Swepsonville United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Swepsonville United Methodist Church Newsletter March- April 2017 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth ~ God FROM THE PASTOR Making room for God This is what Lent is about. Making room for God. If you think about it, that's quite a silly notion, that we would have to "make room" in our lives for the Creator of the Universe. But, as human beings with free will and prone to sin, here we are. Making room for God. There is, in fact, so much that keeps us from God. Keeps us from truly allowing Jesus to be Lord of our lives. "My Lord and Savior" means that Jesus guides our thoughts, our actions, our decisions, how we spend our time, our money, our attitudes, how we see our neighbor and act on their behalf. Lent is about making conscious shifts in our lives to move away from those lures, draws, distractions, traps, influences that keep us from following the Lord of Life, of truly letting him be Lord of our lives. Lent is an opportunity, an invitation, a commandment "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your mind, and all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." The greatest commandment. What fills us up and crowds God out? That's what Lent is about. I was doing what I call my "love your neighbor" prayer recently. I was frustrated about something or someone and began this prayer where I try to call to mind people or groups of people that are more difficult to love and ask God to change my heart. But I couldn't get very far because my frustration kept coming back in and thwarting my prayer. My human determination to hold onto my grudges kept me from letting Jesus be Lord of my life. What fills up your time, your energy, the way you spend your money, your mind and heart with priorities or the things you hold onto? Lent is about the journey of letting those things go. Making room for God. Let us take this journey seriously. And make room for God. OUR VISION: To be a beacon of God s light in the church, to the community and the world. OUR MISSION: To be open to the leadings of the Holy Spirit. To nurture the people of the church with the love of Jesus Christ. To reach out to the community around us and offer God s love. OUR CORE VALUES: Love, warmth and fellowship Focus on youth Reaching out to those in need Being family to one another Peace, Pastor Christi Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 1 March & April 2017

2 PRAYER CONCERNS Stonie & Joan Reaves. Stonie had a heart cath in February. Buck & Dorinda Wood. Ann Hadley. J.R. Dail. Alli Aldridge, while she is in Australia attending a semester of school. LaVonne Marrs (Joan Reaves sister). Gavin Burger (Cecelia Burger s grandson). Britany Burger (Cecelia s granddaughter). United Methodist Women OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY TO: The Family of Elva Grace Lovette, Lee s aunt, who passed away in February. Mary Mordecai s Family, whose brother, Wilson, passed away recently. CONGRATULATIONS TO: Steve Scott on the birth of his 6 th grandchild on Friday, February 17th. Emilia Kolbie Owens is the daughter of Megan & Colby Owens. Steve is expecting grandchild #7 very soon! Isleigh Sharpe (Lee & Marty Lovette s granddaughter), who competed in the Encore Dance Competition in Myrtle Beach on February 4th. She performed two solos and a duet. She was awarded Diamond for each solo and overall first place in each solo division. She was awarded Platinum and first overall in the duet. She was also awarded 1st overall Super Soloist. Way to go, Isleigh! Presley Lovette, whose basketball team, Lady Heat, won a recent tournament and finished the season undefeated!! Laurin Burge (Judy s granddaughter), who qualified for state in swimming. Laurin Burge (Judy s granddaughter), and Lydia Conley (Judy s great- granddaughter), who both made the A honor roll! Jace Dodson (Amy & Greg s son), who made the Hawfields Middle School Baseball Team! Tessa Riley (Heather s daughter), who made the JV soccer team for Southern Alamance! Nolan Hadley, who was inducted into the National Honor Society! Way to go, Nolan!! PRAISES FOR: Roy Hall, who was able to attend worship on February 12 th. Ann Hadley, who was able to attend worship on February 19 th. Melissa Hadley, who is enjoying her new job as a nurse at UNC s NICU. Recently, Melissa was able to