February SonBurst Newsletter

Transcription

1 February SonBurst Newsletter Going GREEN: How Do YOU Want the Sonburst? Choose one of three ways to let us know how you want to receive the Sonburst: 1. Call the church office and tell us (317) us: Senior Pastor s Note Dear Church Friends, I have a dream that every church friend will follow the three simple rules A Wesleyan Way of Living in 2012: 1. Do no harm. 2. Do good. 3. Stay in love with God. I want to invite you to do good during Lent this year. What if you would make plans to attend church each Sunday during Lent. What if, instead of giving up something this Lent, you make plans to be in church each Sunday morning? Following Ash Wednesday on February 22, we will begin a new 900 Indianapolis Ave., Mooresville, IN Phone: (317) Fax: (317) / Facebook: Mooresville First United Methodist Church 3. Sign up online for the enewsletter: Go to: Select Current Events tab then select Go Green. You will need to enter in your address twice on two web pages. sermon series titled, Jesus Speaks from the Cross and the Grave. What if you would join a small group just for Lent? I will be doing a small group study at the church on Wednesday evening and a small group home Bible study on Sunday evening titled, Final Words from the Cross. There will be many other opportunities to do good in our church this year. Why not get started now doing good things? This will help you stay in love with God and will enable you to do no harm by overcoming bad things that harm others with good actions. Let s do good in 2012! Pastor Dennis February 2012 Inside this issue: Treasurer s Chest 2 Casserole Update 2 Mission Needs 3 Operation Christmas 3 No. Morgan Co. 3 Wellness Awareness 4 Thanks from Asher 4 Thanks from J. Gibbs 4 Note from Pastor Ben 5 Audition Contemporary 5 Order Cheeseballs 5 Worship News 5 Super Bowl Sunday 5 Helping Students 6 Grief Ministry 6 Nursery Ministry 7 Children s Ministry 7 Preschool Registration 7 Children s Leadership 7 Thanks: McPhee s 7 Jennifer Burton Note 8 Youth News 8 Join a Visitation Team 6:15 PM Meet in the work room next to the church offices. You return to the church by 8:00 PM. If you re interested in joining our ministry, please call Steve Klinger cell# or Steve: sklinger531@gmail.com 2nd & 4th 10:00 AM Meet in Room 110. If you re interested or have questions, please call Sandy Fanning at or Karen Yeager at Contact Youth Leaders 8 New Microwave Thanks 8 Small Group Adults 9 McGavran Message 10 February Calendar 11 Lenten Sermons 12 Relay for Life 12 SonBurst Newsletter February

2 Off the Treasurer s Chest The pledge drive has ended, but I missed something this year. You see, for several years one pledge card was of particular interest to me. When the cards were gathered, this card would always wind up on my desk. The card had some form of verbiage that in no certain terms stated I wasn t going to get a pledge. I always got a laugh about it. I missed the card, but I will miss more the conversations the two of us would often have as we walked out of the sanctuary. Most of the time it started with how we, (the church) doin? A short conversation on some church area would ensue. At the end of the narthex we would usually shake hands, or nudge one and other and that was it. Nothing else would be said. The contribution statement at year end for this person would tell the story. That pledge card didn t mean much, but the faith of the individual behind that pledge card did. I will miss the talks, walks, hand shakes, and nudges. Karen and I had no idea that when we said goodbye to this individual after a visit what the future would hold. We were blessed for that opportunity to make that call. While pledge cards are important for church planning and management, they don t hold a candle to your faith. I m Bill Yeager and that s off the treasurer s chest. Black Friday Casserole Report & THANK you! Thanks to so many of you who helped make casseroles, helped with the Black Friday dinner and to all who purchased casseroles. The entire venture was a success. We had two different groups on two different Saturday mornings who came and put together over 200 pans of casseroles and apple crisp. In addition we had 20 tubs of soup. Every pan and tub sold! Thank you to all the people who helped in the kitchen, setting up, decorating the tables, and cleaning up after the dinner. Thanks to the adult Sunday school class and the individuals who donated desserts. We had quite the dessert buffet! Everyone s help was very much appreciated. Between the dinner and the casserole sale the church raised $2, which goes to pay off the church mortgage. brought the people in our church together assembling casseroles and helping with the dinner. I got a call from one of the quilters that they would like to help by selling a quilt and table runners. Praise the Lord! (He was giving others ideas and dreams too!) I saw people come together for a common purpose and goal and not only