"Jesus help me" were the final words from many of these Egyptian believers.

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NEWSLESTER To Be Disciples To Make Disciples Lester Memorial United Methodist Church (205) 625-5681 Visit us @ www.lester-memorial.

1 NEWSLESTER To Be Disciples To Make Disciples Lester Memorial United Methodist Church (205) Visit Prayer/Care Line (205) In my sermon last week, I mentioned reading an article about the 21 Coptic Christians martyred by ISIS. Below is part of the article by Steve Beard that appeared in Good News Magazine: "Jesus help me" were the final words from many of these Egyptian believers. "To the last moment, the name of Jesus was on their lips," Hana Aziz told CNN. Aziz was in the next room when his nephew and uncle were kidnapped by masked ISIS terrorists. "As they were being martyred, they were calling God's name, saying, 'God, have mercy on us.' The entire village is proud." Thirteen of the men in their 20s were from a village called Al Aour, 125 miles south of Cairo. "The blood of our Christian brothers and sisters is a testimony which cries out to be heard," Pope Francis said. "It makes no difference whether they be Catholics, Orthodox, Copts or Protestants. They are Christians! Their blood is one and the same. Their blood confesses Christ.'' Speaking on Christian radio, Beshir Kamel was grateful that ISIS failed to edit out the declarations of faith in Jesus Christ of the dying men in the brutal video. Kamel had two brothers who were martyred on the Libyan beach. According to Christian Today, Kamel said that their faithfulness unto death "had strengthened his own faith." He added that the families of the young men are "congratulating one another" and not in despair: "We are proud to have this number of people from our village who have become martyrs," he said. As I read this article, I was moved by the faith of these young men and their families. Most of us will not likely have to face this kind of faith challenge. But if we did, how would we fair? Are we so comfortable with our religion that this kind of sacrifice is foreign to us? Maybe so. I do not know. What I do know is that the faith of these young men and their families has challenged me to look deep within to examine my own faith. So, I ask myself, is my faith worth dying for? If not, is it worth living for? Remember, GOD LOVES YOU! And, so do I. Barry March 2015 Volume 16 Number 3

Cindy and I have been a part of the Lester family for over 30 years, and we could not be where we are today without the love and support of the church.

2 Welcome Joe Hastings as our new Minister of Discipleship I am excited to be serving as Minister of Discipleship at Lester! Having that title is a little like the curl in a pig s tail: it doesn t do much for the bacon, but it sure makes the pig feel good! Cindy and I have been a part of the Lester family for over 30 years, and we could not be where we are today without the love and support of the church. When I moved from full time vet practice a little over a year ago, my prayer was that God would allow me to serve God in some capacity in which I could make a difference. I am excited that I have that opportunity here on staff at the church. My goal is to help us all fulfill our mission to be disciples and to make disciples, through a variety of means, including small groups, mission and ministry opportunities, and other avenues of service. I will be at the church on Mondays and Wednesdays, and would love to have you come by and talk. I am open to all ideas for ways we can influence the world for Jesus. I look forward to serving God with you as we live out our vows to serve God through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Joe Hastings Natural Church Development News We have completed our fourth NCD church wide survey, and the results are good! As you remember, NCD evaluates the overall health of a church using eight quality characteristics: Holistic small groups, inspiring worship service, empowering leadership, gift based ministry, effective structures, need-oriented evangelism, loving relationships, and passionate spirituality. Our average score was 66, which in NCD s scoring system is very good. Healthy churches average over 65. Our previous averages were 48, 51 and 58. Our highest scores on this survey were holistic small groups and passionate spirituality. Our minimum factors were empowering leadership, effective structures and needoriented evangelism. The church health team will concentrate on these factors as we move forward. We appreciate those who participated in the survey and ask that you continue to pray for our church as we continue to grow as individuals in Christ, and as the Body of Christ, participating with God in His plan of redeeming the world. Blount County Children s Center 2015 Blue Ribbon Dinner Tuesday, April 14 th Help them fight child abuse! Dinner prepared by Lee Alexander Entertainment Comedian - Aaron Wilburn Purchase tickets from any Board Member or Call the BCCC office at

Sunday 1 Holy Communion Monday 2 Fellowship Hal Tuesday 3 4 Wednesday -Bible Study 3:00 p.m.-refuel 5:15 p.m.-supper 6:00 p.m.-small Group Studies 7:00 p.m.-embers Chancel Choir Thursday Friday 5 6 7 Saturday 12:00 p.

