Community News. At the crossroads... where the cross meets the community. Inside This Issue. September 2017

Transcription

1 Community News At the crossroads... where the cross meets the community September 2017 Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church 5555 Hereford Farm Road Evans, GA (706) Beth s Blessings Inside This Issue Worship Opportunities Worship Schedule Lay Servants for September Christian Formation Adult Bible Studies Bible Black Belts 252 Basics Youth Events Ministry Opportunities Nursery Volunteers 252 Basics: Recreation Communications Committee Events Coming Up Charge Conference Trunk or Treat United Methodist Men: 2017 Men s Retreat Women s Ministries: 2017 Women s Retreat Christmas at the Crossroads Crowds have been in the news a lot lately, since the one in Charlottesville a few weeks ago. Crowds like that and the potential for crowds like that make us anxious with hatred on full and bold display, and the fear bubbling beneath our political life on the verge of erupting in anger and a mob mentality. The Gospels tell us Jesus moved through crowds frequently. Whenever he visited a village and especially in the city of Jerusalem around the temple, Jesus experienced crowds. In the equally tense political climate of Jesus day, he experienced crowds like the one in Charlottesville. There are stories of crowds surrounding Jesus, pushing him or engulfing him, eventually mobbing and crucifying him. Jesus was in but not of the crowd. He was not anxious. Knowing that he was called to be out among the people, he wanted to touch all God s beloved children and be with the masses of hurting souls. So, he entered the crowd beside them and attended to the ones most others would ignore at best, push aside and trample at worst. Once, in the middle of a noisy, clamoring crowd, Jesus felt a woman gently touch the hem of his clothes. She was weak and desperate from years of suffering and loss. Jesus saw her within the crowd, felt her deepest need, healed her with peace. (Luke 8:40-48) Another time, Jesus noticed Zacchaeus, a collaborator with the occupying Roman government, who was perched in a tree, putting himself above the crowd for a better view. The crowd despised and whispered about Zacchaeus, but Jesus refused to side with their prejudice, greeted him with kindness, and went to eat with him. (Luke 19:1-10) Jesus is no crowd pleaser, but a crowd confounder with the depth and breadth of the Lord s grace and peace. The crowds of our modern life are still jostling in the public square of our city, but even more, daily driving around us, passing through the crossroads where our church building sits. Our building puts us in the middle of the crowd, where Jesus is. Rather than hiding behind our brick walls, Jesus invites us to go out among the people. To be jostled by them, to be stung by hatred on full and bold display, to be moved by the fear bubbling beneath the surface, to show compassion for the one behind the car window s glass, anxious for how our political life might impact her family. Monday evening rush hour is a peak time for the crowding at the crossroads. Each week on that day at that time, some of us follow Jesus out into the crowd, and we simply offer a sign of his grace with a smile, a bottle of cold water, and sometimes a prayer. We catch their eye, listen to their story, and share a holy moment of connection. Come into the crowd. Jesus is there every Monday from 5:00 until 6:00 pm at the crossroads, where the cross meets the crowd with grace and peace. Blessings, Monday Rush Hour Prayer Ministry September 4, 11, 18 & 25 5:00-6:00 pm

