INsight. From the Pastor. Mark the Date. 3.4 UMW General Meeting... 6:30 p.m. 3.5 Ash Wednesday Service.. 6:15 p.m. 3.8 UMW Style Show... 11:30 a.m.

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1 INsight Monthly Newsletter of Benton United Methodist Church March 2014 From the Pastor Grace and peace to you in the Name and Spirit of Jesus Christ! Ash Wednesday is March 5 th and it marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. We will gather for our Ash Wednesday Worship service at 6:15 pm in the Family Life Worship Center. (There will be a family style meal served from 5:30-6:15 pm.) The preparation for this service reminds us of the cyclical nature of life. The palm branches from last year s (2013) Palm Sunday procession in worship are saved and then burned to create the ashes. These words will be spoken as the ashes are imposed in the shape of a cross on our foreheads: From dust you came and to dust you shall return. This reminds us that God created us out of the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7) and when our earthly life is done our bodies that came from dust will eventually return to the dust. The focus of Lent is to move away from the temporal (or temporary) things of life and center our lives in what is eternal (forever). And the only thing that is eternal is God! Please join me in our preparation for the Easter event as we journey along through Lent focusing upon the eternal by giving up the temporary. Famous last words. Elvis Presley s dying words were: I hope that I have not bored you. Todd Beamer s last words (United Flight 93 September 11, 2001): Let s roll. A person s last words can be defining. This Lent, I will be preaching a sermon series on Jesus Last Words from the Cross. Beginning Sunday, March 9 th we will experience the seven last phrases of Christ in the last six hours of his earthly life. They are: 1. Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. 2. Today you will be with me in Paradise. 3. Behold your son Behold your mother. 4. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? 5. I thirst. 6. It is finished. 7. Into your hands I commit my spirit. We will explore the depth and the meaning of His great love and the sacrifice that He chose on our behalf. What was Jesus thinking about on the cross? US! Jesus began with forgiveness and He ended in the arms of God. I am really looking forward to this series as together we experience the sacrificial love of Christ through the cross. Remembering that God is love and the only thing that is eternal is God. His love endures forever is found in every verse of Psalm 136! This Lent our focus can change the directions of our lives in paramount ways if we are willing to accept the love of God given through His Son Jesus the Christ! Mark the Date 3.4 UMW General Meeting... 6:30 p.m. 3.5 Ash Wednesday Service.. 6:15 p.m. 3.8 UMW Style Show... 11:30 a.m Prayer Shawl... 2:00 p.m. Youth Knitting :30 p.m Truck Unloading... 9:00 a.m. Food Bag Packing... 2:00 p.m St. Luke s Medical... 11:30 a.m. Food Distribution... 12:30 p.m. Clothes Closet... 12:30 p.m Nightingales... 6:30 p.m Men s Breakfast... 7:15 a.m. LifeShare Blood Drive... 8:00 a.m Morning Glories... 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl... 2:00 p.m. Youth Knitting... 3:30 p.m Souper Saturday... 7:00 a.m. Confirmation Day with Bishop 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Wesley Center 3.25 OPALS... 11:30 a.m. Continued on page 2...