3 Sunday 1 Holy Communion Monday 2 Fellowship Hal Tuesday 3 4 Wednesday -Bible Study 3:00 p.m.-refuel 5:15 p.m.-supper 6:00 p.m.-small Group Studies 7:00 p.m.-embers Chancel Choir Thursday Friday Saturday 12:00 p.m. STOP HUNGER NOW Bible Study 3:00 p.m.-refuel 5:15 p.m.-supper 6:00 p.m.-small Group Studies 7:00 p.m.-embers Chancel Choir Exit 456 CSI Camp Sumatanga 14 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Disaster Response Training Exit 456 CSI Camp Sumatanga Camp Lee 15 7:00 a.m. UM Men s Breakfast 2:30-4:00 p.m. Children s Mission Camp Lee :00 p.m. Cub Scouts Pack Gathering 18 -Bible Study 3:00 p.m.-refuel 5:15 p.m.-supper 6:00 p.m.-small Group Studies 7:00 p.m.-embers Chancel Choir 19 Low Vision Bible Study 3:00 p.m.-refuel 5:15 p.m.-supper 6:00 p.m.-small Group Studies 7:00 p.m.-embers Chancel Choir 26 11:30 a.m Fundraiser 29 Palm Sunday Fundraiser

4 March Memorials January 18 February 18 Richard Gargus Fairy Allred Amanda White Dean Maynor OHS Class of 1958 Bob White Joan Corr Currier Wayne Gargus Joan Corr Currier Beverly Ellis Billie Gaddy Amanda White Beverly Ellis Randall & Lynn Conn Craig Logan continued Anne Murphree Ministries John & Liz Wilson Beverly Ellis Celine Crew Harmon & Allene Darnell John Gooch Cargile Jewelers Amanda, Robert, Sean White Teri Brownlow IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF Joe Miller John & Liz Wilson Craig Logan Matt Battles Gary & Carol Reid Everett & Melonia Tidwell Kay Pitts Brown Paul Allred Bill & Ginger Hyde Derf & Cathy Bryan James & Dixie Daily Joe & Syble Brindley Jerry & Debbie Wyrick Jimmy & Elaine Ward Jerry & Mona Ward Carol Hanson Monnie Brooks Dr. Joe Tipton Randall & Lynn Conn Danny & Sherry Kelly Leon & Bobbe Sanders Ministries March Birthdays 1 Walt Wages 2 Jim Hornsby Aston Boyd 3 Betty Jo Ashley Natalie Jones 4 Jennifer Hitt James Patton 5 Ashton Brooks Wilda Auth 6 Bob Bradford 8 Don Wilson Jim Bess 9 Cathy Bryan Jennifer Bryan Taylor Hamby Harrison Hill 10 Zach Thomas 13 Donna Wilson 14 Patricia Harvey 16 Katie Wages 18 David Wilson 19 Nora Hornsby 20 Charlie Bottcher 21 Neal Brooks Faith Palmer 22 Meagen Lamb 23 Cindy Self 24 Bill Barnett 25 Edith Street Jan Bess 26 Dorothy Kennamer 27 Elizabeth Cheney Danny Shelton Joshua Wood 28 Ron Shea Lynn Townson Mary Tyler Pickers 29 Connor Kendrick 30 Amanda White If your birthday or one for a family member is not on this list and should be or is incorrect, please contact the church office at

Discover what is all about! Join us on Monday nights Dessert/Fellowship time 5:45 6:15 p.m. Worship-Large Group 6:15 7:15 p.m. Get involved in a Small Group 7:15 8:15 p.m. Real freedom through Jesus Christ from ANY Hurt, Habit, or Hang-up!

5 Discover what is all about! Join us on Monday nights Dessert/Fellowship time 5:45 6:15 p.m. Worship-Large Group 6:15 7:15 p.m. Get involved in a Small Group 7:15 8:15 p.m. Real freedom through Jesus Christ from ANY Hurt, Habit, or Hang-up! Upcoming Opportunities for Ministry and Service Just a reminder that we have several opportunities to grow in our faith as we learn and serve in the next few weeks! March 7 is our program. Please sign up soon to participate in this exciting opportunity to help feed hungry children. Please Jane Anne Nesmith or me for more information. You can also donate to cover the cost of the meals. We need to raise just over $3000 to pack over 10,000 meals! March 14 is Disaster Relief training for those previously certified to provide early relief for disasters. Training will be from 8-12 in the fellowship hall. Cost is $ There are sign up sheets in the church office. Our Lenten Study is in full gear! It is not too late to join a small group. See Barry or me to find a place to study the I Am sayings of Jesus. can always use more helpers. God is moving in this ministry! To see what God is doing, and to be a part of changing people s lives, talk to Alan Cheney or me to find out how to plug in. Be on the lookout for information about sharing a Blessing in a Backpack. We will join other churches to provide meals for children in Oneonta who might not have adequate nutrition on the weekends. More information will be coming in the near future. A quick reminder, we celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month (March 1). Please make it a priority to be in worship as we share in the Lord s Supper together. As always, let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas about how we can better reach people for Christ. I look forward to serving God with you as we live out our vows to serve God with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Joe Hastings Minister of Discipleship

Exit 456 C S I Christian Scene Investigation Camp Sumatanga March 13 14, 2015 CSI is a retreat for all 4 th, 5 th and 6 th graders. If you want to go, please email me at rhonda.tinney@gmail.