meet the nurse who cared for her when she was born and in the NICU. We are so blessed she took such good care of you, Melissa! ASH WEDNESDAY * * * * * * * * * On Wednesday, March 1, Ash Wednesday will begin the season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter. This is a time of self- examination and self- denial as we prepare to celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection. The imposition of ashes reminds us of our mortality and commitment to live not for ourselves but for God. This year, we will have "Drive- by ashes" outside the church, an opportunity for anyone to come by, have a prayer with Pastor Christi and receive ashes to honor the day. Pastor Christi will be outside the church to meet with anyone who wants to come between 12 and 2. We will also have a service at 7pm. COMMUNITY YARD SALE By Al Elsenerath A specific date for this year s yard sale has not yet been determined but we are considering either April 22 nd or April 29 th 7:00AM- 1:30PM. As in years past, the entire community is invited to participate as are vendors and crafters. Tables will be provided as long as supply lasts. All proceeds will be dedicated towards missions. We do plan on having the yard sale on the lawn providing we get the good weather like we had last year. Donations are now being accepted in the Fellowship Hall. The yard sale requires at least 8-10 people to be on the grounds throughout the event. Come and enjoy the fellowship and fun! Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 2 March & April 2017

3 MARCH CALENDAR Date Liturgist Greeters Nursery Mar. 5 Mar. 12 Mar. 19 Mar. 26 Lee Lovette Pat Maynor Phil Norwood Glenda Payne Brian Paris Doug Coon Mary Long JoAnne Wright Doug Coon Dickie McAdams Donna Gillespie Pam Hadley Beverly Handy Children SS Teacher/Helper Joan Reaves Marty Lovette Marty Lovette Brenda Wilson Ushers Buck Wood John Harmon Homer Pike Doug Coon Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat PM Drive- By Ashes 7 PM Ash Wed. Service :30 PM Book 11 AM Book Workday in (Ladies Robeson Co. Classroom) (Parsonage) 5 Bless You Bag items due! 12 4 PM Council Mtg :45 ABC s of Dementia in Fellowship Hall :30 PM Book (Ladies Classroom) 20 6:30 PM Book (Ladies Classroom) 27 6:30 PM Book (Ladies Classroom) AM Book (Parsonage) AM Book (Parsonage) AM Book (Parsonage) March Birthdays 1 Kenry Park 11 Quinn Rogers 2 Shelby Williams 12 Hank Kirkpatrick 2 Kevin Wynne 14 Phyllis Norwood 3 Brandi Capps 17 Deborah Shebester 3 Freddy Shebester 19 Bethany Burger 7 Gentrie Lloyd 19 Pryce Lovette 7 Dillard Paris 19 Wendy Rumley 8 Donald (Jim) Clarke 21 Katherine Thompson 8 Christi Dye 25 Etta Mae Beale 11 Anne Patterson 30 Leslie Harmon Reminder: If your birthday is not listed, please contact Phyllis Clyburn to add your name to the list Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 3 March & April 2017

4 APRIL CALENDAR Date Liturgist Greeters Nursery April 2 April 9 April 16 April 23 April 30 Heather Riley Carolyn Allen Greg Dodson David Hadley Matthew Handy Brian Paris Doug Coon Mary Long JoAnne Wright Brian Paris Dickie McAdams Brian Paris Phyllis Norwood Phil Norwood Beverly Handy Children SS Teacher/Helper Joan Reaves Marty Lovette No SS? Y all decide Marty Lovette Brenda Wilson Ushers Jimmy Rogers Will Kirkpatrick Prescott Kirkpatrick Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :30 PM Book (Ladies Classroom) 4 11 AM Book (Parsonage) PALM SUNDAY Easter Cantata during worship PM Maundy Thursday 14 7 PM Good Friday AM Easter Egg Hunt 10 AM Prepare cross 16 EASTER PM Set up for Sunrise Breakfast :45 AM Sunrise SUMC 8 AM Pancake Breakfast APRIL BIRTHDAYS 1 Weston Sharpe 18 Jay Rich 2 Tristan Zombar 18 Tim Zombar 3 Ryan Long 19 Jace Dodson 4 Macy Williams 19 Betty Van Thompson 5 Austin Capps 20 Phil Norwood 8 Emily Allred 23 Nancy Shebester 9 Neal Wood 23 Britt Williams 9 Kevin Moss 26 Betty Hall 15 Matthew Lovette 26 Marty Lovette 16 Candy Clarke 27 Paul Allen Thompson 17 Mason Keck 28 Peter Norwood 18 Annette Harmon 29 Donna Gillespie Reminder: If your birthday is not listed, please contact Phyllis Clyburn to add your name to the list Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 4 March & April 2017

