DECEMBER. Special Events

Transcription

1 DECEMBER DECEMBER, 2015 Christmas McEachern United Methodist Church D ecember 2 Bethlehem Bound! A Family Advent Celebration 6:00 pm Christian Life Center Great Room Special Events D ecember 6 New Creation Choir Christmas Home Concert 5:30 pm Christian Life Center Great Room D ecember 13 Love Revealed Adult Choir Christmas Cantata 7:00 pm Sanctuary D ecember 20 A Service of Comfort 6:00pm Chapel Christmas Eve Services: Candlelight & Communion Services 3:00, 7:00, 9:00 pm - Sanctuary Kids & Carols (Family Service & Christmas Pageant) 5:00 pm - Sanctuary Spanish Service 5:00 pm - Chapel INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Announcements & Upcoming Events Children s Ministry... 4 Student Ministry... 5 Adult & Small Groups Ministry... 6 Women s Ministry... 7 Senior Adults Ministry... 8 Care Ministry Missions Ministry... 11

2 ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS THE STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE THANKS YOU! The Staff Parish Relations Committee wishes to thank the McEachern church family for the generous support of our clergy and staff during "Appreciation" month. The giving was a true indication of how blessed we feel to have such a wonderful work force that keeps our church running smoothly. We were able to express our gratitude through a luncheon and gifts thanks to you! REPORT FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES A variance request has been filed with Cobb County to renovate the basement area under the Care Center. The area will be redesigned for three small bedrooms, bath facility and small kitchen. The area will be used for temporary housing for missionaries and possibly for interns from seminary. Signs indicating this variance request will go up on the property December 14 and the hearing is scheduled for January DECEMBER, 2015

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS SAFE SANCTUARY Whether or not you plan to volunteer this year, you are invited to attend one of our training sessions. All employees, volunteers, coaches, teachers, or assistants in any ministry area who may come into contact with children, students, senior adults or those with special needs require annual Safe Sanctuary training, as mandated by the North Georgia UMC Conference. Please contact the Ministry leader of the area in which you wish to volunteer for an updated training schedule. Most Every 2nd Sunday 8-9AM All men are welcome to join us in Oaks Hall for breakfast on the second Sunday of most months. Come enjoy rewarding fellowship, hot coffee and excellent food! Next breakfast: December 13, 8-9AM NEW NURSERY CANCELLATION PHONE NUMBER For your convenience, the Nursery Department now has a simple, more expedient way for parents to cancel their childcare reservations for classes or meetings. If you need to cancel your reservations, please call or text We will continue to accept cancellations at nursery@mceachernumc.org. IT S A BOY! IT S A GIRL! IT S EXCITING! Are you expecting a baby or know of someone who is? Did you just have a new baby and haven't been contacted by our Special Deliveries Ministry? Chances are that we don't know! Please contact Amanda Taylor by ap5905@att.net or by phone at so that we may join with you in the excitement! BABY BABY BABY PARENTS TIME AWAY - DECEMBER 19 **SPECIAL EDITION** DECEMBER 19 ~ 12:00-6:00 p.m. This is a great time for Christmas Shopping! Let us provide a safe, fun place for your children to stay while you enjoy your Parents Time Away (PTA). Our staff is CPR/First Aid/ Safe Sanctuary trained and provide fun, age appropriate activities for children ages 6 weeks thru 5th grade. Cost: $35 for one child, $30 for the 2nd child and $20 each for each additional child How to Register: Registration and Medical Release Forms must be completed for each child. Register through the nursery office located on the lower level of the Christian Life Center or online Select Children & Youth then Nursery. Registration Deadline: NO LATER THAN MONDAY, DECEMBER 14 AT NOON Payment is due at time of registration! We cannot hold spots without payment! Thanks in advance for registering early. For more information visit Direct inquiries to Susan Koopman at ext or Susan@mceachernumc.org. DECEMBER,

