The Vine April The Church in the Heart of Town, with the Town at Heart. Wednesday Night Bible Study

Transcription

1 The Vine April 2018 The Church in the Heart of Town, with the Town at Heart. Wednesday Night Bible Study Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Sounds nice, but how do we find rest in a 24/7 world? Just as the Hebrews were slaves in Egypt, we have become slaves to technology. Our technological tools allow 24-hour productivity and connectivity, give us more control, and subtlety enslave us to busyness itself. Sabbath is about restraint, about intentionally not doing everything all the time just because we can. Setting aside a day of rest helps us reconnect with our Creator and find the peace of God that passes all understanding. The Sabbath is about letting go of the controls one day a week and letting God be God. So how do we do it? In 24/6, Dr. Matthew Sleeth describes our symptoms, clarifies the signs, diagnoses the illness, and lays out a simple plan for living a healthier, more God-centered life in a digitally-dazed, always-on world. Sleeth shares how his own family was dramatically transformed when it adopted Sabbath practices and helps readers better understand how their own lives can be transformed physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually by adopting the 24/6 lifestyle. This study will be led by Dr. Harris and Rev. Westmoreland. Books are available in the church office for $10 each. Pick yours up today.

2 From the Pastor s Heart Happy Easter Season Beloved! The first day of April ushers us into the season of Easter. It s a time of renewal, resurrection and hope. It is a time of gratitude and thanksgiving for all that Christ has done in us, and for us, and for all of the Kingdom of God. This is a spiritual season that promises us new life on the other side of death when we trust all that we are, and all that we will be to God. 1-ElCarlos Simpson, Jr. 2-Livi Howell 3 Joe Martin 4 Jerry Wilhite 6-Mandy Baker 7-Flo Rogers 8 Marge Bennett 15-Trenton Davis 16-Callie Nuckolls 17-Matthew McKinnon 21-Chris Bell 22-Mark Ross 23 Janet Humphreys 28- Jesse Hall 1-Rodney & Julie Wilson 4-Rick & Dawn Cody 8-Marvin & Ann White 16-Emmett & Pat Bolyard Page Page 2 2 It has been my privilege to serve as your Pastor these last five years. I am grateful that the winds of the Spirit brought Matt and I here in the summer of You have taught me so much about what a loving church can look like. It has been a joy to see you break free of debt and be given the freedom to pursue life-changing missions and ministry in your neighborhood and community. I have watched you transform an empty and dusty nursery to a bustling at times overflowing room of babies, toddlers and friends stopping by to visit them. Some programs have grown, others have declined. Many have been baptized. It has been my great honor to officiate the weddings of your loved ones, confirm your young people into the church, and to walk with you through the loss of loved ones. Thank-you for listening to my teaching and preaching. Thank-you for every prayer of support uttered, and word of encouragement offered. Thank-you for allowing me into your heart, your confidence, your hospital room, and your home. Thank-you for trusting me with your stories, hopes, fears and dreams. Thank-you for befriending Matt and I, and for claiming Shepherd and Beau with such love! April 29 th will be my last Sunday with you. We will be leaving for a time of Spiritual Renewal for the remainder of the appointive year. Rev. Larry Daniel will be joining you for May and June, and I trust that he will be a great gift and blessing to you. I will be beginning a new appointment as yet to be named by the Bishop & the Cabinet the last week of June. Your new full time pastor also as yet to be named, will begin here that same week. I have watched you grow spiritually, walked with you through the growing pains, and I will carry you in my heart and spirit for the rest of my life. I will always want the best for you, and I will be cheering for your success! I look forward to spending this last month with you. Once I leave I will no longer be your Pastor, but I hope to remain your friend. Please don t invite me back to do pastoral functions (weddings, funerals, hospital visits and so forth), as they will be the privilege of your new pastor and will allow you to build a strong relationship with my successor, but please feel free to continue our friendship. I will leave Hardeman County with gratitude to have known you, to have had the privilege of serving as your pastor for a season, of becoming a mother here, and of being deeply loved by the people of Bolivar First United Methodist Church. Traveling mercies, Dr. Angela Harris