5 Treasurer's Report By Theresa Elsenrath This report will now be available quarterly. First quarter report will be in the May/June newsletter. Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Feb. 26 Attendance & Giving Worship Offering $3, $2, $2, $2, HELP FOR ROBESON COUNTY Flood Relief workday in Robeson Co: Help in the crucial effort in recovering homes, churches, communities after devastating flood damage in Leave Alamance Co early Saturday morning, March 11, work and fellowship with fellow and nearby church members, and come home that night tired, but grateful to be part of the ongoing work of loving our nearby neighbors in need. Contact Pastor Christi if you can go. Summer mission trip to Robeson County: Tentatively June Please contact Pastor Christi or if you are interested in helping with home repair and flood relief and connecting with other United Methodists in Robeson County this summer. WORSHIP COMMITTEE By Pat Maynor Each service mentioned below is open to all who wish to participate in the Lenten Services. MARCH 1 ASH WEDNESDAY: There will be three services! First, at 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM [A Drive By]; second, at 7:00 PM [regular service in the Sanctuary]; and third, on Sunday, March 4 th, at 11:00 AM during the worship service. All three services have special meaning as the Lenten Season begins. APRIL 9 AT 11 AM PALM SUNDAY: With Palm s waving and processional by the chancel choir, they will present the Easter cantata and communion will be served. APRIL 13 at 6 PM MAUNDAY THURSDAY: The evening begins with a meal of [lasagna, salad, etc.], communion and mini service to follow the meal. Come hear the message that was spoken in the garden. APRIL 14 AT 7 PM GOOD FRIDAY: A service of a shadow mission at the cross, My will not God s will", followed by the stripping of the altar and draping with black cloths. APRIL 15 AT 10 AM SATURDAY MORNING: The Worship team members and helpers will meet to setup and prepare the cross with greenery and arrange the Easter lilies in the sanctuary. Please help if you are able! APRIL 16 AT 6:45 AM SUNRISE SERVICE AT SUMC: The service begins on the church lawn with music, scripture and program. The pancake breakfast will begin at 8 AM in the Fellowship Hall. APRIL 16 AT 11 AM EASTER SERVICE: The altar ware will be brought in, flowering of the cross, extended music of the Easter cantata and communion will be served. If possible, please bring a flower to put on the cross. We will have a few extras if you forget. EASTER LILIES: The congregation will once again have the opportunity to purchase a lily in honor or in memory of loved ones. We hope to be able to purchase 25 Easter lilies. Look for an insert order form in future bulletins. THE ABC s OF DEMENTIA Date: Sunday March 19 Time: lunch 12:15-12:45 Program 12:45-2:15pm Location: Swepsonville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall Program title: The ABC s of Dementia Alzheimer s Disease and other types of dementia affect us all. Whether you re caring for a loved one; concerned about a friend, neighbor, or congregation member; or thinking of ways to maintain your own brain at any age, we can all benefit from learning more. Heather McKay, Occupational Therapist and Dementia Care Specialist will present the ABC s of Dementia, what every person needs to know. The purpose of this program is to enhance our understanding of brain changes associated with normal aging, Alzheimer s Disease and other types of dementia and current treatments. Heather will focus on symptoms associated with different types of dementia and a positive way of communicating with people who have dementia. Heather will be happy to answer your questions and share community resources during her visit. We are providing soup, so we need a few people willing to bring a crockpot of soup. Contact Pastor Christi if you can do this. Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 5 March & April 2017