4 A Place Where Children Grow ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES SUNDAY SCHOOL Meets at 9:30AM for ages Kindergarten - 5th Grade Christian Life Center - 1st floor CHILDREN S CHURCH Praise & Worship for ages Kindergarten - 5th Grade Meets during 11AM Worship services AWANA* (August April)* Sunday nights 5:30-7:30pm Children ages 3 Years - 5th grade Registration is required! 4 CHILDREN S MINISTRY UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES Family Advent Celebration December 2-6:30 PM Children s Chrstmas Eve Rehearsal December 13-4:30 PM All Children s event are posted on the church website. Volunteer!: AWANA 2016 SCHEDULE Awana will kick off the New Year on January 3, We will not meet the month of December. UPCOMING HOLIDAY EVENTS Wednesday, December 3rd at 6pm Please join us for this year s Family Advent Celebration. You will not want to miss BETHLEHEM BOUND! In one night, families will create props, rehearse, and present a full Christmas musical production you can be a star! We will cap off the night with hot chocolate and holiday cookies and making an Advent wreath! CALLING ALL 4 YR OLDS! Each year we invite all 4 year olds to participate during the 5 PM Christmas Eve service. The children can choose to be shepherds, angels, wise men, and even sheep. The children will process during the service as the Christmas story is told. Costumes are provided for the children. To prepare for Christmas Eve, we will have a rehearsal Sunday, December 13th at 4 PM in the Sanctuary. SUNDAY SCHOOL Storytellers are coming to Sunday school on Sunday, December 20th! Children will hear about the birth of Jesus from Joseph, Mary and even animals!!! The Children s Ministry has given Bibles to all of the elementary age students. If your child was not here on the day that the Bibles were distributed, please contact Jackie at the address below to receive your child s Bible. We will use these each and every week during Sunday school, Children s church and during our AWANA program. Children will not only learn all about the Bible the stories inside but they will also learn how to use their Bibles. Sunday school classes provide a weekly family page to take home that informs parents about what Scripture they learned as well as the story taught during our Sunday school hour. This is a great resource and guide to engage children in conversation about their developing faith! EMBRACE SPECIAL NEEDS - PARENTS TIME AWAY Special Needs Ministry will offer a Parents Time Away on Saturday, December 19th from 12-6 PM. Registration is required! Cost: $35 for one child, $30 for 2nd, and $20 for each additional. All proceeds go to supplies and equipment needed for our class. For more information or to register please contact Jackie Gibbins below. For Children s information or to volunteer, call x 5018 or Jackie@mceachernumc.org. DECEMBER, 2015

5 Check website for Sunday Elevation activities! STUDENT MINISTRY ELEVATION SUNDAY A.M. A MESSAGE FROM OUR STUDENT MINISTRY PASTOR In this season, our hearts turn to Advent a time when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ but also prepare for His eventual return. We live in a dark place where sin has confused and darkened our world. Jesus is the light that brings healing and redemption to the world. The amazing thing about God is that He sent Jesus to take our sin and shame so that we could walk in freedom. It is time to anticipate His arrival much like we anticipate Christmas morning, but the gift of Jesus is so much more powerful and amazing than anything we could ever hope to receive. He is here and lives among us. Jesus came to fix all the brokenness and mess in which we find ourselves. He also wants us to actively participate in this redemption process which makes all things new. Let s go share His Love Revealed to the world! CHRISTMAS CONCERT & COAT OFFERING 5:30 PM - DECEMBER 6 DECEMBER CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES & EVENTS December Midweek Meetings at McEachern UMC on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the Gym. This is the place for stress relief - throw some dodgeballs, eat pizza, fellowship, but most importantly reconnect with God. Be there! December Meeting Dates : 12/09 & 12/16. NOTE: We will NOT meet for MIDWEEK on 12/02, 12/23, & 12/30. See you back on January 6th. Elevation Service Opportunity at The Christmas Store ~ Dec 18 & 19 Students of all ages are encouraged to help assist local families in need with our on-campus Christmas Store and Children s program. This is a great opportunity to spread God s love in a practical way. Please contact Jason for more details. December 20th MERGE Event ~ Christmas Shopping Town Center Mall~ 2-9 PM Grades 6-12 are invited to shop til you drop and hang out. Drop off and pick up at Higher Ground. Bring $10-15 for dinner and extra money to shop. A permission slip is required to attend. Bring a friend! Visit our website at for more details on what s happening this month! GOT COMMUNITY? JOIN US SUNDAY NIGHTS 5:30-7:30 PM December 6: New Creation Christmas December 15-17: The Christmas Store Join us every Sunday at 9:30 Higher Ground for our weekly youth gathering that includes breakfast, engaging biblical discussion, and powerful worship! NOTE: Elevation AM will NOT meet on Sunday, December 27th during Christmas week. Everyone is invited to a night of worship, song, testimony and fun! Please join us on Sunday night, Dec. 6th at 5:30 PM in the gym for our annual New Creation Christmas Concert & Coat Offering. After the concert join us for a time of fellowship, a great hot chocolate bar, and a cookie party. Make sure to bring your winter coat offering for those in need! Jan 3: Destination Unknown Jan 31: Dodgeball Tournament For inquiries or more information, visit or contact the following: Student Ministries Pastor, Rev. Jason Jordan jason@mceachernumc.org or ext Student Ministry Music Director, Kerry Driskill kerry@mceachernumc.org DECEMBER,