2 From the Pastor Continued from page 1 The Daniel Plan continues. During the last two months we have explored ways to become healthier in spiritual, physical, emotional and relational lives through The Daniel Plan. Our focus has been to make positive changes in our lives through these five essentials: FAITH, FOOD, FITNESS, FOCUS and FRIENDS. Just because our worship/ study focus is over does not mean that we have to stop our healthy focus momentum. Personally, this plan has helped me in so many different ways to become healthier. I choose to honor God with what I put into my body and I understand now that the food that God created for me to eat is to give my body energy to do His Will. I have learned to read the labels of everything that I am going to eat. We have decided as a family to eat out less often and to spend more time with each other around the dinner table. I choose to honor God with what I do with my body. I exercise four days a week with the Bodies on a Mission exercise group that exercises at 11:00 am at the church (Monday-Thursday). I am training for my first ever 5k run (Miles for Missions Saturday, April 26 th at Benton UMC). As I am preparing and eating healthier food I am constantly praising God for these good gifts! As I am exercising the only body that God has given me I am constantly praying to God! I thank God for showing me a new way to live the abundant life that Jesus promises us. To date, I thank God for the 23 pounds that I have lost in my journey to be healthier. If you are interested in being a part of a Daniel Plan study group, please contact Karen Wise ( or karen.wise@bentonumc.org). This Lent I encourage you to continue in making good and healthy choices in every area of your life. Choose to allow God to be God in your life. Choose to follow Him as you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. Choose to honor God in all of your ways (words, thoughts, actions, etc ). When you fall and fail (it s going to happen), choose to allow God to love you back into His fold as you begin again living the abundant life that God offers through Jesus. Grace and peace, Rev. Dr. Danny Gleason Senior Pastor Coffee With the Pastor Sunday, March 9, :45 a.m. Bible Beach Classroom (2nd floor of the Family Life Center) If you are new at our church or want to learn more about Benton United Methodist Church, make plans to join our Sr. Pastor on Sunday, March 9 at 9:40 during the Sunday school hour in the Bible Beach Classroom on the second floor of the Family Life Center. During this time you will have an opportunity to get to know more about the United Methodist Church and meet other folks. We will also take time to explain church membership. Reserve your spot by: Calling the church office at or Carolyn at carolyn.collins@bentonumc.org OPALS (Older People with Active Life Styles) Tuesday, March 25 at 11:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center $5.00 per person The OPALS (Older People with Active Life Styles) will have a lively discussion of gardening tips by Bob McGowen & Jackie Nelson, and their able assistants. A main topic will be raised beds and container gardening, easy to do around a porch, patio or small yard. They will explain composting, mulching and planting techniques. They will share their favorite plant brands & seeds, best times to plant & harvest and tips on pest control. So write your questions down, the experts will be here! This is an open forum, so suggestions and tips from your own experiences will be most welcome. If you have samples to show of your plants and/or garden, please bring them to display. The food will be delicious! You must make a reservation by calling Sandra Upshaw at by Sunday, March 23. And the Fellowship is free just come and Enjoy! United Methodist Men News ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ***Silent Auction Ends Sunday, March 9 at 1:30*** Catfish Lunch Fundraiser Sunday, March 9 The United Methodist Men will also be selling great catfish plates including fries and hush puppies for just $8 a plate on Sunday March 9. Brent Hine is our head cook. Brent cooked that delicious catfish we had after our worship service out at Cypress Black Bayou. We will have to go plates available after Sunday School or you can stay and eat in our worship center after our second service. INsight, the Monthly Newsletter of Benton United Methodist Church Page 2