work hard but have good fellowship too. We did not pay off the mortgage, but we took a nice bite out of it! Thanks be to God! God is able to do far more than we would dare to ask or even dream of, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes. Ephesians 3:20. from His grateful servant, Donna Sease In addition, the quilters sold a beautiful quilt and table runners the night of the dinner which brought in over $1,200 which also went towards the church mortgage. Pastor Dennis recently preached about a dream and the small groups are learning in Rick Warren s Everything is Possible With God series that the first step God takes is to give a person a dream or an idea. It is up to us to take action. If a dream comes from God, you cannot do it on your own. God s dream will always require faith. It took a step of faith to put the casserole and dinner idea into action. God only gave me three weeks to prepare and organize. I stepped out in faith and saw how God SonBurst Newsletter February

3 Mission Needs Updated I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 The mission committee met recently and decided to help Churches in Mission (CIM) by collecting items year-round. According to CIM director, Alice Cordes, the number of clients applying for assistance is increasing not decreasing each year. The Christmas assistance program finished with barely enough items to cover the need. CIM assembles gift baskets with items donated and tries to make baskets with a theme such as: movie, coffee lovers, kitchen, games and puzzles, bath, etc. Our mission committee will set out a box in the church hallway to collect items all year that can be used in gift baskets for Easter and Christmas. Some suggested items are: picture frames, small photo albums, mugs, tea cups, manicure sets, lotion, new books for kids, DVD s for families, crossword and word find puzzle books. Alice said there is a great need for items for teens and men as well as games for older kids. All these items need to go into something so baskets are always welcome! Video games are also wanted, especially the Nintendo DS, but all kinds are needed. Do your kids have video games they no longer play with or have outgrown? We would like to collect used video games in good condition to be used for Churches in Mission as well as for Henderson s gifts. Kids everywhere enjoy video games! The committee also discussed and decided to sponsor Operation Christmas Child again later this year. You can keep Christmas in your heart year-round as you are searching the clearance racks and cleaning closets and shelves. Something you no longer use can be enjoyed and used by someone else. Operation Christmas Child - 88 Boxes Sent This Year! Thank you for your participation and prayers for the Operation Christmas Child project in As a church, we donated 88 boxes, which were packed and wrapped with love and prayers for children all around the world. Because of you, 88 children will receive a loving gift this year and learn that God loves them! Operation Christmas Child can be a yearlong project for you. Set aside a small box or drawer in your home and drop things there throughout the year. You will be able to impact the lives of so many children in 2012 with this small action. Those trinkets and fast food meal toys that mean so little to us can be such a HUGE gift to children who have nothing. Northern Morgan County: a Sincere THANKS! The Northern Morgan County Christmas Assistance Program would like to extend sincere thanks to the many members of the FUMC congregation for supporting our cause of helping provide a brighter Christmas for needy families in Northern Morgan County. The congregation really turned out for our fundraisers at Applebee s and Zydeco s, supported our cotton candy fundraiser at Victorian Christmas and school basketball games and filled more than 40 two-hour timeslots for ringing the Salvation Army Bells in Mooresville and Camby. Because of this generous sharing of time and money from members of our Congregation and many, many others, we were able to provide food, clothing and toys to 42 families including 123 children that live in Northern Morgan County. Additionally, we raised just over $16,000 ringing the bell at Marsh, Kroger, Wal-mart and the IGA in Monrovia as well as kettle collections at Bridge Street BP, Pam s Café, Monrovia Dairyland and Charlotte s Café in Monrovia. 80% of that bell ringing money will be deposited in a Salvation Army account for use by the Church in Mission for heating or rent assistance or other emergency needs throughout the year. 20% is allocated for National Disaster Assistance. This was a remarkable season of giving! In these rough economic times when all we heard was that giving was down everywhere, we surpassed any previous year in fundraising and kettle collections. There are many generous hearts in this congregation and throughout our community and we wish to say to each of you, Congratulations and thank you so very much! The Northern Morgan County Christmas Assistance Program Board SonBurst Newsletter February