2 2 8:00 am Sanctuary Worship 10:00 am Sanctuary 11:00 am Warehouse Children s Church is available during all Sunday services for children 3 years to 2nd grade. Worship is simply giving God His breath back. - Louie Giglio Wednesday September 6 Wednesday September 13 Wednesday September 20 Wednesday September 27 Sunday September 3 Communion All Services Matthew 14:13-21* Sunday September 10 Matthew 14:22-33* Sunday September 17 Matthew 15:21-28* Sunday September 24 Matthew 16:13-20* *Join Rev. Beth s Pastor s Roundtable on Wednesday nights to discuss the scripture for upcoming Sunday sermons. September Lay Leadership September 3 Labor Day Weekend 8:00 am Worship Leader: Laurie Ickes Ushers: Claude Harper/Dave Hinner Acolyte: Ben Sweat/Nate Sweat 10:00 am Worship Leader: Gene Hair Acolytes: Aubree Jones/Makayla Jones 11:00 am Worship Leader: Jill Pratt September 10 8:00 am Worship Leader: Grant Nichols Ushers: Tony Welch/Bryant Percival 10:00 am Worship Leader: Grant Nichols 11:00 am Worship Leader: Sonny McDowell September 17 8:00 am Worship Leader: Laurie Ickes Ushers: Debbie Guy/Harry Parker Acolyte: TBD 10:00 am Worship Leader: Jill Pratt 11:00 am Worship Leader: Kimberly Norville September 24 8 :00 am Worship Leader: Cary Woodorth Ushers: Tommy Martin/Jimmy Morris Acolyte: Olivia Delucia 10:00 am Worship Leader: Kimberly Norville 11:00 am Worship Leader: Jill Pratt September Events September 4 Labor Day Holiday (Office Closed) September 8-10 Children s Retreat September 10 Soul-Full Sundays begin September District Retreat (Wesley UMC) September 9 Men s Ministry Breakfast September 14 Young At Heart September 17 Shepeard Blood Drive Charge Conference September Meetings September 11 Board of Trustees September 12 Staff-Parish Relations Committee September 17 Charge Conference September 18 Finance Committee September 19 Evangelism Committee United Methodist Women September 21 Nominations Committee September 24 Youth Council September 25 Administrative Council September 26 Women s Retreat Meeting Save the Dates October 6-8 Rooted Youth Retreat Men s Retreat 29 Trunk or Treat November 5 Daylight Savings Time Ends Women s Retreat 19 Gratitude Sunday Thanksgiving Dinner Late Night At Lewis December 2 Christmas at the Crossroads Charge Conference 2017 The annual Charge Conference is our opportunity to share with the congregation and our District Superintendent all that God is doing through Lewis Memorial. Following paragraphs 246 and 247 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, the Charge Conference is an official business meeting at which we elect the leadership for the coming year, set the pastor s compensation, certify lay servants, and receive and act on the annual report concerning membership. This year, Terry Fleming, our Augusta District Superintendent, invites us to welcome our neighbor, Quest UMC, to hold its annual Charge Conference in our sanctuary. After their meeting, we will join them for a brief worship service of communion. Then, our congregation will remain in the sanctuary for our Charge Conference. While the voting members of the Charge Conference are those who are elected to the Administrative Council for 2017, all members of the congregation are welcome and encouraged to attend and to have a voice. This administrative work represents our stewardship of resources toward the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Let us be attentive to God s call and claim upon our life together at Lewis Memorial UMC. September 17 4:00 pm Quest 5:00 pm Lewis Memorial Paired Conference Schedule 4:00 pm Quest UMC Charge Conference 4:30 pm Worship and Communion Service Quest and Lewis Memorial UMC Both Congregations will combine together for worship 5:00 pm Lewis Memorial Charge Conference 6:00 pm Intergenerational Meal Note: Children, Youth & Adult Studies will meet, unless otherwise noted. No Youth Worship Team / No Children s Choir Conference items should be in the church office by: Monday, September 11 These include: Nomination Report Lay Leader Certification Forms Safe Sanctuary Report Trustee Report Pastor s Report Rev. Terry Fleming Augusta District Superintendent 3

