A Note from our Pastor

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East Cobb United Methodist Church The Epistle FEBRUARY 2017 A Note from our Pastor SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: From Our Pastor...1-2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Worship News...2 Important Announcements.

Below you will find stories of inspiring people who influenced their communities, our nation, and the world for Christ. Today, there is great opportunity for service and offering the joy of Christ.

Will future generations look upon our names and be inspired to work for God's purposes on earth? FRANCES WILLARD was once the president of the largest woman's organization in the United States.

1 East Cobb United Methodist Church The Epistle FEBRUARY 2017 A Note from our Pastor SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: From Our Pastor INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Worship News...2 Important Announcements.3 Ministry Updates...4 Upcoming Events..5 ECUMC stands in the midst of a Methodist heritage that offers salvation and justice. Below you will find stories of inspiring people who influenced their communities, our nation, and the world for Christ. Today, there is great opportunity for service and offering the joy of Christ. Our God is great. How will we honor and glorify God in our lives as we serve and live into this great tradition? Will future generations look upon our names and be inspired to work for God's purposes on earth? FRANCES WILLARD was once the president of the largest woman's organization in the United States. She was a force in the late 19th century seeking voting rights and better conditions for women. Francis Willard was a Methodist. Called-on-the-carpet for offering soup as well as salvation to the dregs of society in mid-19th century England, WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTH walked out of a church meeting and started The Salvation Army. They were Methodists. The child of former slaves, MARY McLEOD BETHUNE said, God made me a missionary to all people of all colors in the United States. She founded Bethune-Cookman College and became an advisor to 7 presidents of the United States. She was a Methodist. EDGAR HELMS was pastor of a church in the worst slum area of Boston. He and his wife collected furniture, clothes, and tools from wealthy Bostonian families and set up a factory where the poor could learn a trade and earn a living. They called the factory Goodwill Industries. It grew into the largest rehabilitation agency in the country. Edgar and his wife were Methodists. (Continued on Page 2) 1

One of the most influential leaders of the historic Pullman Railway Strike in 1894 was the REV. WILLIAM CARWARDINE, who railed against the plight of working men and women. Rev.

He knew there was no one like his close friend, Martin Luther King, when it came to mobilizing public opinion. He persuaded Dr. King to come to Memphis. Jim Lawson was a Methodist.

2 One of the most influential leaders of the historic Pullman Railway Strike in 1894 was the REV. WILLIAM CARWARDINE, who railed against the plight of working men and women. Rev. Carwardine was pastor of the Pullman Methodist Church. ye The REV. JIM LAWSON was one of the leaders of a sanitation workers' strike in Memphis in He knew there was no one like his close friend, Martin Luther King, when it came to mobilizing public opinion. He persuaded Dr. King to come to Memphis. Jim Lawson was a Methodist. Along with Desmund Tutu and Nelson Mandela, BISHOP PETER STOREY helped lead the movement that eventually toppled the South African government's official policy of segregation called "apartheid." Peter Storey is a Methodist. Rev. Nanci Hicks Senior Pastor nanci@eastcobbumc.org WEEKLY WORSHIP SUNDAY 9:30 AM HeartLight Contemporary Worship with HeartLight Worship Band 11:00 AM Traditional Worship with Chancel Choir 3:00 PM Kenyan Congregation Worship WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM Vespers Worship In addition to preaching to the poor in London, JOHN WESLEY established an employment bureau, offered classes to teach business skills, created a clothing cooperative for unemployed women, established a credit union offering interest-free loans to the needy, opened a home for poor widows, free schools for neglected children, and an orphanage. Disgusted by the lack of medical services for the poor, he opened the first free clinics in London and dispensed medicine to 500 people a week. In response to the severe economic conditions in England he called for government intervention, increased employment opportunities, and discharging half of the national debt. The last letter he wrote was to encourage William Wilberforce, a member of Parliament, to continue his political battle in Parliament to end the English slave trade. John Wesley was the founder of Methodism. Methodists, let s remember where we came from and the difference we can make for the better. This Month in Worship February 12 th What s It All About, Anyway? Matthew 5:21-37 February 19 th Commissioning New Leaders February 26 th You Gotta Serve Somebody Matthew 6:

The new and improved banquet will be held on February 11, 2017 at 6:00 pm in the Activities Building. Attendees will have the choice of fillet mignon or chicken breast for their entrée.

3 Sweetheart Banquet 2017 In 1970, The Men s Club began hosting a Sweetheart Banquet during the Valentine s season. After trying an alternative banquet for the past two years, the Men s Club has decided to reintroduce the Sweetheart Banquet this year. The new and improved banquet will be held on February 11, 2017 at 6:00 pm in the Activities Building. Attendees will have the choice of fillet mignon or chicken breast for their entrée. The hall will be traditionally decorated with banners, balloons, hearts flowers etc. After the meal, there will be some entertainment and the Men s Club will announce their Sweetheart of the Year, and the Scholarship Committee will announce $1,000 scholarships to two ECUMC youths. Tickets are now on sale for $10 apiece for the banquet and REACH. Every effort is being made to restore the grandeur of this annual event. Changes Are Coming Women s Retreat 2016 To the website! In the absence of our Communications Specialist Calissa Dauterman, who has been on maternity leave, the church website has become outdated. Upon Calissa s return, she will be revamping and optimizing the church website so that it can best serve the congregation and provide useful information to the community. We thank you for your patience and understanding on this matter. March 3 rd -5 th Dahlonega, GA Sweet Life Café Registration Now Open! Contact Pat Holcomb: patholcomb@bellsouth.net Step In to Health Be a Part of ECUMC s Walking Group! Let s step in to health together at ECUMC. Join us every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning at 8:00 AM at East Cobb Park (meet in the lower parking lot) for a rejuvenating morning walk. All levels of fitness are welcome. Bring yourself and a friend! We hope to see you there! 3