4 Wellness Awareness from the Parish Nurse The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. 2 Samuel 22:25 It s cold and flu season- many of us have had our flu shots which offers specific protection but we must still exercise smart healthy practices. Our hands are the most common carriers of viruses and bacteria. A study done in 6 major cities in the U.S. reveals that gas pumps and mailbox handles may be among the dirtiest surfaces we touch. Another study found that 92% of cell phones have bacteria on them (E.Coli) because people aren t washing their hands after going to the bathroom. Have you ever heard someone talking on their cell phone in the restroom? Good hand washing cannot be emphasized enough. It is good advice to carry an antibacterial hand sanitizer to use after touching some of these surfaces. Other surfaces tested and found to have high levels of contamination include: escalator rails, ATM buttons, parking meters, crosswalk buttons, and vending machine buttons. Proper hand washing is being taught to very young children- ask our Pre-school teachers and students how to effectively wash your hands!! Are you in the habit of jumping up and running away from discomfort or boredom? It is healthy to become comfortable with stillness. Practice relaxation through prayer, deep breathing and filling your mind with peace. Be still, and know that I am God- Psalm 46:10. Heed this good advice. According to the CDC, 2 medications classifications are responsible for the majority of Emergency Department visits. Nearly 100,000 hospitalizations every year are linked to adverse reactions such as allergic reactions and unintentional drug overdoses- nearly half were adults 80 years or older. The medications to be watched are blood thinners and diabetic medications. Do you know why we advise you to limit your intake of sodium? IT s because too much sodium can cause a buildup of fluid in you r body which then makes your heart work harder which then raises your blood pressure. High sodium foods are: pretzels, chips, crackers, pizza, canned soups, canned meats, regular cheese, bacon, processed meats, soy, ketchup, mustard, pickles, olives, instant hot cereals, and instant noodles. Forgiveness is not only the right thing to do; it s also the healthy thing for you to do! The first action on the road to forgiveness is to pray for the person who you feel has wronged you- once you make things right on a spiritual level, things will become right personally also. It will be a blessed relief for you. Cheryl Howard, R.N. Thanks from Asher Family We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who prayed for us during the illness and passing away of Maurine Asher. We also want to extend a special thanks to Dennis Payton for his prayers and services, and to the ladies that prepared and served the funeral dinner. Wilbur Asher family Thanks from Janet Gibbs I want to thank all of your for your support for my dad and my family. I really appreciate the time Dennis spent with us and the wonderful message at Mother's service. Also a big thank you to the ladies who provided lunch. It was delicious and such a nice time for our family to be together. Thank you in advance for your continued support of my dad. With a grateful heart, Janet Gibbs SonBurst Newsletter February

5 A Note from Pastor Ben... Thanks to everyone for such a warm welcome! It has been so great coming aboard and meeting so many wonderful people here at First UMC. I am so excited about what God is doing in this new year! I have been greatly encouraged through the new sermon series on the 6 Phases of Faith. Something God has been showing me is that there is a purpose to those times of waiting and difficulty in our lives. The purpose isn't to cause us misery or Auditioning for New Worship Now auditioning for 3rd service contemporary worship band. We need all types of instrumentalists as well as vocalists. If you play an instrument or sing, we encourage you to audition! For more information or to set up an audition time, contact Ben Bezy at ben@mooresvillefumc.org, by phone at , or visit our web site to send a message to Pastor Ben. pain. