will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at our 10:00 a.m. worship service. Lunch will be served after the service and the congregation is asked to bring an ethnic dish. Wear you best ethnic attire. There will be a sign up sheet in the kitchen for you to list what you will be bringing to the dinner. Learn What Happens When You Say Yes To Jesus! A brief booklet by Pastor K entitled: The L3Xperience: A New Lord, A New Love, and A New Life. Get yours free today! Contact the church office. Joseph J. Gosha Scholarship Fund To: Family and Friends of the late Joseph Gosha - A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Joseph J. Gosha at Spencer High School where Joseph last served as Principal prior to his retirement. Your support of this scholarship fund is greatly appreciated. Monetary donations should be made payable to: Spencer High School. In the Memo or For line, please indicate: "Joseph J. Gosha Scholarship Fund" and mail to: Spencer High School 4340 Victory Drive Columbus, GA His wife, Joyce, and daughters, Tonya and Alicia, thank you in advance for your generosity! Safe Sanctuaries Training will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. If you are interested in working with children and/or youth you must attend this class. Contact Paula Shaw-Powell for more information. Heritage Celebration: Join us for our Heritage Celebration, "Imagine Me," Sunday, February 22, Rehearsals have begun for all children and youth. If interested, stop by the choir room on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. For more information you are invited to contact Mrss. Mary Hosley or Courtney Lamar by calling our church office at (706)