Mullins Messenger. August 2018

Transcription

1 Mullins Messenger Mullins United Methodist Church 4 North Mendenhall Road Memphis, TN August 2018 Dear Friends, You have heard me mention the special session of the General Conference to be held February 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis. The purpose will be to receive and act upon a report from the Commission on a Way Forward based upon the recommendations of the Council of Bishops. The 32- member Commission was appointed to examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and to explore options that might strengthen the unity of our denomination. There are three plans being submitted (the summaries below were copied from ). One Church Plan: The one-church model would allow different United Methodists in different places to make different decisions regarding ministry with or by LGBTQ persons rather than maintaining a single standard that operates everywhere throughout the worldwide church. This plan would remove restrictive language from The Book of Discipline and give conferences, churches, and pastors the flexibility to uniquely reach their missional context in relation to humansexuality without changing the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church. United Methodists in central conferences in Africa, Asia, and Europe would retain the authority to adapt The Book of Discipline and could continue to include their traditional language and values. This plan would also protect the rights of United Methodists whose theological convictions will not allow them to perform same-sex weddings or ordain LGBTQ people. Traditionalist Plan: This plan would affirm the current language about homosexuality in The Book of Discipline and seek to strengthen enforcement for violations of church law. Connectional Conference Plan: This plan would create three connectional conferences based on theology or perspective, each having clearly defined values (accountability, contextualism, and justice). The three connectional conferences would function throughout the worldwide church and the five existing U. S. jurisdictions would be abolished. Adaptations to The Book of Discipline would be allowed by each connectional conference. Annual conferences would determine their affiliation with a connectional conference. Local churches who choose a branch other than the one chosen by their annual conference could vote to join another conference. This plan would require multiple amendments to the denomination s constitution. (Continued on next page)

2 (Continued from previous page) The Council of Bishops is recommending the One Church Plan. As you might suspect, this is a very complicated and important matter, and each of us has their own opinion and theological rationale for it. I have no idea what the General Conference will ultimately decide, but whatever the outcome, we will navigate the direction set forth on our behalf. For further research, you can follow the UMC Commission on a Way Forward on Facebook and visit the General Conference website at special-session. Peace, Scott Call for Volunteers! Attention, early risers! Mullins volunteers are needed to welcome students back to our adopted school, White Station Elementary, and to Concord Academy! We will hold up signs and greet students from 7:30 to 8:30 am (!) on the following days: * WSES---Monday, Aug. 6 th (In front of the main entrance to the school) *Concord---Wednesday, Aug. 8 th (Outside the entrance---the door just across from the gym---on the Mullins campus) For further information, please contact Brenda Carson, Evangelism Committee Blessing of the Backpacks And Promotion Sunday Many students will be starting a new school year during the week of August 6, and our congregation will offer prayers for students and teachers as part of the worship services on Backpack Sunday, August 5. We invite all students and administrators to bring their backpacks, briefcases, or other school symbols to the service they attend. We also will be observing Promotion Sunday for children during the Family Friendly service at 10:50 am. See you there! ---Family Ministries Youth Mission Days Mullins Youth, parents, and Youth sponsors will complete their Summer Mission Days when they gather at the church at 8 am Wednesday, Aug. 1, to carpool to Manna House to repair a wheelchair ramp. The 2018 Mission Days began Saturday, July 28, when the group met at the church to assemble a new picnic table, which was painted during the church-wide Community Clubhouse July 29. On Monday, July 30, the Youth carpooled to Manna House, where the table was delivered and participants stayed and served until noon. ---Rev. Camille

3 2018 Summer Music Series Mullins United Methodist Church Walnut Grove at Mendenhall (Guest artists during 10:50 Worship Se rvices) August 5 Jennifer Whitehead & André Duvall, Flute and Piano Duo Jennifer is the woodwind instructor at Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, where she teaches woodwind private lessons, coaches woodwind ensembles, and teaches Music Appreciation. She is an active freelance flutist and private instructor in the Memphis area, performing regularly in local musicals and with the Jackson, TN Symphony orchestra. She adjudicates a variety of woodwind festivals, and has arranged numerous community events featuring flute music. She holds a BM and MM in Flute. August 12 Agape Dance Ministry The Agape dancers worship and serve God through movement, ministering several times a month at their home church, Friendship Baptist in Memphis. They are comprised mostly of adults who are committed to Bible study and service. Agape s ministry began 16 years ago, and they have ministered to various communities and churches in Shelby County, Arkansas, and Maryland. André Duvall, Collaborative Pianist André is Mullins organist/ pianist/ director of handbells, maintains an independent piano studio for students of all ages, is active as a solo and collaborative pianist in various capacities, and is on the conservatory faculty at Lausanne Collegiate School. André has performed as soloist with the Arkansas Symphony and the University of Memphis Symphony orchestras, with Luna Nova Ensemble, and Bartlett at Noon, on various recital series, and has served as a clinician, adjudicator, and performer for several musical organizations and keyboard festivals in the southern U.S. He is Dean of the Memphis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.... Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. ---Ephesians 5:19

