The Grapevine. New Covenant United Methodist Church. Corner. Pastor s. April 2011

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1 The Grapevine April 2011 Eyes of Faith Please join us as we celebrate the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through our Easter Cantata: The Eyes of Faith. This year we are joining with the Hills Chapel UMC choir to present this celebration of our Risen Lord. We will present the message in word and song at Hills Chapel on April 10 th at 4:00 pm and at New Covenant UMC on April 17 th at 7:00 pm. This is an exciting multi-media presentation that will thrill and move you and remind you of the miracle of the resurrection. Bring all your family and friends and join us in this exciting worship experience. The combined choirs look forward to seeing you there! New Covenant United Methodist Church Corner Thoughts of the Pastor There hangs in my study here at New Covenant Church a picture that shows three men walking down the road surrounded by tall trees. The picture is called The Road to Emmaus. It depicts the scene in Luke s gospel where two of Jesus disciples leave Jerusalem in the sadness of his crucifixion only to be joined by a man along the road they realize later is the risen Christ. The picture is not my own. It was in my study when I became pastor of New Covenant. Despite the fact I do not own it and the glass over the picture is broken, this picture means much to me because it reminds me of Douglas. Douglas was a member of a congregation where I pastured almost thirty years ago. Everyone in the congregation from young to old loved Doug. Though Doug was deeply loved and was a skilled carpenter, he had a terrible problem with alcohol that eventually took his life. You see, alcohol and pills do not mix. After Doug died, his wife, Betty Lou, wanted to give something to the church as a memorial to Doug and what she gave was that same picture, The Road to Emmaus. Pastor s That picture is a wonderful metaphor during these days of April when Christians travel from Lent to Easter. As the glass in that picture is broken, so are we. We may not have an alcohol problem like Douglas, but there are things in each and everyone of us that stunt our relationship with God. There are ways that all of us have broken our covenant with God and sinned against Him. The good news of Good Friday is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died on the cross for the sins of Douglas, you, and me. The good news of Easter is that the Christ who died also lives. As he walked with his disciples on the road to Emmaus, so he walks and rides with us on the road to Lucia, Stanley, Charlotte, and Denver. Because Christ knew victory over death, Douglas is a victor and so are we. Death does not have the last word. Hallelujah, and amen.- Pastor Randy Wall

2 Greetings New Covenant Members, "to you who have been made holy in Christ Jesus." Things are moving right along this year and time is flying by like a 'G6' (a Gulfstream Jet =D). We have been having a wonderful Christ-filled time in the youth ministry. We had a very special blessing during our ski trip, first with no one getting injured, all praise to God our Father who deserves all the glory, and also attended a special traditional service at Pastor Rick Auten's church. And again I wanted to thank all the youth for being so good, and all the adults who came and helped in so many special ways. And adding to that thank you a big thanks to all the youth and adults who helped the youth hosting of Room in the Inn. As we move into April, we have some very special things coming up. The youth will have a Lock-In on April 1st where we will not only have a lot of fun, but also a lesson and sharing time on Purity and Dating. During this time, youth will be taught how God looks at both of these and how we are engaged to Jesus Christ. And at the end of the lesson they will be asked to make a covenant with God to remain pure until marriage. So I ask all the church family to pray for all our youth in this area of their life. Also, at the end of April, we will be participating in the Relay for Life and the youth band will be performing at midnight on the Friday night/saturday morning. Then on Saturday beginning around 10 am we should have 4 to 5 youth playing in a 3 on 3 Basketball tournament that is a fund raiser to raise money for a scholarship to teens in need. This is a special event also because they will get to play at Davidson College on their main basketball court. For the near future, keep your ear out for some other youth events like a Car Wash Youth Fundraiser, upcoming trips and mission events. Thanks again to all of New Covenant for the love I have received, through all of you God has blessed me greatly. Love in Christ, Todd Guest Hart Memorial Garden Dedication Please join us for the Hart Memorial Garden Dedication on Sunday, April 17th, at 10:45 a.m. Robbie Rudisill prepared this garden in memory of our beloved Harriette Everhart for his Eagle Scout project. Thank you Robbie for preparing such a beautiful place where we can go and reflect on our sweet memories of Hart. Maundy Thursday April 21st 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunday April 24th Sunrise 6:30 a.m. Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:00 a.m. Our confirmation class will be joining the church during the 10:00 a.m. worship service on Easter Sunday. This year s confirmands are Hannah Carpenter, Ramsey Carson, Lauren Lanham and Austin Tucker.

