The Branch. From the Pastor Rev. Mike Ratliff, Senior Pastor

Transcription

1 The Branch January 2018 Vol. 6 Issue 1 From the Pastor Rev. Mike Ratliff, Senior Pastor Prayer An excerpt from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, chapter 3: Then Miss Watson took me in the closet and prayed, but nothing come of it. She told me to pray every day, and whatever I asked for I would get it. But it warn t so. I tried it. Once I got a fish line, but no hooks. It warn t any good to me without hooks. I tried for the hooks three or four times, but somehow I couldn t make it work Have you ever felt like Huck Finn? That you prayed and nothing happened? Did you give up on prayer? Did you give up on God, even if it was just for a little while, because your prayers were not answered the way you wished or that you felt your prayers weren t answered at all. I ll step out on a limb and say that at least to some degree most of us have struggled with these feelings. Prayer. What is it exactly? The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and he gave them a model for prayer that includes giving God praise, confessing to God our sinfulness and the request for us to forgive as we have been forgiven. In his model we are asked to be thankful and to make our petition to God. It s a great model that Jesus gives us for prayer. What does Jesus model for prayer teach us? There are several things we can consider, the major one being that prayer involves a relationship. Through prayer we are invited to align ourselves with God s purpose. The scripture that comes to mind for me is, all things work together for good for those who love God and live according to God s purpose Living according to God s purpose makes all the difference. Yet even when we strive to live according to God s purpose difficult things happen. Life is not always easy. It is especially in Thank you: Brenda and I are grateful for the acts of kindness you have shown us since her accident in November. The food, cards, thoughts and prayers are gratefully appreciated. We cannot say thanks enough for all that has been done for us. Thank you Latham family for being there for us and seeing us through a difficult time. Mike and Bee Ratliff these difficult times that our relationship with God can help us develop something positive from the most devastating of circumstances. I m taken by a prayer written by Thomas Merton that places everything into perspective, at least for me: continued on page 2

2 P a ge 2 My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone. As we move into a new year together it is my hope that you will depend on the power of prayer, to celebrate when all is well with you and the world, and to look for something positive even when life circumstances seem dark. God bless, Mike From the Associate Pastor Matt Jones Worship planning is not a simple task! Mike and I put a lot of thought and prayer into the primary topics for our worship services, in addition to the weekly content. As we have listened to you and your reactions to the messages this year, we felt that taking a full year to give all of us a bigger picture would be wise. We want to walk (maybe run is a better word!) through the Bible in monthly segments focused on the primary people in the Bible. Mike and I will take various weeks to teach about the person we are studying that month. In come cases, we will cover multiple people that we see as a group. Our goal is for us all to have a better context for understanding the Bible itself, and to explore what we can learn from their experiences with God and each other. The current plan is: January - Life of Moses February - Life of David March- Life of Jesus (series ends with Palm Sunday) April - Easter and then Life of Peter( after the resurrection) May - Life of Saul/Paul and leading the early church We will then return to the Old Testament and work forward again: June - Life of Abram/Abraham July- Life of Joseph August - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel September - The Kings October - The Kingdom of God November- The Prophets December - Advent (The coming Messiah) As with everything in life, plans can and often do change! As life happens to us, we may need to make adjustments in the schedule or topics. Please be in prayer for us and everyone who creates the worship experiences at Latham as we work on the upcoming year! Matt