6 ADULT MINISTRY 2016 WINTER SMALL GROUP STUDY OPPORTUNITIES Advance registration is strongly encouraged to ensure receipt of a study book at the first session. Online: (Available December 16) By Kathy@mceachernumc.org In Person: Stop by Connection Point in the Christian Life Center and leave completed form in tray. By Phone: Call Kathy Strawn at ext 6008 Nursery is available for all classes by reservation only! nursery@mceachernumc.org, include class day and time and names and birthdates of children. Sunday Evenings, 5:30 7:00 p.m. The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Begins 1/3/16 in F147 This 8 week DVD led study by Randy Frazee is part of a chronological study of the Bible in which you will discover the heart of God s Upper Story, His master plan unfolding in the lives of the Bible characters as well as in your own life. Experience the joy that comes as you align your story with God s. This part of The Story covers 1 Samuel through Malachi in the Old Testament, beginning with David and ending with the rebuilding of the walls in Jerusalem. Facilitated by Don and Gail Hendershot Christianity and World Religions Begins 1/3/16 in F328 In this 6 week DVD study by Adam Hamilton we will examine Christianity and the essential teachings of four major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism. Hamilton explores how to build bridges with others so that we might grow in our faith, seek peace in our world, and find positive ways to share the gospel. Facilitated by Curtis & Jill Marks If You Want to Walk on Water, You ve Got to Get Out of the Boat Begins 1/10/16 in Care Center G103 In this 6 week study by John Ortberg you'll learn how to move beyond fear to discover God s unique calling on your life. Peter may have been the first one out of the boat, but Jesus invitation to walk on water is for you as well. Learn to answer Christ s call to greater faith, power-filled deeds, and a new way of knowing how to discern God s call, transcend fear, risk faith, and trust God. Facilitated by Rhonda Eberhard A Way Through the Wilderness: Growing in Faith When Life Is Hard Begins 1/31/15 in F327 This 6 week study by Rob Renfroe explores the wilderness experience we all encounter when we feel alone and desperate, don t know where to turn and see no end in sight. Discover what it is, how we get there, why God allows it and how we get through it God s way so that we learn the lessons that can be learned only in the desolate seasons of life when we are truly dependent on God. Facilitated by Jeff Jernigan Wednesday Mornings, 9:30 11:30 a.m. Amazing Collection Begins 1/13/16 in F326 This ongoing DVD led study presents an in-depth book study of the Bible covering one chapter per week beginning with 1 Chronicles. The group will see Scripture come alive in a new way and develop a Christian community. Open to men and women. Facilitated by Diane Moeller What Love Is: The Love Letters of 1, 2, 3 John (Women s Group) Begins 1/13/16 in Room F321 This DVD led study by Kelly Minter challenges participants to look at contrasting themes such as walking in the light instead of darkness, truth versus lies and deception, loving God more than loving the world, and the meaning of true fellowship and community rather than shallowness. The study includes 7 video sessions and 6 weeks of 5 daily homework assignments. Facilitated by Teresa McDaniel Bad Girls of the Bible and What We Can Learn From Them (Women s Group) Begins 1/13/16 in F328 In this 10 week DVD study by Liz Curtis Higgs you will study the lives of infamous women in the Bible who show us how not to handle the challenges of life. These Bad Girls from the past teach us how to be Good Girls in the present. Group Coordinator: Pam Sewell Thursday Evenings, 6:30 8:00 p.m. Disciple Fast Track: Bible Study for Busy Lives Begins 1/7/16 in F235 This 8 week DVD led study is part of a new condensed version of the original Disciple Bible Study which covers the grand sweep of Scripture. It maintains the integrity and principles of the original study and better meet the needs of busy lifestyles. This part of Disciple Fast Track covers the fall of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel and Judah through the prophets in the Old Testament and the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) in the New Testament. Facilitated by Kathy Strawn. 6 DECEMBER, 2015