3 Ushers for April 9:00 a.m. Service 11:00 a.m. Service Bill Hamilton John Carpenter Donny Coltharp Barry Rhyne Donnie Lanham Floyd Brown Visitation Teams for April April 3rd Marvin & Matt Hinson April 10th Heather & Ashley Vellers April 17th Shannon Reavis & Debbie Stewart April 24th Gregg & Cindy Ganous Happy Anniversary! Ronald & Monica Bennett 3 Ron & Luann Elliott 4 Jason & Jennifer Tucker 6 Jeff & Laura Canady 6 Chris & Holly Adams 10 Mike & Debbie Asplund 10 Mike & Linda Stroup 12 Jim & Kim Tench 15 Rodney & April Howard 17 Gary & Lisa Vellers 24 Talmadge & Christy McInnis 27 OOPS... Did we miss your birthday or anniversary? Please let us know! Drop a note off by the office so that our records can be updated. Acolytes for April April 3rd Bailey Canady April 10th Ginny Overbay April 17th Kortney Beatty April 24th Marissa Beatty Happy Birthday! Gail Foster 1 Mark Howard 2 Molly Otto 2 Karen Rhyne 5 Sam McInnis 6 Betty Simmons 6 Thomas Barker 8 Todd Guest 8 Bill Poole 9 Tanner Drum 10 Pat Brown 12 Morgan Canady 13 Kevin Sellers 14 Kathy Baldwin 16 Leah Carpenter 20 Debbie Stewart 21 Kelly Carpenter 22 Marjorie Goodling 22 Paul Henkel 22 River Howard 24 Tina Miller 24 Skip Underwood, III 25 Lauren Lanham 28 Dustin Hutchison 29 Dan Overbay 29 Tori Simmons 29 Marc Abernathy 30 Angela Hallman 30

4 Important Dates/Activities UMM Breakfast The UMM breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 3rd, at 7:00 a.m. Fellowship Meal Please join us for our Fellowship Meal on Wednesday, April 6th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the FLC. Food for the tummy, friends for the soul. The menu will be announced. We will need individuals to bring desserts and soft drinks. All proceeds will go to the building fund. Worship Committee The Worship Committee will meet on Thursday, April 7th, at 7:00 p.m., at the church. Health & Wellness A new Health and Wellness Mission has been formed. We will begin blood pressure checks on Sunday, April 3rd, in the Parlor. Blood pressures will taken from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Checks will be done on the first Sunday of each month. If you have questions about this ministry, please see Robin Lanham or Betty Simmons. Haley Turner Heather Siebert Ken Helser Spencer Stewart Thornton Family Unspoken Our Country Hannah Martin Ruth Allen Troops Governments of the World Homeless, Jobless, Poor, Sick Jennings Family Police Officers, Teachers, Firefighters Kimberly Alcott Terri Teasley Jimmy Tucker Heather Miller Lonnie Bill Stewart Family Jacqueline Clark Earthquake Victims Economy Neane Phillips Aloma Dougherty Weldon Family Mr. Wright David Thompson Chip & Sherry Smith Angela Walton Polly Miller Vance Creek Angie David Simpson Jennifer Simpson Bob & Della Dionne Spencer Wilson Heavener Family Mike Griffin James Pharr Phyllis Ramsey Jim Raegan Family Shirley Hildebran Family Meaghan Tench Bess Griffith Jane Waldroop Terri Hallman Jean Henkel Remember those who cannot be a part of our fellowship on a regular basis: Gerald Carroll 321 Winding Trl. Stanley, NC (704) If there is someone you would like to put on this list, please call the church office.