3 Tables of Love Annual Spring Style Show and Luncheon brought to you by the Benton United Methodist Women Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in the Family Life Worship Center Tickets: $20.00 For Tickets: Connie Wasson For Table Reservations: Pam DeBusk TABLES OF LOVE: (see above) This year promises to be very exciting! We have models of all ages showing off fashions trends from three local stores: Dressbarn, Old Navy, and Simply Chic. Musical entertainment will be provided by our children (who are also models) and Becky Bell. Patsy Burnes has planned a delicious menu for us to enjoy. A few tables are still available for reservation. Each table is decorated by whomever has reserved it, providing a great variety of scenes and themes walking through the Family Life Worship Center to see the different tables is always a treat in itself!!! Tickets are $20.00 a great price for a delightful afternoon of good food and entertainment. We hope to see you there! Call Connie for tickets and Pam for table reservations. GENERAL MEETING: The first quarterly General Meeting will be Tuesday, March 4, at 6:30 pm in the Family Life Worship Center. We will be celebrating Mardi Gras! Anyone is welcome to join us for an evening of fun and fellowship. The Benton United Methodist Women invites all women to join us as we continue our circle meetings (small groups), general meetings, missions opportunities, and fund raising events. Our small groups include: The Morning Glories Circle When: 4th Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Where: Pairs and Spares Sunday School Classroom Special recognition were presented UMW Sunday the recipients for 2013 are: Jerry Horton Lisa Leo Billie Mack Sue Shadow The Nightingales Circle When: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm Where: Eva Smith Sunday School Classroom Lynnse Terhune Be on the lookout for our Spring Craft Bazaar and Sale on April 12 th in Family Life Center. United Methodist Women Spring Retreat Saturday, March 22, 2014 St. Paul UMC 1001 Pierre Ave, Shreveport Registration: 9:30 9:55 a.m. Lunch: 12:00 p.m. Bring your own For more information, contact: Jan Nelson Shreveport District Spiritual Growth Coordinator (318) janmelnel@hotmail.com Special Recognition Sunday, February 23, 2014 Katherine Ashley presented Lynnse Terhune (left) with a pin from the United Methodist Women honoring her for her work with Stand Up To Hunger. Lynnse began Stand Up To Hunger to fight hunger in our local community and to raise awareness about issues surrounding hunger and poverty. The United Methodist Men also presented Lynnse with the Good Samaritan Award. This award has several qualifications that need to be met before being awarded. Lynnse s mission exceeded the necessary requirements listed on the application! Lynnse was very surprised and thankful to the men and women of the church for recognizing the time and dedication she has put into Stand Up To Hunger and she is not finished. She has been a great example in the youth who are also very excited about SUTH and 30 Hour Famine, which Lynnse also participates. Congratulations, Lynnse! INsight, the Monthly Newsletter of Benton United Methodist Church Page 3

4 Meet Our Confirmands Caitlin Rileigh Bamburg, 6th Grade at Benton Middle School Her favorite subject is Literature. She plays trumpet in the Beginning Band, participates in Quiz Bowl, is an avid reader and enjoys a good cliff hanger. Caitlin s most favorite thing to do is ride her horse, Derby. She (and Derby) are members of the Seventh Heaven Ranch Angels drill team for the second year. She has also been working on her barrel riding technique for the upcoming barrel season. Emily Cox, 6th Grade at Benton Middle School She is the daughter of Kim and Kyle Cox and the younger sister of Jenny and Megan Cox. She loves science an when she is not in class you might find her playing basketball or soccer. She plays the flute for the BMS band. She also loves horseback riding and just kicking back listening to music! Emily served as an acolyte and is involved in missions with the youth. She has served at events like 30 Hour Famine, Community Garden workdays, Compassion International letter writing and clothes and food ministries. Ethan Crites, 9th Grade at Haughton High School Ethan is involved in the Fishing Team at school and has been attending youth since June He loves hunting whether it be deer hunting with a gun or a bow or just running the dogs. He thinks there is no better "deer camp" in the world than grandma's because she is the best cook in the world! He enjoys squirrel hunting with family in Arkansas and duck, coon, and hog hunting with his cousin, Brandon, who also lives there. He loves fishing and is a member of two bass clubs: The 18 and Under Bass Club and Barksdale Hawg Herder's Bass Club. He enjoys off shore fishing out of Orange Beach a few times a year or serving as deck hand for the Irish Jig out of Port Aransas, TX or Venice, LA. Bass Pro Shop is his favorite store, his favorite food is a big thick juicy double cheese burger and he loves country music! Ethan has an older sister, Erin, who is a senior