6 Exit 456 C S I Christian Scene Investigation Camp Sumatanga March 13 14, 2015 CSI is a retreat for all 4 th, 5 th and 6 th graders. If you want to go, please me at rhonda.tinney@gmail.com or call Please include your name and shirt size. There will be no charge for this retreat. REFUGE Student Ministries has remained pretty busy these days. From preparing Christmas gifts that were delivered to LMUMC shut-ins this past December, to attending Bible studies on Sunday mornings and nights, as well as Wednesday nights, bowling, movie nights, and the quickly approaching Camp Lee weekend-there are plenty of ways for teens to get involved. Camp Lee is set for March 13th-15th. Rachael Hurt will be leading worship, and a dear friend of mine Jordan Drake will be the speaker. There are several activities offered at Camp Lee: climbing a rock wall, basketball, Frisbee, soccer, zip lining, etc. Also, April 12, the youth are going to the Factory in Gadsden. Both will be a lot of fun! Tyler If you are in the 5 th or 6 th grade, Confirmation classes will be throughout the month of March. The classes will be held on Sunday mornings during Sunday School and on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Please Rhonda Tinney at rhonda.tinney@gmail.com or call

7 SUNDAY, April 12 Interested in going on the next bus trip? St. Augustine, Florida Sunday, April 12 Wednesday, April 15 Depart Oneonta (Central time zone) Lunch break and rest stops along the way 8:00 p.m. Arrive at Schooner s Seafood House in St. Augustine (Eastern time zone) 9:30 p.m. Arrive at the Hampton Inn-Historic District MONDAY, April 13 6:00 9:00 a.m. Breakfast (included) 9:30 a.m. Old Town Trolley Tours picks us up at the hotel for a 1 hour Narrative Trolley Tour 10:30 a.m. Drop off at City Gates on North St. George Street We have a two-day step-on step-off pass which also includes a Beach Bus Shuttle to the Alligator Farm, Lighthouse and the beach. 4:30 p.m. Last trolley stop. Trolley will take you to stop #1 and a hotel shuttle will take you back to the hotel. TUESDAY, April 14 6:00 9:00 a.m. Breakfast (included) 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Step-on step-off trolley services WEDNESDAY, April 15 6:00 8:00 a.m. Breakfast (included) 8:30 a.m. Depart for Oneonta (Eastern time zone) Rest breaks and lunch break along the way 6:00 p.m. Arrive in Oneonta (Central time zone) COST: $ per person based on double occupancy Deadline: Please pay by Monday, March 23. I have to have the money to the hotel by April 1, therefore, I will need to mail our check by March 26. Call Elaine at or elaine@lester-memorial.org with questions/comments. LMUMC Preschool will open registration for the year on April 1, Registration forms will be available in the on the Welcome Table. Completed forms may be returned there as well or to the Preschool Director, Donna Self, weekdays 8a.m. 12p.m. upstairs in the preschool rooms. Children 3 years old by September 1, 2015 may attend the Tuesday/Thursday program 8:30a.m. 11:30p.m. and children 4 years old by the same date may attend the MWF or the Monday-Friday program (first come first serve for this one class) the same hours. Further information and cost will be on the registration packet. Daycare children will all attend the morning preschool program. For questions, you may contact Donna Self at

Lester Memorial United Methodist Church P. O. Box 626 Oneonta, Alabama 35121 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ONEONTA, AL PERMIT NO. 69 ASP Fundraiser coming up soon! Look for details!

274-2478/C-625-8266 Russell Smith 625-5901/C-422-1642 March 22 nd March 29 th April 5 th Would you like a chance to serve God in Manila alongside Kid s International Ministry?

8 Lester Memorial United Methodist Church P. O. Box 626 Oneonta, Alabama NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ONEONTA, AL PERMIT NO. 69 ASP Fundraiser coming up soon! Look for details! Bus Schedule David Wilson /C Albert Teal /C March 1 st March 8 th Bill Cofield /C March 15 th Scott Fendley /C David Wilson /C Russell Smith /C March 22 nd March 29 th April 5 th Would you like a chance to serve God in Manila alongside Kid s International Ministry? There is a team going to serve again this summer. Several spots are open. Questions? Contact Joe Hastings at Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group meets monthly on the 4 th Thursday 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Lester Memorial UMC Annex building No fees or materials required For more information, please contact June Peppers Ministry Team and Staff: Pastor-Barry Hallman, Student Minister-Tyler Woodham, Children s Ministries-Rhonda Tinney, Minister of Discipleship-Dr. Joe Hastings, Minister of Pastoral Care Tommy Stuart, Secretary-Elaine Gargus, Bookkeeper-Patricia Harvey, Music Director-Beverly Ellis, Organist-Martha Burdette, Church Hostess-Karen Cook, Maintenance-Roger Westerman, Day Care Director-Marleen Lowry, Kindergarten Director-Donna Self, NewsLester Editor- Rhonda Teal. Church Office Care Line Website:

NEWSLESTER. December 2016 Volume 17 Number 12

NEWSLESTER. December 2016 Volume 17 Number 12 NEWSLESTER To Be Disciples To Make Disciples Lester Memorial United Methodist Church (205) 625-5681 Visit us @ www.lester-memorial.org Prayer/Care Line (205) 625-5600 As most of you (perhaps all of you)