3 P a ge 3 Editorial - One Church or Three? Liz Hall Zeman Let us start the New Year with a challenge. Latham UMC started in 1960 at its present location with 200 members. It grew to 800 members with three services as the area flooded with young families. Today the area is quieter as those families have settled in and grown older. We value every member as society becomes busier with so many other activities and church numbers drop. Still, even today we have three services. These services are not the result of big crowds of worshippers but of time and worship style preferences. It might appear to some that we have three separate churches whose members rarely meet outside their church service crowd. While this is testimony to the ties binding each group of church members, it also reduces our strength as an active church. Our younger folks are busy with children, careers, and other obligations. Older folks have done that and are a little worn around the edges. But together, we can do so much! So here s the challenge: Consider activities and procedures to unite Latham s membership in unified strength and community. Submit them to Marvene by January 15th. We will print your ideas in the February issue of the Branch. Church Elves Strike Again! It isn t a miracle. It isn t magic. It s hard work, but when the church elves finishe decorating the church for the season, it looks and feels like the magical season of Christmas. Many thanks to Adelaide Cape, Jennie Lowery, Judy Gillespie, Dale Peters, Sandra Matheney, Michele Gray, Debbie Rose, Candy Trowbridge and Ginny Bentley among others. The guy elves, who helped build the poinsettia tree and set up/decorate the big Sanctuary tree included Jamie Cope, Ben Bentley, Jim Gillespie, Jim Gesinger, Richard Peters, Tyler Henderson, and Howard Trowbridge among others. These elves helped decorate Farley Hall: Janet & Finley Watson, Neal, Heather & Jacob Porter, Debbie Rose, Marti Bryan, Jim Geisinger, Sandy & David Ekstrom, Pat Sinopole, Bryan & Lynn McCarter, Justin & Lauren Stiles, Todd, Christian, Jason, & Brianna Sutherland, Zoey Frost & Joe K. among others. When you marveled at the church over the holidays, we hope you thought of the elves efforts and will thank them when you see them now. And, remember even elves get older, so all you elves-in-the-making consider volunteering next year. It s a fun, beautiful way to give back to your church, and you will enjoy your contribution the entire Christmas season!

4 P a ge 4 Finance Committee Rob Terry Board of Trustees Latham United Methodist Church As we celebrate the Christmas season, the financial position of Latham has improved dramatically since the beginning of the year. Through the end of November, total pledges received were $516,938 and loose offerings $169,046. An additional $28,583 in pledges and $12,380 in loose offerings were received in the first two weeks of December. We have already exceeded revenue projections with three more Sundays remaining. Thank you everyone for your support. Even though there were some unexpected HVAC and plumbing expenses earlier this year, total expenses thru November are still under budget. One budgeted line item that will need to be addressed at year end is Apportionments. While the Apportionments budget was approved for $6,035, the Conference requests that 10% of revenues be set aside. This is estimated to run $75,000 for the Church s share. A total of $9,947 has been remitted year to date. A decision will need to be made regarding remitting the balance at year end versus maintaining a sufficient reserve for the General Operating Fund going forward. As of November 30, 2017 Income YTD Budget YTD Actual Over (Under) Budget Annual Budget Pledges $ 495,832 $ 516,938 $ 21,106 $ 540,908 Loose Offerings $ 150,651 $ 169,046 $ 18,395 $ 164,346 Other $ 12,059 $ 11,267 ($ 792) $ 13,155 Total $ 658,542 $ 697,251 $ 38,709 $ 718,409 Expenses Program Ministries $ 73,863 $ 72,318 ($ 1,545) $ 80,578 Trustees $ 172,810 $ $ 12,972 $ 188,520 SPR $ 406,356 $ 376,464 ($ 29,872) $ 443,276 Apportionments $ 5,532 $ 9,947 $ 4,415 $ 6,035 Total $ 658,542 $ 644,511 ($ 14,030) $ 718,409 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you. Deuteronomy 16:17 Net Income $ 52,739 Thanks to the congregation for the support and to the staff for due diligence in staying within budget. Merry Christmas Rob Terry, Finance Committee