3 Currently Hiring Memorials have been given to the Memorial Fund in: Memory of Bobby Myers By Frank & Christy Wilhite By June Bryant By George & Glynda Mitchell Memorials have been given to Food for Friends in: Memory of Bobby Myers By Chris & Ann Zaller By Barbara Nuckolls By Jerry & Carla Wilhite Memory of Peggy Fairchild By Jerry & Carla Wilhite First United Methodist Church in Bolivar, TN is currently hiring for the positions of nursery worker and pianist. If you know someone who may be interested in either of these positions, please ask them to contact the church office at or us at Memorials have been given to the Good Samaritan in: Memory of Bobby Myers By James & Martha Mitchell By Boyette & Melissa Denton Memorials have been given to the Youth in: Memory of Bobby Myers By Gerald Shelton and family Memory of Bobby Sipes By Gerald Shelton and family I d like to thank Pastors Angela and Amanda and all my church family for the prayers, visits, cards, flowers, phone calls and many other acts of kindness (the foods were delicious), during my surgery and recovery. They have meant so very much to me and my family. God Bless you all. Sincerely, Barbara Mayfield Page 3

4 Hands & Feet United Methodist Men will meet on Monday, April 9th at 6:30 All men are welcomed to bring a dish and join us! United Methodist Women All the ladies of the church are invited to meet on Monday, April 23rd at 6:30 p.m. Faith and Film Outing I Can Only Imagine Sunday, April 8 th. You won t want to miss this inspiring true-life story behind the #1 hit-song by MercyMe and its lead singer. We plan to leave after Sunday School at 12 noon, grab lunch together, and then go see an afternoon matinee of I Can Only Imagine together in movie theaters. Look for the specifics on time and cost in the Youth E- News. Wednesday Night Small Group Bible Study continues during April. Dinner is served from 5-6, and the lesson is from 6-7. The Senior High will meet in the 3 rd floor youth classroom, and the junior high will meet in the confirmation room in the basement. For our next series, we ll be asking the question, Where s my charger? Most of us these days know exactly where our chargers for our electronic devices are, so that we don t get caught with a dead battery. But where is the charger for our lives? If our lives are like a battery, then God is our power source. Come on Wednesdays as we explore how to connect with God and recharge our lives. Food for Friends The Food for Friends ministry is a pick-up meal ministry. Those receiving meals can pick them up from 9:30-10:15 on the Saturdays they prepare meals. Page 4 Spring has sprung, and we are springing out to share God s love through prayer and flowers! We had so much fun at our Dream Day event with Prayer Partners, we re going to do it again! During the Sunday School Hour (10:45-11:45 am) on Sunday, April 8 th, child and adult Prayer Partners are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall (basement area where Children s Sunday School meets) for a time of snacks, service, and sprouts! Together, we ll plant flowers and decorate prayer cards to give to members of our church and community. Come enjoy the sunshine and the smiles we ll share! Wednesday Night Bible Study continues during the month of April. Dinner will be served starting at 5 pm, followed by children s choir and the lesson at 6 pm. Pick-up is at 7 pm every Wednesday. Our kids will continue studying Fantastic Verses and Where to Find Them. By learning Scripture about God s love, our human sin, and the gift of Jesus, kids will learn to treasure the Word of God in their hearts for years to come. Also, keep an eye on the Children s E-newsletter for information about Wednesday night communion visits with senior church members happening in late April/early May.

5 The upcoming Basic and Advanced Lay Servant Classes Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 9:00 AM 3:00 PM here at Bolivar First United Methodist. Basic Class led by Brent Lewis. Advanced Class Spiritual Gifts led by Kathy Hulley. The cost is $20.00, which includes lunch and class materials. If you have any questions, call the Tennessee River District Office at Registration forms are available in the church office. Registration deadline is Monday, April 9th. Honoring Dr. Angela Harris April 29th will be Dr. Angela Harris last Sunday preaching here at Bolivar First. This is a day for honoring Dr. Harris for her years of faithful work here in Bolivar as well as wishing all of God s blessings on her, Matt and the boys as they begin a new journey in a new place. Everyone is invited to join us for a potluck meal following the Sunday School hour. The church will provide fried chicken and are asking the Lynn Warner and George Archer Sunday school classes to bring side dishes and the New Hope and Wesleyan classes to bring desserts. Page 5

6 LOOKING AHEAD May 13th Graduation Recognition and Brunch May Junior High Mission trip (tentative) June 2-3 Youth Annual Gathering June 3-5 Memphis Annual Conference June 7-10 Senior High Mission Experience July DayShore Tennessee River District ABBA Conference Saturday, April 7 Northside United Methodist Church 2571 N. Highland Ave. Jackson, TN Registration: 9:00a.m. Conference: 10:00a.m.-2:30p.m. $40 Registration Fee (includes lunch and book) Register online at: By April 3 for lunch reservations Lakeshore Camp forms are available in the hospitality room. You may also register online at lakeshorecamp.org. Please be reminded that the church pays 1/2 of the registration fee. Summer is a critical time for children who rely on school meals and do not know if they will eat each day. Here s an opportunity for this church to make an impact. Our church has the opportunity again this year to take part in a summer feeding program. This year we are partnering with the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library to help provide adult volunteer support for the children that will come and eat during the day and to read with them as well. This program is Monday-Friday for one hour each day. If you want to assist with this community outreach or have questions about it, please contact the church office.