4 Fix-Up Day Thank you to the great volunteers who supported Family Ministries Fix-Up Day on July 7! We worked together to declutter, clean, and paint! Now we would like to lay down a floor of peel and stick tiles in the Sprouts Room. (If you have any experience doing this, please call Rev. Camille, Also call if interested in being a nursery/toddler room worker, $10 hour.) Women s Bible Study Special appreciation to Linda Mayhan for coordinating the Summer Women s Bible Study, The Armor of God. The seven-week study, on Sunday afternoons, will conclude August 26. Summer Music Series We are very grateful for those who support our Music Ministries at Mullins, and for the great artists who are sharing their gifts with us during the Summer Music Series. UMCOR Kits The Mullins United Methodist Women assembled 94 hygiene kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief July 17, thanks to generous church support. We are grateful that the Grimes UMW partnered with us on the project and joined us afterwards for lunch! Birthday and Independence Day Many thanks to the Family Life Committee, to Tommy Scruggs, and to Tom and Andre and the guest musicians, for the 173 rd Mullins birthday and July 4th celebration. Letter of Gratitude To our Mullins family, It s difficult to put into words my gratitude for all you ve done for John and me. Your prayers and cards were, and are, a source of strength. I hope that you will always remember John s smile and know that he loved being a part of the Mullins family. With love, Harriett Montgomery More Appreciation Dear Church Family, Here I am again, thanking everyone for prayers, cards and memorials I have received since the last Messenger. This has all helped me through the first month after my son s death. You are all so kind. Barbara Kercher Community Groups Are Coming! September 9

5 August Birthdays and Anniversaries Birthdays Name... Date Ruth Meyer... 1 Franklin Moore... 1 Matthew Kernodle... 2 Harriet Montgomery... 6 Dana Alford... 9 Carolyn Irvin... 9 Frank Bradley Jack Mason David Williams Matthieu Jambard Evelyn Vowell Sandy Scruggs David Eddins Addison Furst Phillip Wilcox Jimmy Williams Kent Stratton, Jr Mary Beth Richardson...26 Brenda Smith...26 Joy Jambard Whitney Williams Lisa Murphy Ruth Cox Jim McMahan Anniversaries: Pam & Kent Stratton Hal & Diana Baker Judy & Larry Clayton Soup Kitchen Aug. 18 At St. John s UMC Mullins UMC s next date to serve a meal at the St. John s United Methodist Church soup kitchen is Saturday, August 18, at 3:45 pm. Volunteers are needed to help with this event! Donations to help defray cost of meals are also appreciated. Please contact Ginny Wilcox, , and let her know if you would like to help with this mission outreach. The time involved is minimal, but the rewards are great! Craft Night The next Mullins Craft Night is scheduled for 6 pm Friday, August 17, in the Fisher Wing parlor. Bring a project you will enjoy and a snack to share. Friends and newcomers are always welcome! For more information, please contact Terrye Mastin. Prayer Shawl Ministry The Congregational Care Committee is seeking volunteers who would like to knit or crochet prayer shawls. Donations of yarn are always appreciated, as are contributions to purchase yarn. Any questions? Please contact Diana Baker or Kathy Carter. Beading Bee Aug. 7 For Maanza a Leza Beading Bees are resuming on Tuesday, Aug.7, at 7 pm in the Fisher wing for the Maanza a Leza ( Hands of God ) jewelry ministry. Please join us! (Use choir room entrance.) Also check out the Maanza table in the Hall of the Apostles for estate jewelry sales and jewelry repairs. (A marvelous way to memorialize your loved one is to donate your loved one s jewelry to benefit education in Zambia.) ---Brenda Carson Recycling Update New receptacles for aluminum cans are outside Fellowship Hall. Proceeds from sales benefit Maanza!