5 P a ge 5 A Conversation With the Congregation (Comments about Communion experiences will be in the March /April edition) Responses to Questions What is your New Year's resolution? Drawing a closer relationship to God. To be more compassionate and loving to others. This is not so much a resolution as a prayer. Bless me to be a blessing. My personal resolution for the new year is to focus on physical healing from my surgery and to pray for all those afflicted with disease and pain and in need of healing. I usually make one or more New Year s resolutions, but I am thankful I was not asked to report on my success with keeping them! Several years ago, I decided that rather than making a typical New Year s resolution, I would resolve to study one or more books of the Bible. This year, I plan to study Joshua, Romans, and 1 John. With regards to making the world a better place, I thought about a quote from Helen Keller: I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do. As I think about making a difference in the world, I think the number one thing I can do is to commit to pray for the world leaders every day. It is easy to pray for the leaders we agree with or like. It is challenging to pray for dictators who seem to be filled with evil, whose hearts are hardened even toward their own countrymen. While I know that I along cannot change the direction of a country or heart of a dictator, I know that my prayers can make a difference. New Years Resolution to make me a better person. More quiet time with God and random acts of kindness One of My New Year s Resolution is to continuing taking part in the S.S. classes. I will share leadership soon after some time to re-evaluate my personal spiritual needs. I would like to take a more active part in the outreach ministry. Perhaps I could send cards to our homebound, people on the prayer list and random members. Personal Resolution for 2018-To have more fun! 2. What is your resolution for Latham U.M.C.? To help raise fund for an electronic sign so our neighbors know all that is going on at our wonderful church. To help create opportunities for the various services and members to come together as a church. My wish for Latham in 2018 is that we always keep our focus on scripture and worshiping God; continue to be a caring church that uplift one another in prayer and encouragement; and always remember that we are united by the most important thing we share, which is our faith in Christ. Work vigorously to get younger families at Latham, AND to have stronger programs for children and youth. That we, the church, will become more unified in the Word of God and as we do that, become an ever growing beacon of hope and light to our community. For Latham as a whole, a good resolution would be that we truly treat our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ with respect and work together to be a church that shows Jesus' love and compassion to our community and beyond in What I would wish for my church: Unity For the church, I wonder about a way to keep in contact with our visitors. That is a vital way for our church to grow and reach out to our community. The way my husband and I came to Latham was through contact with Hughey Reynolds. As Dave says, "Latham hugged us back!"

6 P a ge 6 Jo Walton Literary Society Helen Mazur All church members are welcome to attend the meeting this Jan. 15 at 2pm in Farley Hall. Come early for refreshments. We have a special guest speaker, the author, Raymond B. Jones of Citizen Soldier, about Carl T. Jones. I m sure you don t want to miss out on this very important opportunity to hear a local historian speak about Jones Valley where we live and the history of his family. In Reach - Flower Ministry Debbie Rose & Candy Trowbridge The flower arrangements in the Sanctuary are always beautiful. If you would like to donate for the two live flower arrangements (in memory or in honor of) someone for any Sunday in 2018, please see the calendar and a designated form (to be filled out) in the hallway outside of the church office. The price for the two arrangements is $ You may choose to keep the flower arrangements or have them donated to a homebound member. June and Ernie Young, along with Jeannine Warren, are the Latham elves that deliver the flowers to a homebound member. Thank you June, Ernie and Jeannine for your dedication to this ministry, to all that donate flowers to our Sanctuary and for bringing joy to our church members.

7 P a ge 7 Grissom Outreach Edith Pickens Thank you to all small groups and individuals who have adopted Grissom departments. We appreciate you keeping your adopted department uplifted in prayer weekly. We planned to show appreciation twice per year including Thanksgiving and Valentine s Day. It is hard to believe a semester has passed and we are preparing for Valentine s appreciation. Some ideas that have been discussed for the Valentine s appreciation include a goody basket of treats for the department to share, individual treat bags for all department members, gift cards for department members, Valentine boxes of candy, etc. Please make sure to include a label indicating the department the gift is for. Also, please include a note or card that indicates who the gift is from (such as Sunday School Class name, Latham, etc.). This will be our last big outreach to the departments. We plan to deliver the items to Grissom on Monday, February 12. Please designate someone from your group to deliver your items to the Welcome Center prior to Sunday School on February 11, If you need to deliver items in advance of February 11, contact Jane Smith or Edith Pickens. Although this is the last church-wide outreach, we will continue to pray for our adopted groups and encourage anyone who wishes to send a note or card directly to your adopted department to do so. I think nice notes are the most treasured items teachers receive and most teachers keep them forever! We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Latham members to reach our mission to be a neighborhood church and especially the many efforts to support our neighbor, Grissom High School. Board of Steward s Minutes Amma Barnes BOARD OF STEWARDS - December 12, 2017 M I N U T E S The regular quarterly meeting of the Latham Board of Stewards was held on Tuesday evening, December 12, 2017 in the Choir Room. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the Board of Stewards, Mr. John Clausen, at 6:30 p.m. There were 18 Board members and 4 staff members present. Paul Stutts had a correction to the minutes of the meeting held on September 19, A copy of this correction is attached to the record copy of these minutes and can be reviewed in the church office. Traci Harris, Director of the LUMCDC, reported that we have 53 children in the program. By the end of December, LUMCDC will be in full compliance with federal regulations in order to remain enrolling children who receive government subsidized tuition. Mrs. Harris thanked members of the Trustees for their assistance in helping the staff to meet these regulations. Susan Terry presented two written reports which are attached to the record copy of these minutes. The ministers, Rev. Ratliff and Rev. Jones, reported on plans for Latham for the next year. There being no further business, Rev. Jones closed the meeting with a prayer at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amma H. Barnes, Secretary