7 Schedule for Service Nursery workers for the month Leslie Hall, Adele Garrett and fill-in is Jackie Hickey April 1 Communion Steward: Bob & Bonnie Vickers Communion Servers: Mark, Michelle & Brianna Gooch Ushers: George Mitchell, Gerald Shelton, George Brint, Bruce Bennett Liturgist: Jackie Hickey Acolyte: Mollie Nuckolls and Shelby Lax Greeters: Bruce & Marge Bennett Prayer Chapel: Glynda Mitchell Security Watch: Carol Whitenton and Mike Hubbard Bank Counter: Bonnie Vickers Prayer Breakfast Tuesday - April 17th at 7:00 a.m. Only $2.00 Breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits, pancakes, grits, and more. Come join us in the Life Center and start your day off right! April 8 Ushers: Steve Luthe, Mike Hubbard, Jackie Hickey, Dave Burrell Liturgist: Barbara Mayfield Greeters: Rick & Noah Cody Prayer Chapel: Dawn Cody Security Watch: George & Glynda Mitchell Bank Counter: Patsy Myers April 15 Ushers: Mark Gooch, Ryan Lax, Jim Nuckolls, Gem Mitchell Liturgist: Joe Cole Greeters: Bob & Bonnie Vickers Prayer Chapel: George Brint Security Watch: Hunter & Sharon Baird Bank Counter: Bonnie Johnson April 22 Ushers: Barrett Stevens, Paul Hickey, Clay Mitchell Liturgist: Nancy Brint Greeters: Chris & Mallory Bell Prayer Chapel: Michelle Gooch Security Watch: Carol McKinnon and Jesse Hall Bank Counter: Derald Smith April 29 Ushers: Weston Wilhite, Mark Ross, Sam Baker, George VanDyke Liturgist: Duke Bledsoe Greeters: Zach Hickey and George Mitchell Prayer Chapel: Marge Bennett Security Watch: Bill Strope and Keith Raines Bank Counter: Derald Smith Page 7

8 Regular weekly meetings & events Sunday Monday 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship 10:45 am Sunday School 4:00 Handbell practice 6:00 Worship Broadcast on Channel 2 8:00 AA Meeting Wednesday 5:00 Choir Practice 5:00 Snack Supper for children and youth 6:00 Bible Study for all ages Thursday Friday Saturday 6:00 Boy Scouts 8:00 AA Meeting 9:30a.m. Food for Friends (except for first Saturday) Here s what s going on this month: 3rd-6:30 Finance Meeting 7th-Girl Scout Daddy/Daughter Dance 8th-12:00 Youth day at the movies 9th-6:30 United Methodist Men 17th-7:00a.m. Prayer Breakfast 21st-9:00-3:00 District Lay Servant Training 23rd-6:30 United Methodist Women 29th-12:00 Fellowship Lunch honoring Dr. Angela Harris Information for the May issue of The Vine needs to be turned into the church office no later than: April 18th Keeping Us Connected Bolivar First Methodist Church 218 W. Market St. Bolivar, TN Website: office@bolivarfirstumc.org Phone: Fax: Worship Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30-10:30 Sunday School: 10:45-11:45 Office hours: Mon-Thurs 8:00am-3:00pm (closed for lunch) STAFF: Pastor: Dr. Angela Harris pastor@bolivarfirstumc.org Associate Pastor of Family Life Ministries: Rev. Amanda Hartmann Westmoreland youth@bolivarfirstumc.org Director of Music: Richard McAnulty Office Administrator: Dawn Cody Facilities Manager: Paul Hickey Pianist: Christy Wilhite Lay Leadership: Lay Leader: LeAnne Shelton Staff-Parish Relations Chair: Boyette Denton Finance Chair: Gem Mitchell Treasurer: Joe Cole Trustees Chair: Bob Vickers Administrative Council Chair: Frank Wilhite Page 8