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for growth! When we learn to believe even when times are difficult, our faith is strengthened and our character is sharpened. So you and I must remember, God has a purpose for every phase in our lives and he desires us to be completely dependent upon him in every circumstance. I pray that your faith continues to grow deeper in Christ! Blessings, Pastor Ben Order Cheeseballs for Superbowl Are you busy working, taking care of family and planning that all important Super Bowl party? Well, let the UMW help take some of the pressure off by purchasing one of the 4 varieties of cheese balls we will be offering. Varieties may be purchased for $8.00 each and all money will go to support our local community missions. Pick up your orders at FUMC on Saturday, February 4th between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM or on Sunday (the day of the big game) February 5th after each service. So relax, enjoy your cheese ball appetizers and help our local mission all at the same time. Worship Committee News We are very excited about the new music ministries brought to First United Methodist Church through the talents of Jennifer Burton and Ben Bezy is going to be a wonderful year of growth through the gift of music, and we are very blessed to have each of them join with all of our extremely talented musicians and singers. Now are you ready for some football?!! This year s Super Services will be Sunday, February 5, the morning of the big game. We are in the process of producing some new commercials for this year s grand event to celebrate and glorify God. All three services will feature the fun, so don t miss it! SuperBowl Sunday How are we made in God's image? One feature that sets us apart from all other creation is our desire to create and design for pure pleasure. And Super Bowl Sunday is a wonderful example of creativity! Here at Mooresville First United Methodist Church, this is a BIG Sunday for us! Invite your friends and family to come with you as we bring the "Superbowl Theme" to worship! Videos, announcers, and Biblical preaching are all elements that make up this experiential day of worship. Visit our website to download a flier and invite others to worship! SonBurst Newsletter February

6 Christmas THANKS for Mooresville Elementary Students Thank you for supporting our last minute efforts to provide food to 205 of the Mooresville Elementary's neediest children just before Christmas. We purchased a full size peanut butter and jelly, box of white crackers, 6 ramen noodles, 5 cocoa packets, applesauce and a coloring book or puzzle book for each child, with the help of Kroger (Don Stultz is the Manager), and Julie Swaim, who with Gary went and bought out all the $1 jelly in Dollar Trees around town. Virginia Austermiller rounded up new toothbrushes and toothpaste from local dentists, and many of you donated either money or food for this endeavor. In a little over a week, we had a substantial amount of food which was sorted by Lydia, Ginny and Jim Kerr, Nancy and Steve Swallow, and Rowdy and brought to each elementary. To see the kids right before Christmas being so excited about receiving food was humbling. One child told Julie Swaim that the food distribution day was her favorite day of the week. We provided the food to those children that are qualifying for Gleaners back pack food each Friday. Thank you again for supporting a last minute effort, as you consistently do for our community. We are thankful for the support! Claire Farrand, Missions A Message from Grief Ministry As we welcome 2012 as a church, God has laid on my heart a goal as it relates to grief. As active and sincere servants of Christ, we should seek to achieve two things above all else in our daily lives. Love God above all things Love others on behalf of God As it relates to grief, applying these two things to your interactions with others can make a profound impact on those who are grieving. Grief is like snowflakes..no two are alike. The person grieving, the person lost and the age and circumstances greatly affect the length and depth of the grief process. People certainly grieve the loss of life, but they can also grieve a relationship, the loss of a job, or a change in the circumstances of life. In your social conversations, how often do you stop and reflect upon the life of the person to whom you re speaking? Do you seek to discuss your life, or what is going on in theirs? Out of a love of God and a desire to love others on His behalf I encourage everyone to reflect upon what you know about the person BEFORE you begin the polite daily conversations of life or share deeply the things in your own. Consider these circumstances: If the person you re talking to is grieving the loss of a spouse avoid talking, positively or negatively, about your spouse. Either way, it s a painful reminder of what they ve lost. If your friend is unemployed, avoid talking about your job. If they re struggling financially, it would not be helpful to discuss your upcoming vacation plans or newest purchase. If your friend has lost a child, resist the urge to discuss your child s plans after graduation, marriage, etc. Tragic grief never leaves. What might seem like every day conversation of the small things of life can be extraordinarily painful to the one who won t have the chance to experience them in their own. While you would never intentionally say something to hurt your co-worker, friend, or acquaintance, the end result is the same. If we speak without thinking about the person to whom we re speaking then it s likely we might say the wrong thing. If, however, we think of them before