6 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN By Pat Maynor JOINT CIRCLES MEETING: On February 27 th the evening began with a meal prepared by Texas Roadhouse, a program and business meeting. Members and non- members brought guests that were welcomed and introduced. Glenda Payne gave the program and spoke on Maternal and Child Health with an offering to A Call to Prayer and Self- Denial. The offering will support the programs for the health of mothers and their children. An opportunity to also support A Penny for A Prayer and World Thank Offering was addressed. A small box and suggestion sheet for World Thank Offering was given to those present. These offerings also support women, children and youth at home and around the world. The 2017 agenda items were presented for discussion. SUNRISE SERVICE BREAKFAST: On April 16, at 8 AM, the UMW will host the breakfast of Pancakes, sausage, coffee and juices. The UMM have agreed to prepare the breakfast. Set up in the Fellowship Hall by UMW team members will follow the Easter Egg Hunt on April 15 at 1:00 PM. BAKE SALE: Our annual Yard Sale & Bake Sale sometime in April (date TBD) at 7:00 AM. There will be assorted biscuits, cakes, pies, coffee, soft drinks, etc. Additional information will be addressed at a later date. SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, SLACKS, SHOES DRIVE: There is a need at Alexander Wilson and B. Everette Jordan for the items listed. Children have accidents and the supply of under garments is low. The drive will be from March to December and a container for these items will be in the Hallway. CALENDAR MARCH APRIL March- December: Socks, Underwear, slacks, shoes Drive April 15: 1:00 pm - Set up Fellowship Hall for Sunrise Service Date TBD: 7:00 am Bake Sale MINISTRY ASSESSMENT By Congregation members met to discuss each of the outreach, missions, and events and to review how each are administered. Swepsonville UMC is very active in our immediate neighborhood and with our neighbors to the south in Lumberton. Outreach: Alexander- Wilson Elementary School tutoring and classroom assistance, bless- you- bags, Christmas baskets, children s Christmas party, community of churches, and music on the lawn. Missions: clothes closet, bicycle ministry, Sandy Plaines UMC, Lumberton. Events: fall festival, yard sale, golf tournament. BLESS YOU BAGS Please bring in boxes of tissues, hand sanitizer, paper towels, band aids, and disinfectant wipes for these little bags of blessing we provide for Alexander Wilson classrooms. Collection box in the hallway. Bring them by Sunday, March 5. See Brenda Moss with any questions. HIGHLIGHTS OF 2/12 COUNCIL MTG. By VBS planning is ongoing. Consideration is being given to partnering with other churches to build community relationships by conducting VBS during a community day with a potential health fair, haircuts, etc. in a community yet to be determined. Pastor Christi, Betsy Shambley, and attended a district workshop at All Saints UMC on January 29 th. Christi presented A Piece of Heaven on Earth where we had an open discussion on diversity and radical hospitality and being with others. The workshop was well attended. Safe Sanctuary Training was completed on February 12 th. Training is to prevent child abuse, harassment, and to protect the volunteers. Discussed warning signs. NC is a must report State if abuse is perceived. Background checks will be reviewed by the SPPRC Chair, a Lay Minister, and the Pastor. Christi will check to see if the District has any posters that can be displayed concerning Safe Sanctuaries. Trustees and Finance committee members will meet to develop a wish list of things needed and possibly funded by the Memorials and Honors Account. Trustees will also conduct a hospitality review from street to sanctuary. Review will include handicap access, signage, restrooms, and directories. A welcoming committee has been formed as part of outreach. The possibility of planning a Home Coming event in 2018 was discussed. Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 6 March & April 2017

7 Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 7 March & April 2017

8 A DISCIPLE S PATH Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter, when we prepare ourselves for Jesus' death and resurrection. It's a time of repentance and self- denial. We prepare to walk with Jesus to Jerusalem. I hope you will join us in all the ways the church provides opportunity for you to come closer to God in this season. Pick up a copy of A Disciple's Path, and join us for the small group study. You may attend either on Sunday mornings at 9:45 AM, Mondays at 6:30 PM (in the ladies classroom), or Tuesdays at 11 AM at the parsonage. We cannot walk this road alone. On Wednesday, March 1, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, you can come by the church between 12 and 2 to receive the imposition of ashes, I will be outside the church (unless the weather