4 Great Changes Ahead for Children s Ministry at ECUMC! Beginning in March, elementary age Sunday School classes will be moving into classrooms more appropriate for their ages in the Activities Building. We are excited about introducing new spaces and updated curriculum as we move into Lent. Children & Youth In addition, Catacombs Club will begin meeting twice a month for our third through fifth graders. On the second and fourth Sundays of March and April, our older elementary kids will gather with the youth for lunch, then experience a secret club based on the realities of early Christians. God and Me, a scouting resource, will be offered for first through third graders every Sunday in Lent, 2:00-3:00 pm. Its objectives are to help young people grow in their understanding of the Christian faith, to help young people see how other people have translated belief into action and to provide young people with the opportunity for Christian service to others. Contact Dena Kitchens at dena@eastcobbumc.org if you are interested in participating in this program. \ Request for Lenten Devotionals Opportunity for Major Congregational Participation! Again this year, we will share Lenten Devotionals that have been offered by you, the members of the East Cobb UMC Congregation. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and we will need a devotional for every day of the season except Sundays. We will end the series with a devotional for Easter. So if you have ever put into words how you feel, you are a perfect candidate to contribute to our Lenten Devotional Series. me, Rev. Jim Perry at jim@eastcobbumc.org to express your interest. If you want an assigned scripture, I will provide you with one. If you wish to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, that s great as well. Why am I asking you to do this? We are all too busy to add this one more thing, right? Well, no. The work of the church is done beyond the walls, in the essence and grit of our world. I especially encourage the leadership of the Church to offer spiritual leadership. You are capable and God will equip you to say what God wants said. You are a leader by divine appointment, so take that spiritual responsibility seriously as we move into this time of thoughtful self-evaluation. Thank you, Rev. Jim Perry, Minister of Congregational Care and Discipleship 4

5 REACH Out! On February 19 th at 12:00 PM, come celebrate the completion of our initial project from the BE BOLD and REACH campaigns. Our congregation continues to be faithful to the vision of REACHing our community and glorifying God through renovating our facility and our ministry. Let s celebrate this important milestone together! The Newly refurbished Lighthouse Academy classroom will Mark Your Calendar! open for first looks, and staff will be on hand to talk about next steps. Refreshments will be provided. Come and bring a friend! Featured Events Saturday, February 11 Sweetheart Banquet, 6:00 PM (Fellowship Hall) Thursday, February 16 SPRC Meeting, 7:00 PM (Room 203) Sunday, February 19 REACH Out!,12:00 PM (Crossroads) Monday, February 20 Finance Committee Meeting, 7:00 PM (Room 203) Monday, February 27 Administrative Council Meeting, 7:00 PM (Room 103) Join ECUMC for Wednesday night dinner, fellowship, Vespers worship, and activities for all ages. February 8 Staff Appreciation Menu: Beef tips, rice and gravy, succotash, biscuits, banana pudding, and pizza and french fries for the kids February 15 Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, gravy, cobblers, ice cream, and chicken tenders and french fries for the kids Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday For a full calendar of events, visit the church website. February 22 NO MEAL Cobb County Schools closed for Winter Break March 1- Ash Wedensday Menu: Youth Pancake Supper 5

6 East Cobb United Methodist Church 2325 Roswell Road Marietta, GA Phone: Website: A mosaic of God's family, GATHERING to embrace God and all people, GROWING in faith, love and joy, and GOING into the world to serve and share Jesus. Bronwyne Butler Director of Lighthouse Academy Bronwyne@eastcobbumc.org Lighthouse Academy: Calissa Dauterman Communications Specialist Calissa@eastcobbumc.org Trenton Dockery Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Trenton@eastcobbumc.org Rob Frank Director of Music & Worship Arts Rob@eastcobbumc.org Rev. Nanci Hicks Senior Pastor Nanci@eastcobbumc.org Ashley Kaczorowksi Associate Director of Music and Worship Arts for Children Ashley@eastcobbumc.org Daniel Kaimathiri Kenyan Youth Ministry Rev. Peter Kaimathiri M'Tuamwari Pastor of Kenyan Congregation Peter@eastcobbumc.org Dena Kitchens Director of Children s Ministries Dena@eastcobbumc.org Bailee Lauersdorf Community Involvement Liaison bailee@eastcobbumc.org Christine McRee Administrative Assistant Office@eastcobbumc.org Ira Pittman Associate Director of Music & Worship Arts Ira@eastcobbumc.org Rev. James L. Perry, Jr. Minister of Congregational Care & Discipleship Jim@eastcobbumc.org Charlene Smith Business Administrator Charlene@eastcobbumc.org East Cobb United Methodist Church 2325 Roswell Road, NE Marietta, GA

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

SPECIAL SUNDAYS OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The Special Sundays in The United Methodist Church are intended to be illustrative of the nature and calling of the church and are celebrated annually. The