ourselves, we can tailor our conversations to things that would help and encourage them. Of course, you can t avoid what you don t know about, but if you re thoughtful of the things you are aware of you will be a blessing to that other person. Always remember that to those grieving a life, there is no way to roll back the clock and bring that person back, so in addition to their daily pain of loss, unintentionally hurtful comments can only add to the suffering. Be empathetic, be loving, be engaged, be patient, be forgiving be the loving arms of Christ to a hurting community! For more information on How to Help the Grieving visit the church website and click on the Grief tab. Don t forget to check out the New Library in room 140 with the Chapel. There are great books waiting to inspire, encourage and strengthen with the love of Christ. Recommended Resource of the Month: Heaven a 7 part CD or DVD series that will inspire. Blessings from your Grief Ministry team. Thanks and Blessings, Melanie Elo Melo@BenElo16.org (317) SonBurst Newsletter February

7 Nursery Ministry: children 0-36 months old Sunday Mommy & Me Loving, tender care is provided by a consistent staff during all three worship services every Sunday morning (8:30, 9:45; 11:10). A NEW ministry offered every Thursday 9:30 AM. A great opportunity for moms with infants 0-36 months old to come together. Must preregister. Children s Ministry: 3yrs-4th Grade Sunday Worship 8:30 AM Children s Choir Children begin in the sanctuary with their family and are released to a teacher after the Children s Moment. The teacher takes the children to Room 130 for a Bible story, craft, music and fun. Parent s pick-up children after the Worship Service. Meets every other Wednesday at 6:00 PM beginning Jan. 11. The children will be periodically singing during the 1st Worship Service. Tomorrow s Promise Preschool Registration for preschool classes during the is open now! We've already received several new applicants, so don't wait, enroll your child today before the classes are filled! Visit this webpage to download the application form: Thanks from McPhee s We have a wonderful church family! Our beloved sister Vicki passed in December and your prayers were felt. Thank you for your cards, and prayers and for Dennis' visits during Vickis passing. God Bless you all Sandra & David McPhee Sunday Worship 9:45 AM Children begin in the sanctuary with their family and are released after the Children s Moment. Sunday School teachers escort the children to their rooms. A hands-on Bible curriculum is used. There are several special events during the year such as a Back to School Carnival, Promotion Ceremony and mission projects. Parents must pick-up their children from classrooms immediately after Worship. Sunday Worship 11:10 AM Childcare will be provided at 11:10 AM during Sunday morning worship in Room 130. Children 3 year s old through 4th grade are invited to this class. Wednesday Night 6:30 PM Children 3 year s old through 4th grade will meet from 6:30 7:45 on Wednesday evenings in Room 117. During this time they will have a Bible lesson, make crafts, have a snack and just have fun. Lydia Rychtarczyk and Anna Allman are the teachers. Contact Children s Leadership Nursery Coordinator Shelly Duncan - shelly@mooresvillefumc.org Sunday School Coordinator Kathy Everman Children s Choir Director for 8:15 Worship Jennifer Burton - jennifer@mooresvillefumc.org Preschool & Children s Director Lydia Rychtarczyk - lydia@mooresvillefumc.org SonBurst Newsletter February

8 A Note from Jennifer Burton: Traditional Choir Director Do you or someone you know play an instrument? If so, the Chancel choir wants you!! Please consider giving your time and talent to the church by helping to make the worship experience extra special by accompanying the musical selections. The process is simple and doesn t require a lot of your time. About a month in advance I will give you the music to learn and you will meet with the choir to practice on the Wednesday the week of your performance. Then come to church by 8:00am on Sunday morning for a quick practice before the service and voila, you re done. Please me at Jennifer@MooresvilleFUMC.org and let me know what instrument(s) you play and your phone number so I can contact you to work out the details. Don t play an instrument? That s ok. You can help in other ways. I am looking for actors for Easter Sunday and the Maundy Thursday service. Please me at Jennifer@MooresvilleFUMC.org if you are interested. I will get your script to you and we will practice during second and/or third service on a few Sundays leading up to Easter week. Children s choir has started. We had 6 children come to practice on January 11th. I would love it if there were more children involved. We meet every other Wednesday from 6:00-6:30. Please help get this important new ministry off the ground by bringing your child to rehearsal. I have a dream that our choir loft will be overflowing