3 Fellowship Meals At Lewis Memorial Soul-Full Sundays Children Wednesday Night Suppers: Each of these suppers help support various projects these ministries have outside the General Budget. Your generous donations help meet these needs in a more timely manner. Luke 2:52 gives us a measuring stick for how to train our children patterned after Jesus childhood. September 6 Women s Ministry: Retreat Various Soups & Grilled Cheese Sandwiches September 13 Mother s Morning Out: Playground Pork Loin and Sides September 20 Ecuador Missions: Shoes for Kids Baked Potato Bar September 27 10K Challenge Pork Tacos Intergenerational Meal Sunday, September 10 6:30 pm Walking Tacos Individual Bags of Doritos (cool or nacho) Ground Beef Shredded Cheese Sour Cream Tomatoes Whole Kernel Corn Lettuce Salsa Kidney Beans Black Beans Tea Lemonade Reservations are required to make the best use of foods purchased for each meal. You may contact the church: office@lewismemorial.com; Facebook: Lewis Memorial UMC; or The City. Pew Rack cards are also provided in all worship services. After a full day of Worship in the morning and Bible studies Sunday afternoon, it s great to gather around the table to enjoy a meal. Intergenerational means that you will be linked with people of various age groups to promote a Christian family fellowship time. There will be a new conversation starter question for each week s sharing around the table. Children s Ministry prepares the meals each week from food items provided by your generosity. Below is a list of food items needed for donation. Please mark them Sunday Night Meal and bring them to the church kitchen/refrigerator, by the Wednesday prior. Check The City to see what items have already been donated. No reservations or payment needed - just come and share together family style. Sunday, September 17 6:00 pm Mac & Cheese Eggs Butter Evaporated Milk Milk Shredded Cheese Green Beans Bags of Salad Ranch Dressing French Dressing Tomatoes Croutons Dinner Rolls Brownies Sunday, September 24 6:30 pm Pulled Pork BBQ Pork Loin Bar-B-Q Sauce Hamburger Buns Cabbage Mix Salad dressing Sugar Vinegar Potato Chips (ind. bags) Bananas Vanilla Wafers Vanilla Pudding Cool Whip A full roster of informative and stimulating studies begin Sunday, September 10 Growing In Christ 4:00 pm Youth Worship Team 5:00 pm Nursery (6 weeks - 4 years) 252 Basics: Luke 2:52 (pre-k - 5th grade) helping kids grow in wisdom, faith and favor Cindy Vinson, Director of Children s Ministry Chapel Bldg A/Children s Church Bldg C Youth United Methodist Youth Fellowship designed to support our youth, help them to learn christian values and achieve a strong walk with the Lord on a daily basis. Grant Nichols, Director of Youth Ministry Warehouse/Youth Building Adult Disciple Fast Track is ideal for busy people who want to fit a comprehensive Bible study into their schedule. 24 weeks. Sonny McDowell, facilitator Room G407 Book charge: $15 Old Testament / $15 New Testament Old Testament - Sept 10 - Dec 3 New Testament - Jan 7 - Mar 25 4 COMING IN OCTOBER Lewis Lunch Box Dine-In or Take Out Take the family on a picnic at the lake Stop at the park on your way home from church Stay and enjoy a sack lunch after the morning worship services Individually Priced: Hamburgers ~ Cheeseburgers ~ BBQ Sandwiches Hot Dogs ~ Sausage Dogs Potato Salad ~ French Fries ~ Chips ~ Baked Beans And MORE! You can t beat the price, and all prceeds contribute to the church budget Pick up after Worship Services from 11:00 am while supplies last! Elev8 (UMYF) (6th - 12th grades) Adult Classes: Disciple Fast Track Seedbed Financial Peace Univ. 6:00 pm Children s Choir (prek - 5th Grade) 6:30 pm Intergenerational Meal (see page 4 for details) Financial Peace University Nine 90 minute meetings taking Dave s Baby Steps out of debt and into a life of saving and giving. Students are asked to pre-register online and pay prior to classtime at: Randall Crook, facilitator Room G107 $93 Because the gospel doesn t just save us. It changes us. Seedbed is a type of discipleship that not only transforms lives, but changes the sowing for a great awakening world. Students are asked to subscribe to receive the daily text at: Kiki Orum, facilitator Parlor 5