majoring in sociology and plays softball for Centenary College. His parents are Jim and Millie Crites and they are attending the adult Confirmation Class led by Karen Wise. Ethan's confirmation mentor is Doug Filler, and this seems to be a great match. They are enjoying getting to know each other and Ethan is quoted as saying "Mr. Doug is a really cool guy". Turns out they have a lot in common and they are finding it very easy to relate to one another. Walker Wise, 6th Grade at Providence Classical Academy Walker Wise is the son of Karen and Matt Wise and the older brother of Sarah Wise. He loves math and when he is not in class you might find him playing basketball, or video games although baseball is by far his first love. He enjoys watching the History and Military channels, and reading non-fiction books. His first experience with missions was helping to build wheelchair ramps and it is still something that he wants to participate in, however he presently serves the church through Souper Saturday and for many years has served as an acolyte. Walker's taste in music is quite eclectic - however, he is a huge Beatles fan. Sunday School Class of the Month: The Breakfast Club This is a unique and fun loving group of Christians who come together on Sunday to worship Christ through a contemporary study of the Bible and how it relates to our everyday life and struggles. We rely on each other through a network of prayer and friendship. We take turns bringing breakfast and have many social activities throughout the year. This class is led by Sally Carroway. You can find the class at the top of the stairs in the Family Life Worship Center building. INsight, the Monthly Newsletter of Benton United Methodist Church Page 4

5 March 2014 INStudent Ministries News So the last will be first, and the first will be last. Matthew 20:16 Have you ever wanted to win and be #1? Whether it s to be the best team in the rankings or the top student in the class, we all strive to be first. But it s actually contrary to what Jesus taught us. He demonstrated that we should be servants first. When you serve, you are living like a leader should. You do win not prizes that fade away, but you gain respect and humility that sets you up for success. When you put others first, you lead by example. So, this month, we need to lead by example when it comes to living out our faith as the Lenten season is upon us. As we are preparing for Easter, know that we will have to go through a trying time, but we anticipate great things. Jesus had to live life in the midst of difficulty, gave up more than just a trivial earthly pleasure that we are prone to do for Lent, and came out on the other side victorious. Think of ways that you can be last as your live this month and how you can come in first in your leadership. March Calendar INteract Small Groups Sundays the 2 nd, 9 th & 16 th (Not meeting on 23 rd & 30 th during Spring Break) Bringing Two band 4:30-5:30 PM; Study 6 PM INcounter Student Worship Wednesdays the 12 th & 19th (Not meeting on 26 th during Spring Break) 5:30 p.m. Dinner ($5 per person) 6:00 p.m. Snack Bar & Hangout 6:30 p.m. INcounter Student Worship 7:15 p.m. Snack Bar & Hangout INvite Events Winter Jam - Friday, March 7 th meet at 4 PM. There are 7 tickets still available for $20 each! INgage Mission RedBird (Kentucky) Mission Trip Saturday, March 22 nd Sunday, March 30 th Contact Rachel Stoneman in church office at or rachel.stoneman@bentonumc.org for more information. 30 Hour Famine Thank You For Your Support! 13 of our youth participated in the 30 Hour Famine on Sat.-Sun. Feb and collected over $2000 in monetary donations and non-perishable food items. The food items re-stocked the Emergency Food Pantry for 2 months in just 45 minutes of knocking door to door on a sunny Saturday! The group learned how hunger affects the whole person and the adversity that those without food have to endure to survive. As part of the weekend, the voluntary fast was complicated by serving the Men's Breakfast before worship on Sunday morning and then waiting to have communion and a meal after services were over - now that's dedication and determination! Thanks to Kim Cox, John White, our neighbors at Palmetto Park and all those who donated and supported this event! INsight, the Monthly Newsletter of Benton United Methodist Church Page 5