8 P a ge 8 Did You Know? Liz Hall Zeman Did You Know Latham Has a Prayer Chapel? Latham s prayer chapel is located opposite the elevator on the first floor. It serves as the bride s room and as a chapel. It s peacefulness lends itself to reading, prayer, or just being. Several people use it with a prayer partner or to contemplate scriptures in a small, cozy environment. We invite you to make yourself familiar with the prayer chapel and to use it often! Anchor Sunday School Class Lauren Stiles The Anchor Sunday School class was founded last year in 2016 and we meet in room 318 of the Family Life Center. We saw the need for a Sunday School class for young married couples which is what our class was originally composed of. We have grown the last year to still be mainly young married couples but we are open to young professionals and engaged couples as well. We are currently doing a study on the Fruits of the Spirit and we will soon be starting an Advent study. We have used all different sources for our lessons and we all just communicate and decide together what works best for our group. We meet a lot outside of Sunday mornings as well; we like to do meals at each others houses, go to movies, out to eat, the ladies have done meal prepping together, we watch football games together, have holiday parties, and at Christmas we always like to sponsor Christmas for as many children in need as we can. We are a really laid back class that is really invested in getting to know each other so we can all help each other navigate through life and the joys and struggles that it brings.

9 P a ge 9 Live & Learn Sunday School Class Jane Smith Thank you The Live and Learn class will begin a study of 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd John on January 7, We invite you to join us as we enter a six-week study of these powerful letters written by the beloved disciple in his later years. There is a story that when John was extremely old he was living in Ephesus and had to be carried into the congregation. John could say very little but would repeat, Little children, love one another. The people asked John why he always said the same thing. John replied, Because it is the Lord s command, and if this only is done, it is enough. John s writings underscore Christ s command to love one another. Although John writes about love, he is not just writing a feel-good letter. He is writing at a time when false teaching has entered the scene and we will see John confront these teachings. These short letters pack a powerful punch and are relevant to living as Christians today. Our book for the study will be the Bible and we will focus on 1 John. We hope you will join us. If you are searching for a small group study, we invite you to join us in Room 322 at 10:00. The study of 1 st,2 nd, and 3 rd John will be led by Edith Pickens. Thank you Latham for all that you do for your Homebound members. Your effort is very appreciated as most people would have not gone "above & beyond" for such a seemingly unimportant task. I love the fact that y'all do something nice for them--that's a very special thing. Lifting one's spirits is such an important task, I believe. Most homebound people often feel forgotten about. I know Mrs. Ann Ingram enjoys the floral arrangements. Funny how something so insignificant to some means the world to others. May God continue to bless you. Shelly Todd (friend of Mrs. Ann Ingram)