4 DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN S MINISTRY CINDY VINSON CINDY@LEWISMEMORIAL.COM Children s Ministry And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor. Luke 2:52 Children s Sunday School 9:00 am 10:00 am ( *9:00 am only on Combined Worship Sundays) Children s Church 8:00 am 10:00 am 11:00 am (10:00 am only on Combined Worship Sundays) 6 There will be NO Children s Ministry Activities on September 3, Labor Day Weekend. Bible Black Belts 252 Basics Intergenerational Meal Begins Sunday. September Basics 5:00-7:00 pm 252 Basics is a curriculum designed for Pre-Kindergarten through 5th-grade. What does 252 mean? It s not our street address or the number of questions a 2nd-grader can ask in 20 minutes. Instead, everything we teach in 252 Basics is based on one of three basic, but powerful, truths modeled by Jesus in Luke 2:52. I need to make the wise choice. I can trust God no matter what. I should treat others the way I want to be treated. The curriculum is designed to provoke discovery and invite kids into a new understanding of how to grow in relationship with Jesus. Children s Choir 6:00 pm All children are welcomed to come and join the Children s Choir on Sunday evenings. Intergenerational Meal (See pages 4 for details.) Each Wednesday Evening 6:30-7:25 pm Scripture With A Kick Two Age Groups This is an active Bible study for children ages Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children move through belt levels from August - May. Each belt level contains difference passages of Scripture and Bible Skills. Current Belt levels include: K-2nd: The Golden Rule; Psalm 46:1; Ephesians 5:20; the Bible Black Belt Pledge 3rd - 5th: Psalm 107:1; Joshua 1:9; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 21:3; John 12:26; Psalm 23 August 23rd was the second night for the Kindergarten - 2nd Graders. They were amazing! It s not too late for your chldren to join in on Wednesday nights. And of course, all are welcomed to stay after Bible Black Belts for Wednesday Night Worship Prayground in the Chapel from 7:30-8:15 pm. 6:30 pm We are in need of two adults to help with recreation for this program. Recreation is once or twice a month from 5:30-6:00 pm. Please prayerfully consider this fun way to help in this ministry. THEME FOR THIS MONTH: Friendship - Make Space at the Table MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS MONTH: Proverbs 17:17 Friends love all the time, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity. Key Question (KQ) and Bottom Line (BL) for each week: Sept. 10: KQ: What makes someone a good friend? BL: Friends love one another. Sept. 17: KQ: What does it mean to accept a friend? BL: Friends accept one another. Sept. 24: KQ: When a friend hurts you how do you respond? BL: Friends forgive one another. 3rd - 5th Grade Retreat September 8-10 Reservations are set! Chaperones are committed! Kids are hyped... for this exciting retreat at beautiful in the North Georgia mountains. Psalm 63: 4 So I will bless you as long as I m ALIVE; I will lift up my hands in your name. Can You Help? Children s Ministry Needs: Nursery Volunteers Come snuggle some precious infants in our nursery. Contact: Alicia Powell joyluck2482@ gmail.com Bible Black Belt One chaperone to rotate between two classes August - May 252 Basics One Recreation Leader Once or twice a month Sept. - April Contact: Cindy Vinson cindy1@ lewismemorial.com Children come and share in the opening moments of the worship experience here at Lewis Memorial. After Children s Moment with Rev. Beth, they are taken to Children s Church. But at some point in their Christian walk, we want them to share in the next level of Christian growth; The Lord s Supper, or Communion. How do you know when your child is ready to participate in the Lord s Supper? Although every child s journey to faith is different, at Lewis Memorial UMC we have set forth a guideline to help parents guide their children through this process. FIRST: Jesus told us, Let the children come unto Me, for to such is the kingdom of heaven. Children of any age are welcome to come to the communion table. We encourage parents to allow their children to experience participating in the Lord s Supper. Parents can talk with their child about the meaning of the sacrament. We also offer an annual Standard of Excellence Retreat for 2nd graders called Touch the Water, Taste the Bread. This retreat walks your child through the sacraments and helps prepare them to participate in the communion service. If you have any questions, please contact our Senior Pastor, Rev. Beth