with singers. I pray for new members each and every Sunday and I am confident that God will make it happen. Practice is every Wednesday at 6:30. We have fun and fellowship and create beautiful music together to share with the congregation. Please come out and join us and give your time and talent to the church. Blessings, Jennifer SuperBowl Party 5th-12 Grade February is a short, but exciting month for the youth group! We will be kicking off the month with a Super Bowl Party for 5th-12th grade at Cassy Klindt s house. Thank you Klindt s for hosting! What s more exciting is our new youth director Bryan Vickery (and maybe his wife Jamie and son Kaden) will be joining us for party! The rest of the month will be spent welcoming and getting to know Bryan and his family, and of course, diving into God s word. Youth Calendar February 5 5th-12th grade Super Bowl party at Klindt s :00 PM, 5-6th Grade Regular Youth 5-7:30 PM, 7-12th Grade Regular Youth :00 PM, 5-6th Grade Regular Youth 5-7:30 PM, 7-12th Grade Regular Youth :00 PM, 5-6th Grade Regular Youth 5-7:30 PM, 7-12th Grade Regular Youth Contact Info for Youth Leaders Jr./ Sr. High Youth Group Contacts Bryan Vickery bryan@mooresvillefumc.org April Shover -- (317) april.shover@gmail.com Ben Esterline -- (317) baesterline@gmail.com 5th-6th Grade Youth Contacts Dan Herron - (317) dherron59@gmail.com Kim Vedder (317) kimmie_62@ymail.com New Microwave in Kitchen Thanks to the United Methodist Women who purchased a new microwave for our kitchen. A special thanks to Jim and Ginny Kerr who picket this up and brought it to the church SonBurst Newsletter February

9 Questions? Contact Tammy Payton Group Name Time Location Leader Start Date Kids? Everything Is Possible Sunday Groups Booster & Seeker Sunday School Class 9:45 AM Room 110 Cathy Mosier Meets now yes Friendship Class 9:45 AM Room 113 Dedra Weddle Meets now yes Sandy Fanning 9:45 AM Parlor Sandy Fanning Meets now yes Signe Nicholson & Jamie Wilson 11:15 AM Room 140 Nicholson & Wilson Meets now yes Dennis & Tammy Payton 6:00 PM Home Dennis Payton Meets now yes Tuesday Groups Dave & Jennifer Burton 6:00 PM Home The Burton s Meets now yes Dave & Karalee Stinson 6:30 PM Home The Stinson s Meets now yes Dawn Holbrook 6:30 PM Home The Holbrook s Meets now no Wednesday Groups Mike & Mickey Beck 6:30 PM Home The Beck s Meets now no Steve & Sue Klinger 6:30 PM Room 110 The Klinger s Meets now yes Dennis Payton 6:30 PM Parlor Rev. Payton Meets now yes Thursday Group High Street Connection 6:30 PM Home Dave Snyder Meets now no David & Donna Sease 6:30 PM Home The Sease s Meets now no Saturday Groups Genesis Bagel 7:00 AM Genesis Bagel Dave Nance Meets now no Rob & Erin Probus 7:00 PM Home The Probus s Meets now yes Snowbird Bible Studies Ruth Brown Judy McAuley Florida Florida Other Small Group Studies Questions? Contact Tammy Payton AdultEd@mooresvillefumc.org Group Name Time Location Leader Start Date Description of Study Monday Group Monday AM Study 9:30 AM Room 110 Todd Henning Meeting now Second half of the Book of Revelation Tuesday Groups Prayer Group 7:30 AM Chapel team leaders Meeting now Praying for our church & community Quilters 9:00 AM Room 111 team leaders Meeting now Bring needle and thread Sewing Ladies 9:00 AM Parlor team leaders Meeting now Bring your sewing machine Wednesday Groups Prayer & Share 11:30 AM Downtown Rev. Dennis Thursday Groups Home Bible Study 7:00 PM Beal s Home Rev. Gene Young 3rd Thursday of each month Every other Thurs. (Feb. 9 & 23) Business people gather for lunch downtown A Man of Grace and Grit, Paul by Charles Swindoll SonBurst Newsletter February

10 Our Missionaries: The McGavran Family Serving in Indonesia Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The new year, 2012, going quickly enough for you? One month out of 12 already over. Salatiga is warm and wet! Rain sometime nearly every day; yeah, it s rainy season in the tropics! And it s winter in Indiana! Yeah, you know that. As to what you don t know.the latest McGavran news! For starters, go to our blog site and enjoy our added pictures. Our miracle of having Tyler here for Christmas and New Year s was terrific. Could I say, It was just what the Dr. ordered.for all of us? Although he s now safely back at Trine, I m still marveling at God s hand in getting Tyler here. Every night as I wait to fall asleep, I thank God for making it possible for Tyler to be here. We stayed put here in Salatiga enjoying time at home with each other. We did venture out to Tree Tops! Tree Tops is similar to a ropes course; it has numerous zip lines and is a lot of fun, that is, if you don t get hurt! Don ended up with a cast on his foot/ankle for what was concluded must be a torn tendon. After 10 days he cut the cast off himself and now moves slowly with an ankle brace. It was nice for some of our new friends to get to meet Tyler and see us as an entire family unit, especially since many forget we have an older son! Tyler now