6 August Worship Notes August 5---Backpack/Promotion Sunday We Are What We Eat Scripture: John 6:24-35 Children s Message: Camille Bradley Altar Flowers: In honor of Mullins Music Program by Julia Howell August 12 Establishing Our Direction Scripture: John 6:35, Children s Message: Cyndi Watkins Altar Flowers: In honor of Susan Tutt by Clint Trusty August 19 The Substance of Life: Scripture: John 6:51-58 Children s Message: Margaret Carbaugh Altar Flowers: In honor of Samuel Hardin in celebration of his birthday by Diana & Hal Baker August 26 An Invitation Scripture: John 6:56-69 Children s Message: Greg Forsyth Altar Flowers: *In memory of my wife, Kathryn, by Ken Sigman *In celebration of our 58 th anniversary by Diana & Hal Baker August Liturgist: Evan Alford August Ushers: Marcia Taylor (Head Usher); Margaret Brown, Denise Van Cleef, Megan Goodman August Communion Offering: Grace Place Altar Flowers Please sign up to honor or remember loved ones with flowers. The flower calendar is posted on the church office window, or you may call the office and we will be happy to assist you. The cost is $40. Monthly Prayer List Recent Concerns: Mary Lee Curry; Steve Black; Jane McGoldrick; Kambol family (travel safety) (Please Note: The complete Prayer List is available on tables inside the main church entrances. Please call the office to add or update information.) Our Presence July 1 July 8 July 15 July 22 July 29 9 am Chapel NA Sunday School NA 10:50 Worship NA Our Special Gifts Budget: In memory of Norm Kercher, Jr. by Shan & Molly Tracy, Anita Moore, Diana Bradberry, Mullins United Women, Lyndall Jones In memory of John Montgomery by Jeanne Faries, Shan & Molly Tracy, Tom & Mary Lee Caplinger, Anita Moore, Ann Smith, Diana Bradberry, Glen & Dorothy Fuller, Rita Bartlett, Ginger Masserano Music: In memory of Norm Kercher, Jr. by Kathy & Charles Carter In memory of John Montgomery by Suzie Morris In memory of Frank Mason by Crossroads Class Highland Heights Ministry: In memory of Norm Kercher, Jr. by Lamplighter Class, Charlie & Veronica Lotze St. John s Ministry: In memory of Norm Kercher, Jr. by Betty Williams, Phillip & Ginny Wilcox, Jane Hobson In memory of John Montgomery by Betty Williams, Phillip & Ginny Wilcox, Helen Addington, Aaron Foster, Lyndall Jones Youth In memory of Norm Kercher, Jr. by Ruth Ann Whitehouse UMCOR In memory of Norm Kercher, Jr. by Charlie & Veronica Lotze

7 August 2018 Meetings & Special Events Wednesday, Aug. 1 7 am---prayer Breakfast resumes 8 am---youth to Manna House 6:30 pm---choir rehearsal resumes Thursday, Aug am---staff meeting 5:30 pm---web meeting Sunday, Aug. 5 10:50 am---family Friendly Worship Promotion Sunday Blessing of the Backpacks Musical Artist: Jennifer Whitehead 4 pm---women s Bible Study Monday, Aug. 6 7:30 am---greet WSES students Tuesday, Aug pm---maanza Beading Bee Wednesday, Aug. 8 7:30 am---greet Concord students Sunday, Aug :50 am---summer Music Series Ends Guest Artists: Agape Dance Ministry 4 pm---women s Bible Study Friday, Aug pm---craft Night Saturday, Aug. 18 3:45 pm---st. John s Ministry Sunday, Aug pm---women s Bible Study Sunday, Aug pm---women s Bible Study concludes Staff Contact Information Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Scott A. Alford scott@mullinsumc.org Pastor of Family Ministries Rev. Camille Bradley camille@mullinsumc.org Administrative Assistant Susan Tutt susan@mullinsumc.org Director of Music Ministries Tom Machen tom.machen1949@gmail.com Organist/Pianist/Director of Handbells Andre Duvall clavier385@sbcglobal.net Financial & Membership Administrator Kim Perkins kim@mullinsumc.org Mullins Messenger The Mullins Messenger is published electronically on the first of each month and posted on the Mullins web page. Printed copies are available through the church office. Deadline for September issue is Aug. 20 Please submit articles to the office. September COMMUNITY GROUPS! September 23---Fall Potluck General Weekly Schedule: Sundays 9 am, Chapel Communion Service 9:45 am, Sunday School 10:50 am, Worship, Sanctuary Mondays 6:30 pm, Scouts Wednesdays 7 am, Prayer Breakfast 6:30 pm, Choir Rehearsal Thursdays 6:30 pm, Mullins Community Orchestra A friendly reminder: Several groups at Mullins are following a special or abbreviated schedule during the summer. Please check with the church office if you have scheduling questions.