10 P a ge 10 Memorials & Honorariums Buchanan Scholarship Fund in memory of Tom Langhout by Ralph & Ginny Green Tom Langhout by Joe & Jan Sturbois Tom Langhout by Wes, Gina & Daniel Smith Betty & Major Snow by Wes & Gina Smith Music Fund in memory of Tom Langhout by Dot Coombe Children s Fund in memory of Tom Langhout by John & Debbie Rose Pat Lewis by David & Clara Conley Sandy Webster by David & Clara Conley Memorial Fund in memory of Tom Langhout by Ann Livingston Tom Langhout by Bob & Karen Pollard Charles Lowery by Carl Seavers Tom Langhout by Ernie & June Young Tom Langhout by A.J. & K.A. Rossi Tom Langhout by Ingram Family Cousins Tom Langhout by James & Linda Cornelius Tom Langhout by Peggy Schlemmer Tom Langhout by Hoyt & Candace Sanders Tom Langhout by D.C. & Doris Ingram Tom Langhout by Bobby & Zecora Sanders Tom Langhout by Jimmy & Leah Cook- Charles Lowery by Frank & Joan Chrisman Charles Lowery by Mary Jane Speake Charles Lowery by Tom Yates Don Bowden by Herschel & Judy Moore Charles Lowery by Virgil & Pat Morris Tom Langhout by Stella Gamble & Susan Tucker Tom Langhout by Herschel & Judy Moore Don Bowden by Ira & Bernice Sutton Ton Langhout by Ira & Bernice Sutton Tom Langhout by Ramona Bowden Tom Langhout by Jim & Mary Jane Williams Don Bowden by Ernie & June Young Don Bowden by The Halls (Ramona s siblings) Don Bowden by Kate Daniel Tom Langhout by Kate Daniel Tom Langhout by Spike Field Don Bowden by Spike Field Tom Langhout by Mary Virginia, John, Michael & William Langhout Don Bowden by Bill & Joey Evans Charles Lowery, Don Bowden, Tom Langhout & Major Snow by Marty & Cairenn Martin Don Bowden by Zola Mae Morgan Tom Langhout by Cal Blevins Don Bowden by Ann Livingston Don Bowden, Harry Cook, Ray Holder & Tom Langhout by David & Clara Conley Don Bowden by Jim & Judy Gillespie Tom Langhout by Bill & Amma Barnes Tom Langhout by Jim & Judy Gillespie Tom Langhout by Dan Zieverink Charles Lowery by Bill & Becky Vosahlik Charles Lowery by Barbara Thomas Charles Lowery by Daphne Bender Don Bowden by Leonard Hall Charles Lowery by Richard & Dale Peters Don Bowden by Richard & Dale Peters Charles Lowery by Bill & Rita Friday Charles Lowery by Ernie & June Young Tom Langhout by Mr. & Mrs. William Langhout Tom Langhout by Edward Goetz, Jr. Tom Langhout by Jerry & Sandra Dawson Tom Langhout by Sigmatech, Inc. Tom Langhout by Hank & Kitty Hagler Charles Lowery by Don & Joyce Chae Tom Langhout by Bill & Ginger Hyde Tom Langhout by Richard & Janet Langhout Tom Langhout by Brookdale Garden Homes/Rosalie Roberts Tom Langhout by ASEM Tom Langhout by Mr. & Mrs. Otha Vaughan Don Bowden by Mr. & Mrs. Otha Vaughan Don Bowden by Phil & Bernita Sapp Charles Lowery & Don Bowden by Glenn & Elizabeth Cantley Tom Langhout by Jennie Lowery Don Bowden by Jennie Lowery