6 Study: Final Words From the Cross Pastor Danny will be leading a study of the last 7 phrases that Jesus spoke on the cross. The first class met February 26, but you can join anytime! This study will go through the Wednesday of Holy Week and we will not meet next week, March 5 th (Ash Wednesday) because of the worship service at 6:15 pm nor will we meet during Spring Break (March 26 th ). 1. Father Forgive Them 2. Behold Your Son Behold Your Mother 3. My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? 4. Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise 5. I Thirst 6. It Is Finished 7. Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit We will explore the depth and the meaning of His great love and the sacrifice that He chose on our behalf. What was Jesus thinking about on the cross? US! Jesus began with forgiveness and He ended in the arms of God. What a way to go! Dinner is from 5:30-6:15 pm and the study is from 6:15-7:15 pm. Serving Opportunities The Closet Clothes Ministry Wednesdays 11:30-12:30 p.m. 3rd Wednesdays 12:30-5:00 p.m. The Table Food Ministries March 18 at 9 a.m. Truck Unloading March18 at 12:00 p.m. Bag Packing March 19 from 12:30-5:00 p.m. Distribution Souper Saturday Last Saturday of Each Month March 29 For information, contact: Katherine Kavanaugh at (318) katherine.kavanaugh@cookyancey.com Please pray for the ministry and mission of Benton United Methodist Church. May we follow and love Christ with all of our hearts, all of our souls, and all of our minds and our neighbors as ourselves. Retirement & Nursing Homes The Arbor House Frankie Rodes (W. Monroe, LA 71291) Cypress Point Beverly Quillin Freeman Flowers Ed Berridge Horizon Bay Bill & Liz DeBusk Ruth Dixon Frances Dunnam Evelyn Futch Everlene Harvey/healing Martha Ree Jones Elsie Whittington Sybil Vickers Emmie Green Betty Wilmarth NWLA War Veterans Home Bernie Duddy Heritage Manor West Wayne Sorenson Pilgrim Manor Nellie Wyche Virginia Duke Military Our military troops and leaders Thomas Greathouse Etienne Menard Brian Leo Josh Van Boening Ben Stafford Jonathan Glasgow James Earl Braggs. Jr. Tom Robertson Community Concerns Government Leaders Gun Violence Peace in Middle East LSU/Schumpert transitions Church Concerns Victory Bible Camp ~ Alaska Church Staff health concerns Daniel Plan Josh Funk & Family transitions Daycare transitions Our Church Family & Friends Jennifer Warner lupus Ben Gleason peace of mind/rehab Kim Pullen healing Mary Mitchell lung cancer last stages Charlotte Woods COPD/hospice Dana Cherry MRSA/healing Robin Berridge strength John and Carol Arnold strength Joan Gleason /pain Martha Jane Gormanous chemo/heart Steve Lowe brain cancer Bobbie Thomas quick healing Pam Taylor personal Steve House recovering at home Jonel Rumby Billie Mack hearing/vision concerns John Reser rehab Lainey Ward Jimmie Zey back surgery/recovering Lee Farnsworth shoulder surgery Jamarion Daughtery cancer (at St. Judes) Barry Welch medical tests Grant Nelson heart issues Otis Vincent health Johnny Shelton Wendy Carpenter thyroid cancer Robert Berry electrical accident Dan Rockefeller bone marrow transplant Karen Widaman tests & allergies Kevin Snell electrical accident Bobbi Whittington hospice Cheryl Nelson foot surgery/healing Mary Pugh illness Mary Kennedy illness Mark Landrum liver rejection Frederick Kraus liver cancer Lynette Johnson 2nd leg amputation Nicki Chaney stillbirth Seth Emerson knee injury Peggy Durant Raymose healing Darla Hines COPD/hospice Rose Zey Butcher heart attack Jewel Murray health and well being Mary Rhodes rehab Tommy Manning cancer Mimi Richardson Betty Russell Ashley Wilson healing Tanya Whittington sinus infection Danny Fox Pam DeBusk medical tests Elizabeth Stuckey surgery Adolfus Blanks illness Whitney Martin heart problems Jerry Grigsby waiting liver transplant Family of Johnny Terrel Family of Midge Vreeland Prayer requests remain on the list for 30 days. Please help us keep the list current by submitting updates. If someone s name comes off and they still need prayer, please submit a new request. INsight, the Monthly Newsletter of Benton United Methodist Church Page 6

7 Servant of the Month Miles for Missions 5K Run-Walk April 26, 2014 at 8:00 a.m. Same day registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Cost: $20 per person Our Miles for Missions 5K Run-Walk for Missions will support our effort in spreading the Good News while being the hands & feet of Jesus. There are many ways you can participate: 1. Be a sponsor - (home page has a link Sponsors click here 2. Walk or run the 5K - T-shirt included in registration 3. Be a "ghost" runner - just register and receive a t-shirt - no running or walking necessary 4. Serve at the race by working the registration table, handing out water to the runners, getting fruit, and drinks ready To guarantee a T-shirt, registration deadline is April 16, 2014 *Registrations continue until the start of the race, but there is no guarantee on t-shirt (there will be some extras). For more information, contact: Rachel Stoneman at rachel.stoneman@bentonumc.org INFORMATION UPDATES: Address or change? Please go to: or contact: Carolyn Collins (318) or