7 WOMEN S MINISTRY MORE 2016 WINTER GROUP STUDIES Small groups and studies are instrumental in helping individuals to develop and maintain vibrant Christian lives by offering godly support and spiritual growth opportunities. Look for more upcoming Winter 2016 small group study offerings in your January issue of The Vine including Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey. Moms in Prayer normally meets every Thursday during the school year. Join us December 3, 10, and 17 at 11:30 AM in the Christian Life Center, Room F316! Moms in Prayer International impacts children and schools worldwide for Christ by gathering mothers to pray. We have a gathering right here at McEachern UMC! Moms and grandmas are invited to join with us as we pray for our children and their schools. Our weekly meetings last less than an hour, and we can find another group for you if this one does not work with your schedule. For more information, please contact Ann Kubat at AKubat@comcast.net or MOPS & Mom s Next Upcoming Meeting Dates: December 3 and 17 January 7 and 21 Moms! Tired? Stressed? Need a break? Please join us for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and Mom s Next (Moms with children of all ages). Come eat, relax, find community, and do crafts. FREE childcare is provided. We also have monthly play dates and Mom's Night Outs! You can reach us at mops@mceachernumc.org or on Facebook; search McEachern MOPS. We meet in Oaks Hall from 9:30am - 11:30am. If you plan to attend, please your nursery needs to Susan Koopman at nursery@mceachernumc.org. Include names and birthdates of your children for accurate staffing. Come have a great time with other moms! JOIN A MONTHLY WOMEN S GROUP! Women s Ministry Book Club (normally meets on 2 nd Thursday of each month) Next meeting: Thursday, December 10 th - 6:30 pm - Christian Life Center - Room F147 Book: The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate. Facilitated by Dee Willingham. For more information, please contact Dee at dolphindee922@yahoo.com. Besse McElreath Women s Group (normally meets on the 3 rd Monday of each month) Next meeting: No regular meeting in December - January date to be announced We look forward to having you join us! The Besse McElreath Women's Group is comprised of women who love the Lord and strive to serve Him by helping to meet the needs of women and children in our community. For more information, please contact Linda Walker at llhw@bellsouth.net. Rebekah Women s Group (normally meets on the 4 th Monday of each month) Next meeting: No regular meeting in December - January date to be announced The Rebekah Women s Group meets monthly for food, fellowship and light Bible studies. Because our emphasis is on women s and children s ministries, we choose Bible studies and projects that center around those themes. Our current study is Finding Balance: Loving God with Heart and Soul, Mind and Strength. All ladies are welcome to join us for snack supper and a time of sharing and caring together. For more information or to add your address to the monthly meeting reminder list, please contact tonibrewton@bellsouth.net. DECEMBER,