11 P a ge 11 Memorials & Honorariums Continued UMW Local Missions Fund in HONOR of Jennie Lowery by Pat Morris Circle 1 by Rose Battle Cookie White by Freddia Scott Betty Willis by Freddia Scott Joe Battle by Rose Battle Lillie Latham Scholarship Fund in memory of Don Bowden by John & Carolyn Glaese Tom Langhout by Buddy Bishop Don Bowden by Buddy Bishop Harry Cook, Rosemarie Bishop, Charles Lowery, Don Bowden, Tom & David Langhout, Althea Nicholson & Carolyn Ratliff by Ken & Genette Stephens Tom Langhout by John & Carolyn Glaese UMW Local Missions Fund in memory of Don Bowden, Rosemarie Bishop, Charles Lowery & Tom Langhout by Gerald & Joyce Smith Charles Lowery by Jim & Judy Gillespie Althea Nicholson by Freddia Scott Chuck Lowery by Jim & Adelaide Cape Tom Langhout by Jim & Adelaide Cape Major & Betty Snow by Jim & Adelaide Cape Bill Drake by Jim & Adelaide Cape Pastor s Discretionary Fund in memory of Rosemarie Bishop by Rose Battle Tom Langhout by Rose Battle Elderberries Fund in memory of Fred & Althea Nicholson by Michael & Deborah Selby Hands of Christ Fund in memory of Charles Lowery by Phil & Rhonda Ryan Don Bowden by Phil & Rhonda Ryan Tom Langhout by Phil & Rhonda Ryan Major Lindley Snow by Phil & Rhonda Ryan Battle Bell Ewing by Sallie Timme General Fund in memory of Don Bowden by John & Debbie Rose Ramp Building Fund in memory of Charles Lowery by the Lowery Family In Stitches Fund in memory of Charles Lowery by Audra Prefling Youth Fund in memory of Tom Langhout by Glenn & Elizabeth Cantley Elderberries Sherri Ryan The Over Fifties and Fabulous Elderberries A New Year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is a chance to write a beautiful story for yourself, and for your church. Every end marks a New Beginning. With a renewed spirit and determination, we will always walk the Glory Road. With courage, faith and great effort, we will achieve everything God has intended for us. As we turn the page of 2017, we begin a new journey in our lives and in the life of our church. On January 18th, beginning at 11:30, our pastor, Matt Jones will join us to share the exciting plans and missions we hope to accomplish in our church during the coming years. Please don't miss this opportunity to see how you can be a part of the wonderful journey God has in store for Latham during the coming years. God Bless you, Sherri Ryan

12 P a ge 12 Latham Outreach into Huntsville, AL Doug Seay Hello everyone at Latham; I hope you are all enjoying this Advent Season and are preparing for a very Merry Christmas! A few months ago I was reading the news one morning and ran across an item about the fear that some Muslims live under right here in the United States and how they are often the objects of derision and hate. Sometimes their Mosque, house of worship, will be vandalized. Then a horrifying thought overtook me. This sort of thing could happen right here in Huntsville! It could happen right in the Huntsville Islamic Center or another house of worship! I mean I ve lived here in Huntsville for over 45 years and have always regarded it as a safe even loving place to live. But, now I was facing some disturbing facts I didn t like at all. All of us have read and heard slanderous, inflammatory rhetoric about American Muslims and news of violence against Muslims in the U.S. It seems we see almost on a daily basis outrageous things some of our national and state leaders say that seem to give people permission to express feelings of hatred and too many of those are turning into acts of discrimination and outright violence. We could have blood on our hands right here in Huntsville. But what can I do? What can any one person do? Then I decided I can do what I had heard growing up: I must start where I am. I m just one man in one average sized congregation in one city, but I can do what I can do. AND what do Methodist do best? We eat! We all know that every meeting is a good excuse for an eat n meet n. I had this outrageous thought: What if we invited some terrorists to supper. I had the feeling we d find out that our Muslims neighbors are not terrorists, but engineers, and scientists; they re physicians; they re artists; they're regular folks just like us and that we d enjoy talking to them about things we all care about, like how our kids are doing in school, and how to keep our neighborhoods safe. I know, I ll propose a pot luck dinner and invite Aladin and some folks I ve worked with on Habitat and IMS projects around town. So, I discussed my outrageous idea with our pastors and some laity church leaders at Latham who liked the idea and we collectively decided to make it a Pot Luck Exchange with the Huntsville Islamic Center. Then I proposed the idea to a couple of Muslim friends who liked the idea as well. After the usual back and forth details of matching calendars we agreed on a date and time for their delegation to come join us for dinner. So, one evening in November about a dozen folks from the Huntsville Islamic Center came to dinner at Latham. Sure enough, they are just like us. We proved that Muslims and Methodists can sit down and enjoy a delightful meal together in peace and harmony. We all do want good educations for our children, safe streets, a community blessed with beauty and harmony. We all laughed at corny jokes. Maybe we didn t prove much more than that with one dinner except both Muslims and Methodists can eat and enjoy Methodist food. But, we did demonstrate that we can enjoy each other s company. We know now that not they are not terrorists ; they are just Americans like us. We shouldn t assume they are terrorists or extremist ; we ought to try to get to know them as people first. We should try to appreciate them as human beings as God created them. If anyone would like to join us next time, just contact Doug Seay (dougcseay@gmail.com or ).