Sanders, rev.beth@lewismemorial.com. NEXT: is just logistics; the where, when, and how of communion. Where: Communion is offered during a worship service; When: Communion is offered the first Sunday of every month. How: There are two ways to involve your child in the communion service. The first is very simple. Have your child stay through the worship service. The second is to ask an usher for a laminated Communion Card provided in the foyer for you to have someone usher your child back to the sanctuary from Children s Church in time for communion. Coming in OCTOBER~ A Note from Children s Council October 29 AM ~ Fifth Sunday ~ Youth and Children Combined Worship and Potluck. Morning Worship at 10:00 am will focus on Youth and Children led worship. (*Sunday School meets at only at 9:00 am on Combined Worship Sundays) October 29 PM ~ Trunk or Treat! Watch for more information in the Enewsletter each week. to to get Children s Ministry Reminders. 7

5 United Methodist Youth Fellowship Grant Nichols Director of Youth Ministries Adult Fellowship Stewardship Vision 8 September Calendar Sundays Youth Worship 4:00 pm in Warehouse (only meeting September 24) Elev8 5:00 pm in Warehouse (not meeting Labor Day Weekend) Wednesdays Youth Bible 6:30 pm Guys in Room R204 Grant Nichols Gals in Room G107 Jennifer Powell Other Events: September 24 Youth Council 3:00 pm YB Sept 27 See You At The Pole 30 min. before school Elev8 (UMYF) Youth Council President - Gray Nichols Vice President - Alex Gill Treasurer - Dallas Adcox Secretary - Mattie Stephens Middle School Rep - Tim Best COMING IN OCTOBER United Methodist Youth Fellowship See You At The Pole National Day of Student Prayer Wednesday, September 27 Every thought... Every dream... Every fear... Every second... What s at the end of your every? God is callling us to a life with God where nothing is hidden, where we give it all to God, and where we surrender EVERYTHING. Rooted Retreat October 6-8 $155 7 th -12 th Graders Contact: Grant Nichol: youth@lewismemorial.com EVERY TUESDAY Sisters Group 1:00 pm Parlor A gathering of sisters in Christ to uplift each other in spirit. THIRD TUESDAYS United Methodist Women (UMW) September 19 7:00 pm Women of faith serving the Lord together. SECOND THURSDAYS Young at Heart September am Fellowship Hall $ 5 meal and program Pasta in a Pot Salad Birthday Cake Join with seniors for a fun time of fellowship and food. SECOND SATURDAYS United Methodist Men (UMM) 8:30 am Panera Bread Evans Monthly breakfast fellowship. ALTERNATING SUNDAYS Young Adults September 10 & 24 6:45 pm 3 Guys Pizza Trivia A gathering for those post high school to thirty to share faith and support each other in life s challenges. Young Adult Gathering Grant Nichols Director of Young Adult Ministry youth@lewismemorial.com Women s Retreat Brush up on your trivia skills and join the fun as the Young Adults gather at 3 Guys Pizza on Sunday evenings for food and fellowship. Bring a friend for added fun! Bring your bulletin and receive a free order of garlic knots! Sept 10 Sept 24 6:45 pm 3 Guys Pizza Trivia Save the Date! November 10-12, 2017 Forrest Hills Mountain Resort & Conference Center Dahlonega, GA $225 Complete Payment Due by October 15. Registration forms are available throughout the campus. Contact Jennifer Powell: jennifer.powell@ccboe.net A member of our Lewis Memorial family has stepped up and given $10,000 dollars toward retiring the mortgage on the Education Building, which is currently about $110,000. This generous donor is challenging others to step up to the starting line and leave the mortgage in the dust! Ten members might match this donation with a gift of $10,000 each; or a group of five members could each donate $2,000; or a group of ten members donate $1,000 each - we need everyone to join together to reach the goal! Give what you feel inspired to give, with a joyful heart. No gift is too small. Every gift, every step gets us closer to the finish line! Take your mark, get set, Go! Mark your check 10K Challenge Challenge runs until Sunday, September 3 TAKE THE CHALLENGE Avg. Worship Attendance as of August 20: 210 *Gifts to Operating Budget: $315, *Operating Budget Expenses: $348, *10K Challenge: $ 51, * as of 8/23/ Budget Reports are available from the Bookkeepers office, on The City, or from an usher. Men s Retreat Save the Date! October 20-22, 2017 Dahlonega, GA Speaker: Rev. David Sisler of Martinez, GA Registration Deadline September 20 $120 Contact Roger Kessing for info: rogerkessing@gmail.com 9