8 SENIOR ADULTS MINISTRY Jim Howe, who is well known for his interesting local tours, will join the J.O.Y. group on the church bus to present a tour of Alpharetta and Roswell. We will enjoy a visit to Bullock Hall where in 1853, Mittie Bullock married Theodore Roosevelt, Sr. This famous antebellum home will be decorated for the Christmas Season. See other Roswell antebellum mansions and the remains of the Roswell Mills, the industry started by the town s founder, Roswell King. Also see the rural parts of Fulton County by riding through Alpharetta s beautiful horse country. Date: Thursday, December 10 (FULL) Depart: 8:45 a.m. Return: Approximately 4:30 p.m. Cost: $ Also bring money for lunch at Alpha Soda and $1-2 for gas. Date: Wednesday, December 9 (OPEN) Depart: 8:45 a.m. Return: Approximately 4:30 p.m. Cost: $ Also bring money for lunch at Alpha Soda and $1-2 for gas. ZUMBA GOLD SATURDAYS MEET IN LULA DOBBS 12 PM - $ 6 PER CLASS Perfect for active older adults who are seeking a modified Zumba class with the original moves at a lower intensity. Classes focus on: Cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility, balance and range of motion. Come ready to sweat; leave feeling strong. Contact Beth.Miller@TheSpiritOfDance.com. *NO COST* CARDIO EXERCISE, PILATES & YOGA Tuesdays & Thursdays 7-8 PM at Higher Ground (above the ball fields) Tuesdays: 1 hour of cardio exercise Thursdays: 30 minutes of cardio exercise & 30 minutes of Pilates/Yoga Contact: Clyde Tallent at MACLAND SENIORS LUNCHEONS We meet on the first Friday of each month at 11:30 AM in Lula Dobbs Hall. We gather for a great meal prepared by participants and enjoy a program provided by individuals from our community. UPCOMING LUNCHEON DATES (Lunches are Pot Luck. Please bring your favorite covered dish to share.) DECEMBER 4TH - Christmas Carols & Games Presented by MMUMC Seasonal Singers JANUARY 8TH - Surprise Guest! For more Information, please contact Rev. Cindy Blocksidge, Cindy@mceachernumc.org or Nancy Folds nfolds@mceachernumc.org 8 DECEMBER, 2015

9 CARE MINISTRY The CARE Ministry at McEachern connects people in need to those who want to help. The Care and Counseling Center is warm, inviting and buzzing with activity every week. Our facility exists due to the generosity of donors, some who also helped to establish a Care Pastor discretionary fund to assist with some counseling payments. Freedom from Life's Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits *Alcohol/Drugs *Anger/Rage *Co-dependency *Divorce *Eating Disorders *Fear/Anxiety *Food Addiction *Gambling *Grief *Guilt *Hurtful Relationships *Insecurity *Isolation *Lying *Laziness *Need to Control *Negative Body image *Negative Thinking *Overworking *Overspending *Neglect of Physical Health *Physical/Sexual Abuse *Perfectionism *Rejection *Sexual Addiction *Whatever keeps you from your relationship with God and others MEETINGS EVERY THURSDAY 7:00-9:00PM in The Care Center-G101 Schedule Large Group 7:00-8:00pm Opening Song Welcome and Opening Prayer Worship Music to Praise The Lord Reading of the 8 Recovery Principles or The Celebrate Recovery 12 Steps Announcements Lesson, Testimony or Guest Speaker Offering Chips Serenity Prayer Closing song Open Share 8:00-9:00pm In Christ Alone BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS EVERY 3RD SUNDAY MONTHLY Next Blood Pressure Check Date, December 20, :30-11:00 am & Noon - 12:30 pm in Room F-214 (Bride s Room) DECEMBER,

10 CARE MINISTRY Individuals Couples Families Children Adolescents Services are offered to our church family and the community by licensed therapists. What does a Stephen Minister Do? Life Coaching Relationships Pre-marital Parenting Listens Encourages Keeps Confidence Prays Supports Walks beside a hurting person Grief Depression Anxiety Phobias Let us help you achieve a healthy balance in life! Fees are based on a sliding scale according to household income - Visa/MC accepted Flexible appointment times available weekdays, evenings and weekends - to fit your schedule! Contact: ext counselingcenter@mceachernumc.org STEPHEN MINISTRY For more info regarding CARE Ministry contact Cindy@McEachernUMC.org OR DECEMBER, 2015 Childbirth Hospitalization Separation or Divorce Terminal Illness Being shut in If you or someone you know needs a Stephen Minister, please contact Rev. Cindy Blocksidge at Cindy@mceachernumc.org or stephenministers@mceachernumc.org Eating Disorders Anger Management Stress Management Work and Career Issues Who May Need a Stephen Minister? Those who experience Loneliness Loss of a loved one Retirement changes Unemployment Discouragement * MONDAY MORNING MINISTERS * Every Monday Morning (except holidays) 10:30-noon in Room B101 Dedicated people meet to pray for the homebound, ill, hospitalized, and those experiencing grief or difficult life circumstances. They also celebrate joys and praises such as families welcoming newborns who they lift in prayer. After praying, cards are signed by members, each of whom includes a brief note of encouragement, sympathy or congratulations. Perhaps you have received one of these greeting card blessings! Come and join this powerful ministry at McEachern Memorial UMC!