knows where home is and what our lives are like here. We are finding it rewarding to enjoy our first child growing in independence, maturity and responsibility. Tyler s being here was the most awesome earthly gift priceless. And as if that was not enough, our cup of blessing did not stop filling! It is now overflowing! Glory to God! But this overflow of blessing has me once again thinking and exploring my faith beliefs. Would you believe that I was able to fly to Singapore with Tyler the day he left and stay for 2 nights so I could get 2 medical appmts. off my list of things I needed to address? Would you believe that this blessing came from friends here, in Indonesia? Going with Tyler was really special. He had a 17 hour layover in Singapore, so this allowed him to go with me to the hotel and us to hang out together for most of those hours. Isn t that cool? So much better than being alone in an airport! So, at 2:30AM he left the hotel for the airport after I once again released him to the Lord s care. My Dr. appmts were positive results, PTL. I had my eyes examined, resulting in news that my eyes are healthy, just changing in power, normal for my age (cough, cough). I could be a candidate for lasix surgery, but think I ll be opting for a new pair of contact lenses sometime this year! And the grandma reading glasses; they stay hanging around my neck! I also had my ears looked at. Again, I discovered my ears are healthy inside and out, but that appmt. turned up an issue I wasn t aware of. Again, I d be a candidate for surgery.on my sinuses. But that is not necessary surgery either. So, tic two medical needs off our needs list! God s provision.not exactly how I envisioned it! As I ve said in the past, life overseas has its challenges, but also has many joys. Our joys come from the continual experience of God s work in us and around us. But to be sure, you can live anywhere in the world and have that joy because God is at work; He never naps or sleeps! What am I learning in this season? Well, as we raise funds for the first time, I m learning loads! With my blessings cup overflowing, I am learning that obviously the Lord does not withhold blessing based on my shortcomings or sin, because I, and think Don would be with me on this, don t get it all right. Do you? But that means I m not only acutely aware of my undeserving status, but I flirt with guilt; thus, I keep asking the Lord, Who am I that you bless me at all, let alone over and over? Do you know the answer? I do! It s because He loves me. And His storehouse NEVER runs empty, so He can afford to give and give and give and love and love and love My storehouse does reach empty and my love is not always reliable. But, if I give more to serve others in the name of the provider of all I have, including time, energy and money, would my storehouse run empty? Is it possible? I know the answer to that too! NO, because it all comes from His storehouse, not mine! Well, I m really thinking out loud here, and that could go on a long time, but the newsletter can t hold it all, so I ll move along. I hope you ll join me in this process of giving blessing, receiving blessing, and being a blessing. It s worth pondering much. Will you receive what He has for you or push it away because you can t get it all together or right first? You know what? What He gives..is FREE, not deserved and not earned. Our ministry at the school is, shall I say, in full throttle! Don s gifts of servant leadership are not only needed at this juncture of the school s crossroads, but also appreciated and valued. Wow, what a confirmation of our being here. Don s relationship with the school board is very positive and mutually respectful. I asked a parent to write a small bit about the value of what we do here, desiring to better convey to you how working at Mountainview is different, ministry even, from those who work at a school, Christian school in some cases, in the States. Working at a school overseas is not terribly different, but without schools like MICS, many missionaries would not be going out planting faith, harvesting and shepherding. Here s a snippet from Jeanne Jantzi; she and Dan serve in a leadership role for Mennonite Central Committee. Our work with churches includes seeking peace among religious differences, reaching out to respond to disasters, in providing care and hope for people with HIV/AIDS, and in improving education for children in isolated parts of the country. In all of these things, churches are able to clearly identify themselves as followers of Christ who are motivated to serve all people as an expression of their faith. Over the years, our children have shared about our lives and our work in their classes. Their teachers and classmates have prayed for and supported these ministries. The administrators and teachers at Mountainview provide a warm learning atmosphere that is crucial for third culture kids whose lives seem to be continually in transition. Mountainview