13 P a ge 13 Latham By the Numbers 2017 **Some numbers are approximations due to measurement difficulties. The People Staff - 12 Choirs - 3 Singers - 43 Sunday School Classes - 12 Students Adults Youth/children - 40 Average Church Attendance 8: : : Median Church Attendance 8: : : Average Total Attendance (all 3 Services) 300 The Ministries In Reach Ministry - 10 Out Reach Ministry - 7 Quilts Dedicated - 20 No. of People Transported - 70 Meals on Wheels - 56 Per Month Bags Donated to Food Pantry/St. Pauls No. of Food Backpacks No. of students tutored at Morris Elementary - 10 Homebound Members - 23 Samaritan Boxes - 54 Hurricane Relief $4, UMW Donations to Local Missions - $4,800 Youth/Children at Services - 55 Visitors approx New Members - 11 Members who passed -13 Baptisms - 3 Total Membership on Roll The Property Size of Sanctuary 7,752 sf Balcony Area 1,417 sf Farley Hall 6, 088 sf Total SF 40,000 (approx.) Seating for 600 in Sanctuary Can feed 300 in Farley Hall Vehicles - 2 Ministers homes - 2 Bathrooms - 5pairs Gyms - 1 Stages - 2 Laundry Rooms - 1 Kitchens -1 (1 large, 1 small, 1 kitchenette) Classrooms - 17/Adults/Youth Youth Rooms - 1 Children s Rooms - 1 Choral Rooms - 1 Classrooms (children) - 10 The Programs No. of Elderberries - 50 No. of Latham Ladies - 32 Active 16 Inactive The Money (as of 12/11/17) Annual Budget $718,409 Annual Collection $737,930 Budget by categories Salaries 47.6% Support Cost 11.4% Utilities 8.9% Maintenance 8.3% Insurance 5.2% Communications 4.3% Youth/Children 2.8% Information Tech 2.15% Out Reach 1.2% In Reach 0.3% Elevator - 1 Bulletin Boards - 5 Storage Areas - 9 S.S. Office - 1 Conf. Rooms - 2 Staff Offices - 7 Library - 1 History Room - 1 Chapel - 1 Wedding Parlor - 1 Break Room - 1 Janitor s/mechanical Closets - 9 & a Partridge in a Pear Tree! UMW -132 UMM - 40 Study/Bible Groups - 3

14 P a ge 14 Happy Birthday! 1 Sara Storey Laverne Swift Nick Kolankiewicz Natalie Kolankiewicz Andrea Marcos 2 Todd Sutherland Lawrence Howard 3 Gregory Lazarian Ben Bentley Jim Teed Laura Elise Myles 4 Jan Sturbois Linda McKeone 5 Mary Jane Yost 6 Lorie Hubscher Dianne Maples 7 Christina Marie Kruse 9 Reagan Stiles 11 James Alan Beck Zack Savage 12 Robert Storey Audra Prefling Susan Terry Robert Hanson Michael Gris 13 Jennifer Barger LaMerle Cook 14 Liz Hall Zeman 15 Michael Adams Bee Ratliff 16 Buddy Bishop 17 Ryan Hovik Liddy Marie Mooty 19 Charles Page Katrina Wendt 23 Jim Page 24 Christopher Brahm Pat Sinopole Peter Webster 26 Ramona Bowden 28 Dan Hahs Lee Fulcher 29 Carol Savage 30 Barbara Lindsey 31 David Killingsworth Lucas Hazelrig Christian Todd Sutherland If your birthday was not listed in the appropriate month or date, please contact the church office to make sure we have your correct birth date. We d like to honor you during your special month!