6 Happenings At the Crossroads New Ministry Opportunity Men s Saturday Prayer Breakfast Panera Bread Mother s Morning Out Back To School! Chapel Time! In response to the Worship & Communication Survey, we are creating a Communication Team. This team will help us get the word out for upcoming news and events using a variety of media tools such as Facebook, s, radio announcements, and printed materials. Is this something that may interest you? Do you enjoy communicating via social media? Do you enjoy sharing exciting happenings with friends? Do you like learning about new technology? Can you help? Let us know. Contact:Cindy Vinson cindy1@lewismemorial.com Pray For Me Ice Cream Social Children s Ministry Wednesday Night Supper Wednesday Night Prayground Worship Mission Evangelism Evangelism Opportunity! Monday Night Rush Hour Prayer Ministry Every Monday September 4, 11, 18 & 25 5:00-6:00 pm Join the Evangelism and Prayer Ministries in this opportunity to reach out to those who pass by Lewis Memorial every day during rush hour at the crossroads. 10 Sunday, October 29 Church Parking Lot Christmas At The Crossroads Save the Date! Vendor booths $35 Saturday, December 2, :00 am - 2:00 pm Proceeds will benefit a new Children s Playground * Tickets available from Steve Gerner, LMUMC Liaison cameo2003@gmail.com Let us welcome weary travelers with a bottle of cold water and a prayer for whatever is weighing upon them at the end of a busy Monday. There s something everyone can do to help with this ministry: Be a sign holders Pass out water bottles Bake cookies Greet with a smile Pray as the Spirit moves Contact Sonny McDowell: s.mcdowell@ icloud.com 11

7 Connect WORSHIP LEADERSHIP *Rev. Beth Sanders, Senior Pastor *Cindy Vinson, Ministries Executive Assistant Director of Children s Ministry cindy1@lewismemorial.com *Jason Powell, Contemporary Worship Leader jason@lewismemorial.com *Joseph Silmaro, Interim Music Director jpsilmaro@gmail.com Jewell Allen, Worship Chair alljewel622@knology.net Vicki Parker, Lay Leader bluealm@comcast.net AUDIO VISUAL MINISTRY *Michael Cooper avteam@lewismemorial.com ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Jill Pratt, Chair jillpratt32@gmail.com BOARD OF TRUSTEES Lee Irwin, Chair agafirefighter@comcastnet CHILDREN S MINISTRY *Cindy Vinson, Director cindy1@lewismemorial.com Peggy Delucia, Vice Chair peggyjead123@gmail.com CHRISTIAN FORMATION Kiki Orum, Chair kristinao6951@gmail.com Alan & Sheryl Brown Sunday School Superintendents brown041@comcast.net EVANGELISM *Rev. Beth Sanders, Chair FINANCE Susie Adcox, Chair sbadcox@comcast.net *Cynthia Abraham, Bookkeeper cynthia@lewismemorial.com Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God s mysteries. -1 Corinthians 4:1 MEN S MINISTRY Roger Kessing, UMMen s President rogerkessing@gmail.com MISSIONS Michelle Helpingstine, Chair toteleigh@gmail.com MOTHER S MORNING OUT *Joanne Percival, Director joanne@lewismemorial.com NURSERY Alicia Powell, Volunteer Coordinator joyluck24822@gmail.com PRAYER MINISTRY Jill Pratt, Coordinator jillpratt32@gmail.com Kiki Orum, Coordinator kristinao6951@gmail.com SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY Carolyn Andrews earthangel31@outlook.com WOMEN S MINISTRY Amelia Akin, UMWomen s President aakin60@comcast.net YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES *Grant Nichols, Director grant@lewismemorial.com Jennifer Nichols, Youth Chair jdn0926@hotmail.com CUSTODIAL *Jésus Cruz custodian@lewismemorial.com Jacki Atkinson, substitute hugh.atkinson@comcast.net OFFICE *Sandra DeJong Admin. Asst./Receptionist office@lewismemorial.com * Staff Personnel Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church 5555 Hereford Farm Road Evans, GA Address Correction Requested Open Hearts - Open Minds - Open Doors