11 MISSIONS MINISTRY THE CHRISTMAS STORE The Angel Trees are up in the Narthex, the Chapel entry area and the 1st floor of the Christian Life Center. Please consider taking one or more angels to help us stock The Christmas Store. Attach the angel to the gift and please do NOT wrap the gift. Return each angel with gift attached NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 13th. If you have any questions about your angel, please contact Renee at Ext or If you wish to volunteer for The Christmas Store, the sign up link will appear on the website November 30th. If you have contacted Renee expressing interest in the store, she will you the link directly. Beginning December 6, volunteers may sign up at The Connection Point. The Christmas Store opens on December 18th & 19th in Oaks Hall. Volunteer opportunities are available beginning December 7th as we receive and inventory the gifts and during the week of the store as we set up. All ages are welcome to volunteer. Younger children will work along side their parents. We are looking forward to this outreach mission being a great success! SAVE THE DATE Come be a part of Beyond These Walls 2016 January 28-30, 2016 Keynote Speakers: Ed Stetzer and Kim Reisman There are 4 tracks: Mission Strategy and Vision, Church Planting and Evangelism, Community Development, Spiritual Formation For more information about the conference, go to Special pricing is available for members of the church. There are several volunteer opportunities to help with the conference. If you are willing to serve, please Renee Abernathy at renee@mceachernumc.org or you may call her at Ext Dignity Serves is a unique interactive volunteer training that will challenge your mindset, heart perspective, and motivation when it comes to helping the least of these. Dignity Serves, a workshop created by the Polis Institute, is designed to experientially instruct participants how to serve others in a way that honors God, preserves the dignity of both parties, and fosters the type of interdependence that is characteristic of authentic and healthy relationships. This transformative training experience is offered to anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of serving without harming others or producing toxic charity. Dignity Serves, taught by trained facilitators, is a six-lesson interactive workshop that uses biblical principles and experiential exercises to inspire servant hood based on the Philippians model of dignified interdependence. January 9th ~ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Cost: $60 - includes the cost of the training and meals Register at For more information regarding missions opportunities and how to get involved in missions, contact David Blackwood at David@mceachernumc.org or Renee Abernathy at Renee@mceachernumc.org. DECEMBER,

12 Church Office: Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30AM to 4:30PM & Friday, 8:30AM to 12:30PM Fax: Key Staff and Extension Numbers Rev. Tommy Willingham, Senior Pastor... x5000 Rev. Cindy Blocksidge, Senior Associate Pastor of Congregational Care & Counseling...x5012 Rev. David Blackwood, Associate Pastor of Missions/Outreach & Connections... x5001 Rev. Hur & Rev. Lucy Morales, Hispanic Pastors... x6025 Rev. Jason Jordan, Student Ministry Pastor... x5004 Tanya Ghoreishi, Minister of Music & Worship... x5005 Shaun Nguyen, Recreation Director... x5014 Kathy Strawn, Christian Education Director... x6008 Jackie Gibbins, Children s Ministry Director... x5018 Susan Koopman, Nursery Director... x5006 Carolyn Black, Financial Director... x5003 John Spain, Facilities Director... x6038 Margaret Neal, Assistant to the Senior Pastor... x5019 Denise Register, Weekday Preschool Director Note: Articles for the Vine are subject to approval by the appropriate ministry s staff leader. Please send requests directly to the staff leader for approval by the 10th of the month prior to desired edition.