International Christian School has had a powerful multiplier effect on Christian ministry in Indonesia. Because the school is providing a solid education for our children, lots of families like ours are able to serve in a variety of ministries across many islands. The direct impact of the school is on our children. The indirect impact is supporting the building of the Kingdom of God across Indonesia. You can read Jeanne s entire comments about the need an impact of Mountainview ICS on our blog site. I could write so much more, but space will not allow. If you have questions or something specific you d like me to discuss, please me and let me know. I m never quite sure what you might want to know about or learn about. I hope you understand that our connection to First UMC is vital to our serving here. We need your prayers; we need your financial support, and we need to be connected to a body of believers. We do not take you for granted; we love our home church and we miss worshipping with you. Vicki, for all the McGavran.Don, Tyler, Brittany and Hunter-Gene Contact the McGavran s Don & Vicki McGavran C/O Mountainview International Christian School Jl. Nakula Sadewa Raya #55 Salatiga Jateng Indonesia Facebook: Don McGavran Facebook: Vicki K. Young McGavran jambovicki@gmail.com Blog: SonBurst Newsletter February

11 February 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 6:00 Bell Choir 6:30 Classes Adult Choir 2 9:30-10:30 Mommy & Me Band Practice 3 8:00 AA & Alanon 4 Upward Basketball Games 5 Super Bowl Sunday 8:30-9:45-11:10 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Sunday School 4:00 AA Youth Super Bowl Party 6 9:30 Bible Study 5:30 Soccer Practice 6:15 Visitation Team 7:30 AA 7 7:30-8:30 Prayer 9:00 Sewing & Quilting 8 6:00 Children s Choir 6:30 Classes Adult Choir 9 9:30-10:30 Mommy & Me 10:00 Visitation Team Band Practice 10 8:00 AA & Alanon 11 8:00 Men s Breakfast 2:30 Valentine Tea 12 8:30-9:45-11:10 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Mission Meeting Sunday School 4:00 AA 4:00 5th&6th Youth 5: Youth 13 9:30 Bible Study 12:15-2:45 pre School 5:30 Soccer Practice 6 Lay Leadership & Adult Ed Prayer Team meet 6:15 Visitation Team 14 Valentine s Day 7:30-8:30 Prayer 9:00 Sewing & Quilting 12:15-2:45 pre School 15 6:00 Bell Choir 6:30 Classes Adult Choir 16 9:30-10:30 Mommy & Me Band practice 17 No Pre School Winter Break 8:00 AA & Alanon 18 Upward Basketball Games 5:00 Cub Scout Banquet 19 8:30-9:45-11:10 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 11:00 Small Group Study 4:00 AA 4:00 5th & 6th Youth 5: Youth 20 No Pre School Winter Break 9:30 Bible Study 5:30 Soccer Practice 6:15 Visitation Team 7:30 AA 21 7:30-8:30 Prayer 9:00 Quilting 1:00 Asbury Circle 7:00 Girl Scout Leader meet 22 Ash Wednesday 6:00 Children s Choir 6:30 Ash Wednesday Service 23 9:30-10:30 Mommy &e 10 Visitation Team 12:15:2:45 Pre School 6:00 Staff parish meet 7:00 Technology meet Band Practice 24 8:00 AA & Alanon 25 Upward Basketball Games 26 First Sunday in Lent 8:30-9:45-11:10 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 4:00 AA 4:00 5th & 6th Youth 5: Youth 27 9:30 Bible Study 5:30 Soccer Practice 6:15 Visitation Team 7:30 AA 28 7:30-8:30 Prayer 9:00 Quilting & Sewing 29 6:00 Bell Choir 6:30 Classes Adult Choir SonBurst Newsletter February

12 Lenten Sermon Series: Jesus Speaks from the Cross and the Grave ASH WEDNESDAY: February 22 - Ash Wednesday and the Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-44) SUNDAY: February 26 - Father Forgive Them (Luke 23:26, 33-34) SUNDAY: March 4 - Today You Will Be with me in Paradise (Luke 23: 32, 39-43) SUNDAY: April 1 - It Is Finished (Luke 23:43-47) MAUNDY THURSDAY: April 5 - The Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday (Matthew 26:17-30) GOOD FRIDAY: April 6 - The Death of Jesus on Good Friday (Matthew 26:17-30) SUNDAY: March 11 - Behold Your Son...Behold Your Mother (John 19:25-27) SUNDAY: March 18 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? (Mark 15: 29-36) SUNDAY: March 25 - I Thirst (John 19:28-29) Relay for Life 2012 First UMC Believer Achievers: Mark your calendar for this year's Relay for Life on June 9-10 from 9am- 9am at the Mooresville High School Track. The Relay is the American Cancer Society's largest fundraising event of the year. Be sure to watch for upcoming fundraisers, luminaria sales and sign up sheet SUNDAY: April 8 - It Is Easter (John 20:1, Matthew 28:1-8) SUNDAY: April 15 - The Very Last Words of Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20) with walk times. Anyone interested in becoming a co -captain with the church's team is encouraged to call me at or at AMaddenRN@yahoo.com. The co-captain will assist me in attending team meetings once a month, fundraising, and participating in the Relay. Hope to see everyone there! Thank you, Angie Madden 900 Indianapolis Rd. Mooresville, IN Office: (317) Address Service Requested SonBurst Newsletter February