is terrible, in which case I'll at least go to the porch or Myrtle's or inside). We will say a prayer together and you can begin the season of Lent remembering that we are human and God is God. Or, even better, join us for the service that night at 7pm. Join the Holy Week services. Hear God's word and share the experiences of Jesus with others. We do not walk this way alone. Make a Lenten commitment. Give up TV or reduce the amount you watch. Take that time to read the bible, study, pray, reach out to someone in need. Give up obedience to a particular political position. When you hear the news, do the "love your neighbor" prayer for the people or group affected. Give up eating out once or more a week and take the money you would have spent to an organization that addresses food insecurity in our community, country, our world. Give up shopping. Will and I will do again our "40 bags in 40 days," where we clean out things that we don't use or need and donate them...this is part of an effort to live a simpler life, to keep things from inching in on God's space. What will help you make space for God, to truly allow Jesus to be Lord of your life? The invitation and the command are there... Walk with Jesus, be his disciple. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE Love fresh vegetables? Love supporting a good cause? Consider purchasing a "Community Supported Agriculture" share from Benevolence Farm, which welcomes women coming out of prison. Just a few miles away, near Mt. Hermon church, this beautiful farm, where former Swepsonville intern, Matt Ballard, is the farm manager, is a welcoming, healing place where women can come for 6 months to 2 years of regaining their footing in life, heal, gain confidence and work experience, and grow, along with the plants and the other people who are part of this wonderful endeavor. Several of us visited there this week, and it was a very moving experience. By making one payment now (approx $165 for 1-2 ppl or $275 for 3-4 ppl), you get a fresh box of veggie and fruit from early May through the end of July. If a few of us sign up, the boxes can be delivered to the church for weekly pickup. Visit their website or talk to Pastor Christi. Some of us also plan to volunteer to support the residents or the farm project. Contact Pastor Christi if you are interested in that. There are a variety of opportunities. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VBS will be June at Sweps Baptist. More details to come! GOLF TOURNAMENT By Pam Hadley Mark your calendars for the SUMC Annual Golf Tournament Friday, May 5 th, 2017 Indian Valley Golf Course Lunch will be served at 12:00 pm Shot Gun start will be 1:00 pm $50.00 per person / $ for team of 4 Please contact David Hadley at or phadley@netpath.net to sign up your team. We are also looking for hole sponsors. $ per sign. Please contact businesses you know to see if they will sponsor a hole. Signs can also be in honor of or memory of someone special. You may also contact David Hadley to order a sign. Please send your business logo or sign information to phadley@netpath.net Flyers will be at the church soon. Please help spread the word to make this tournament a huge success!!! Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 8 March & April 2017

9 YOUTH NEWS By Phil & Phyllis Norwood February brought our annual Souper Bowl luncheon, and this year we cheered on the Patriots vs. Falcons with soup, sandwiches, sweets, and loads of laughter and fellowship. Many thanks go out to our amazing parents who cook, serve, and clean up after such a successful event! A special thanks to Shirley Lloyd for preparing soup and her famous chocolate pies for us! Once again, the church family showered their support for the youth with your presence and monetary donations. Donations of $2000 will fund many youth events in the coming year, and we also collected $417 for the hungry. Many thanks for your continued support of our youth! We are working hard in preparing Youth Sunday for the church family and may be asking for a few yearbook pictures of you. "Journeys" will be our theme this year, and we are once again excited to bring the message...and comic commercial breaks as well! Please join us in May for Youth Sunday. Upcoming Youth Events: May 7, 2017 Youth Sunday June 4, 2017 Senior Sunday Swepsonville UMC Newsletter 9 March & April 2017