5 Remember our military with cards & letters! Easter Egg Hunt On Saturday, April 16th, at 10:00 a.m., New Covenant will be having an Easter Egg Hunt. We will begin with story time and then the egg hunt. Each child is asked to bring a basket. This hunt is for ages toddler thru 5th grade. If you would like to donate candy for the egg hunt, there is a collection box in the narthex. Questions, see Amy Overbay or Crystal Abernathy. William Hamilton 407 ESPTS/ATOC APO, AE Pvt. Jayson Carson F Co TF 2-9 Unit Box 591 APO-AP Bob D Builder s Home Ministry is now operating full time for all income levels. See the display in the narthex or call for details Preschool News Sunday, May 1, is PRESCHOOL SUNDAY! We will be inviting our NCUMC Preschool families to worship with us at our 9am and 11am services. The Childcare Advisory Board will host a fundraiser lunch afterward. Please make plans to join us on this special Sunday and help support this growing ministry. Watch your bulletin for more information! April 3, 2011 April 10, 2011 April Nursery Schedule 9:00 11:00 Matthew & Jennifer Price Wendy Sellers & Judy Price Kim & Kellyn Reese Shannon Reavis & Ashley Vellers Steve & Missy Michael Ashley & Natalie Price April 17, 2011 Eddy & Sandy Cox John & Rhonda McPherson Laura & Bailey Canady April 24, :00 Service Angie Bass & Kelly Hawkins 10:00 Service Debbie & Emily Stewart May 1, 2011 Alan & Collin Sumner Bryan & Crystal Abernathy Robert & Lori Towe Thank you for helping with our nurseries! If you can t make your assigned Sunday, please contact Carol Hamilton or Holly Adams.

6 April Special Mission Offering UMW Unit Meeting There will be a UMW Unit Meeting on Sunday, April 3rd, at 4:00 p.m. at the church. UMW Morning Circle The UMW Morning Circle will meet on Thursday, April 14th, at 10:00 a.m., at the church. All ladies of the church are invited to attend. Greetings from India!! This month s special mission offering will be going to Billy, Lydia, William, and new baby girl Smith who are serving as missionaries in India. Billy and Lydia have been there close to two years spreading the truth and hope that are found in knowing Jesus Christ in an area of the world that desperately needs to hear the Good News. Living conditions in Kalcutta are very difficult for the Smith family and everyday necessities are expensive and difficult to acquire. Your offering of love comes at a time when the Smith family s resources are at an extreme low. The new baby is due in early April. They had to relocate temporarily to Delhi in order to have a safe place to deliver their daughter. But they have to keep their apartment in Kalcutta and continue to pay for it while they are gone. The medical, housing, transportation, and food expenses are enormous. In addition, their computer and camera are both broken and need to be replaced. The offering you give today will assist the Smith s with living expenses, medical bills, transportation to get back to Kalcutta, immunizations for William, vitamins for the family, a computer, a camera, and food. More importantly, the offering will remind them that we support and love them and will encourage them to continue pursuing this calling to spread God s Word in the darkness of the world. Thank you for caring about my niece and her family and thank you for loving them through your gifts to this special mission offering. Janet UMW Morning Circle Volunteer at Mt. Holly Adult Day Care On the second Tuesday of every month, the UMW Morning Circle will volunteer at the Mt. Holly Adult Day Care. They will be leaving the church at 9:30 a.m. to go to the day care center. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please see Carol Thomas or Lynda Sims. UMW Hart Circle The UMW Hart Circle will meet on Thursday, April 14th, at 7:00 p.m., at the home of Becky Kaylor. We will continue our study, Chapter 10, Neither Gods Nor Devils, led by Cindy Ganous. Group 3 will provide refreshments. All ladies are invited to attend. Mother/Daughter Brunch Please join us for our Mother/Daughter Brunch on Saturday, May 7th, at 10:00 a.m. The brunch is centered around a beach theme so please wear your Capri s, tops, flip flops/sandals. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 4 to 10. A nursery will be provided but you will need to provide lunch for your child. Reservations need to be made by May 1st. Please see Sherrill Beatty for tickets. Please submit two beach pictures per ticket holder to Wanda Parker or Kelly Carpenter by May 1st. Door prizes will be given at the brunch. Questions, see Wanda Parker.

7 Church Staff Ministry Team Rev. Randy Wall Pastor Todd Guest Director of Youth Ministry At New Covenant Sunday through Thursday Linda Stroup Church Secretary At New Covenant Monday through Thursday Janet Hinson Director of Music At New Covenant Wednesday and Sunday Church Office Hours Monday Thursday 8:00 AM 3:00 PM NEW COVENANT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Lucia-Riverbend Hwy. Mt. Holly, NC Phone: Fax: The Body of Christ: Going in Faith, Growing in Love, and Serving Others