carolyn.collins@bentonumc.org 22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. Galatians 5:22-23 Ginny Jones Tomato - Tamahto; Servant - Saint. This month s servant can be found helping out with just about anything that goes on in the church. It is good to have servants that you can call on but there is something to be said for the ones that just know what needs to be done and quietly fill the gap. She helps out in the church office answering phones, stuffing envelopes, folding/ labeling newsletters, filing, shredding, restocking and organizing. She even offers a motherly boost to the staff, she provides free nursing skills administering cough drops, throat spray, aspirin or whatever she feels will help with the symptoms. Ginny serves during winter and summer Vacation Bible School and Journey to Bethlehem. She delivers items to the Crisis Pregnancy Center like baby food, vitamins, and formula. She helps with the NWLA Food Bank Program by supervising the unloading of the truck on distribution week, organizes packing for distribution week and serves on distribution day wherever needed. She builds emergency boxes to be handed out and keeps the Emergency food pantry organized, inventoried and cleaned. She also replenishes and organizes the supplies in the back of the worship chairs as well as keeps the attendance pads up to date. Ginny attends the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class, Bodies on a Mission workouts and is a part of the Daniel Plan class that meets on Mondays from Ginny can be found in the kitchen most of the time preparing and cleaning up. Ginny is alternate delegate to Annual Conference and is an active member of UMW attending seminars and School of Mission. She is the elf that makes sure the coffee is made on Sunday mornings. It's the little things that can make someone s day!!! Ginny also serves at Look Good, Feel Better with the American Cancer Society a free service to cancer patients where licensed cosmetologists volunteer their time to work with women who are undergoing treatment. Each patient receives a free box of make-up and lessons on how to combat the temporary side effects of treatment which include make-up, head coverings & nail care. She served many years at the Sutton s Children s Hospital playing BINGO until they discontinued that program. She is also a member of the Cosmetology Board for Louisiana. This is the servant who does God's work with a freely giving heart. There is no question that she is doing God s will and is definitely a servant that any church cannot do without. When you see this face around the church, don't forget to stop her and tell her how much she is appreciated. INsight, the Monthly Newsletter of Benton United Methodist Church Page 7

8 INVITING IN... GROWING UP... SENDING OUT Benton United Methodist Church 4615 Palmetto Road, Benton, Louisiana Office: (318) Fax: (318) Website: NON-PROFIT PERMIT #17 PAID U.S. POSTAGE BENTON, LA Return Service Requested The Message March 2, 2014 The Book of Daniel The Daniel Plan for Today March 5, 2014 Ash Wednesday Service 6:15 pm March 9, 2014 Luke 23:26, 33-34a Final Words from the Cross: Father Forgive Them March 16, 2014 Luke 23:32, Final Words from the Cross: Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise March 23, 2014 John 19:25-27 Final Words from the Cross: Behold Your Son Behold Your Mother March 30,2014 Mark 15:29-36a Final Words from the Cross: My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? 2014 Work Camp Project Girls Dorm Upstairs The Girls Dorm is being fully remodeled to meet the needs of the revised ministry here at Red Bird Mission. Doors, Windows, Walls, Flooring, etc need to be installed to prepare for the opening of the Dorm program for those individuals seeking a quality Christian education. Benton United Methodist Church at Red Bird Mission Beverly, Kentucky House Windows Replace the Windows using 2¼ Window Trim on the outside, 2x4 s and/or 1x10 s for framing, and caulk to weatherize. The interior wood trim will need to be stained and several coats of polyurethane applied prior to installation. *Possible jobs if we complete windows: Drywall Walls & Ceilings Repair the room ( x ) using 2x4x8 s SPF for framing, R11 insulation, paneling, sheetrock (pieces), Mud and tape, 2¼ Window Trim for baseboards, 1x4 s for baseboards, Quarter Round for Ceiling Trim, and paint the room White (gallon and paint kit). March 22-30, 2014 There are many ways you can support Red Bird Mission Kentucky: 1. Pray for the mission and our missionaries 2. Go to Red Bird we still have room 3. Support a missionary by donating money 4. Donate tools 5. Send box tops for the mission school at Red Bird For more information or to sign up, contact: Rachel Stoneman rachel.stoneman@bentonumc.org (318)