15 January 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday P a ge 15 1 Church Office & LUMCDC Closed for New Year s Day! 2 10a Staff Mtg. 3 1:30p Wesley Singers 2:30p Library Volunteers Meeting 6p Boy Scouts 7p Chancel Choir 4 8:30a Bend & Stretch 6p Backpack Food Packing Party 6p SPR Meeting a UMM Breakfast 8:30a Holy Communion 9a Contemporary Service 10a Confirmation Class 10a Sunday School 11a Traditional Service 1:30p Discipleship Class 5p Youth Group 5p Treehouse 8 8:30a Bend & Stretch 2p Jo Walton Literary Group 2:30p Morris Elementary Tutoring 7p Lily Flagg Board Meeting 9 9:30a Circle 3 Mtg. 10a Staff Meeting 1:30p Circle 1 Mtg. 2:30 Morris Tutoring 10 1:30p Wesley Singers 6p Boy Scouts 6:30p Women s Bible Study 7p Chancel Choir 11 8:30a Bend & Stretch 10a In Stitches Prayer Quilt Ministry 12 Behold/Youth Group 13 Behold/Youth Group 5p Pot Luck Exchange/Out Reach Ministry 14 Behold/Youth Group 8:30a Blood Pressure Checks 8:30a Food Pantry Sunday 8:30a Holy Communion 9a Contemporary Service 10a Sunday School 11a Traditional Service 1:30p Discipleship Class 5p Youth Group 5p Treehouse 6:15p 4th/5th grade/destination Unknown 15 Deadline for the Branch Articles Church Office & LUMCDC Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Holiday 16 10a Staff Meeting 10a Circle 4 Mtg. 2:30p Morris Tutoring 7p Huntsville Concert Band 7p Tutoring 17 10a Circle 2 Mtg. 1:30p Wesley Singers 6p Boy Scouts 6:30p Women s Bible Study 7p chancel Choir 18 8:30a Bend & Stretch 11:30a Elderberry Luncheon & Program 7p Boy Scout Committee Meeting a Leadership Retreat 21 8:30a Holy Communion 9a Contemporary Service 10a Confirmation Class 10a Sunday School 11a Traditional Service 1:30p Discipleship Class 5p Youth Group 5p Treehouse 22 8:30a Bend & Stretch 2:30p Morris Elementary Tutoring 6:30p Circle 7 Mtg a Staff Meeting 2:30p Morris Tutoring 7p Huntsville Concert Band 7p Tutoring 24 1:30p Wesley Singers 6p Boy Scouts 6:30p Women s Bible Study 7p Chancel Choir 25 8:30a Bend & Stretch 10a In Stitches Quilt Ministry a Boy Scout Paper Drive 9a Delta Kappa Gamma Meeting 28 8:30a Holy Communion 9a Contemporary Service 10a Confirmation Class 10a Sunday School 11a Traditional Service 1:30p Discipleship Class 5p Youth Group 5p Treehouse 29 8:30a Bend & Stretch 2:30p Morris Tutoring 23 10a Staff Meeting 2:30p Morris Tutoring 7p Huntsville Concert Band 7p Tutoring :30p Wesley Singers 6p Boy Scouts 6:30p Women s Bible Study 7p Chancel Choir

16 Latham United Methodist Church 109 Weatherly Road Huntsville, AL Phone: Fax: On the web: lathamumc.org Connect with the Staff Rev. Mike Ratliff, Senior Pastor Matt Jones, Associate Pastor Tyler Henderson, Music Director Susan Terry, Minister of Connect & Children s Ministries Youth Ministry Jim Geisinger, Associate Music Director Marvene Borntrager, Staff Coordinator for Inreach Anita Banks, Business Administrator Traci Harris, Director of Child Development Center Eleanor Hollobaugh, Pianist Rachel Misheff, Organist Michael Bryant, Custodian mikeratliff@lathamumc.org mattjones@lathamumc.org tylerhenderson@lathamumc.org susanterry1016@gmail.com lathamumcyouth@gmail.com jim.geisinger@yahoo.com office@lathamumc.org admin@lathamumc.org lumcdc@lathamumc.org elhollobaugh@gmail.com Rachel_misheff@mymail.eku.edu Boy Scout Paper Drive Saturday, January 27, :00 12 Noon Aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, computer paper, colored ledger 1st Sunday Chancel Rail Offering Every 1st Sunday, contributions left in baskets or chancel rail during communion will go to the Pastor s Discretionary Fund which is used to help people that need assistance through Huntsville Assistance Program, and to provide children s lunches at our local schools.