Merrell On The Move O C T O B. + Merrell United Methodist Church + Spirit-led Equipped Empowered Disciples

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1 Merrell On The Move Vision: Merrell UMC is a Christian community sharing the love of Jesus Christ through the practice of our gifts and graces to become Christian disciples of excellence. Christian disciples are believing and those yet to believe (Christians and pre-christians) being transformed in a life giving faith community, living the gospel out of biblical learning, with inspirational worship, growing in generosity, committed to transform communities with our service and accepting God s presence for all people through prayer. O C T O B E R Merrell United Methodist Church N. State Road 7 Lauderdale Lakes, Fl Office Fax office@merrellumc.org Pre-School: The Reverend Bancroft L. Williams, Senior Pastor S E E D Spirit-led Equipped Empowered Disciples Mission: To create Spirit-led, Equipped and Empowered Disciples for the world.

2 Christian greetings. The United Methodist Church is reflecting on the way we will serve God together within the coming years. Within this denomination, the comparatively small representation of black church witness is a voice at the decision making table in relation to our world mission. We are represented in the caucus, Black Methodists for Church Renewal (or BMCR). According to the Florida United Methodist Conference website, Today Black Methodists for Church Renewal represents more than 2,400 black United Methodist congregations and approximately 500,000 African-American members in the United States. Some brothers and sisters of the church met for a BMCR 5 th Sunday worship. Six churches had a good time in the Lord sharing Christian fellowship. The host church was St. Paul UMC at Deerfield Beach. At this meeting Rev. Dr. Simon Osunlana (local chair/convener of BMCR churches Broward/Miami/Palm Beach), reminded us to be reflecting on the church discussion on human sexuality. There is theological and biblical discussion if openly LGBTQ who are Methodists should be ordained as clergy. The current discipline has clause that state that homosexual practices are not compatible with understanding of church. At the last General Conference in Ohio, a Commission on The Way Forward was established to study and make recommendations for the future direction of the church. Florida s Bishop Ken Carter was a co-chair of this commission. The results of A Way Forward can be accessed on UMC and FLUMC websites. There are currently three proposals being offered to the church for consideration that delegates who were elected to the last General Conference will vote on in the special convened Conference in February I will list this borrowed summary that Dr. Osunlana shared with us last Sunday. Connectional Conference Plan Creates three separate branches Ordain clergy and elect bishops separately Sorting by votes at Jurisdictional, Annual Conference and Local Churches Retain but reduce/loosen our connectional ties Council of Bishop and some agencies still shared for common mission Implementation energy Constitutional amendments Creating new Books of Discipline Downsizing and finding of new business models for General Agencies Maintaining unity after separation Managing Conflict One Church Plan (recommended by CoB and COWF Theological ruling that this is not a church-dividing issue No change to Book of Discipline in Central conferences 1 st level of contextually is a Jurisdictional-central conference level. Mission focused removes restrictive language that excludes LGBTQ and drives away youth Freedom of Conscience removes prohibitions and ensures non-interference.

3 Trusts BOM and Clergy Session of each annual conferences to set (clergy vote) and manage each annual conference ordination policy. Pastors have complete control whose marriages they officiate No laity votes required unless local church wants to allow same gender weddings on their property. Traditional Plan with Increased Enforcement Tighten the rules Adding to definition of self-avowed practicing homosexual Minimum penalties, and quicker expulsion New rights for complainants and church right to appeal jury nullification Votes to certify allegiance to Book of Discipline on this particular topic Annual Conferences, Bishops, and Board of Ordain Ministry. Gracious Exit or Schism Pushes out progressive annual conferences and clergy into new denomination Allowing groups of 50 or more churches to form new denominations Opportunities for concordats, use of Wespath (pensions), partner with agencies Exit path (Votes) for local churches and clergy into these new bodies. Take time to reflect on the implications for you for each area and let us talk together soon. Two other matters of importance that we need to be aware of for God s work among us. First, there is discussion about working within good race relations with black and white majority churches. The churches involved are Christ Church, St. John, Harris Chapel, and Merrell UMC. It is hoped that with fellowship together and education about race and relations we can forge relationships and trust that will strengthen or mission with Christ. The last gathering was on October 6, We will keep you informed about what is happening and next meetings. Second, I am inviting all of the congregation to be involved in the energizing of your lives through the study of the Bible. We are currently studying A Disciple s Path in bible studies and a rewarding experience that has been. There are some many practical spiritual practices challenge living as disciples for Christ in the world. We have three chapters left to complete. I invite all of you to participate. If you are challenged to do so then tell me (pastor) how we help spiritual growth by writing me a note or ing suggestions to pastorbancroft@merrellumc.org. Remember, the best of all is that God is with us. Let us pray for the UMC and our ministry. Let us talk together in the Lord.

4 For information on Pastor s Appreciation please see an usher

5 Sunday Worship Times Contemporary Worship 8:00AM Sanctuary Adult Bible Study 9:00AM East Lounge New Members Class 9:10AM Room 17 Youth Bible Study 9:30AM Ragsdale Hall Traditional Worship 10:00AM Sanctuary God s World, God s People WEEKLY EVENTS Bible Study Tuesday Noon The Chapel Prayer Meeting Tuesday 6:30PM Sanctuary Bible Study Wednesday 6:30PM Ragsdale Hall Men s Choir Wednesday 7:00PM Music Room Dance Rehearsal Wednesday 7:00PM Ragsdale Hall Dunamis Youth Friday 7:00PM Ragsdale Hall Choir Rehearsal Saturday 4:00PM Music Room MERRELL WELCOMES INTERESTED PERSONS TO BECOMEMEMBERS! If you are interested in becoming a member, please meet with Pastor Bancroft today after the 10am Service in Ragsdale Hall. All saints, ladies and gentlemen, are encouraged to come out and study the Word of God. When: Every Sunday morning at 9am Where: The East Lounge Topic: God created the universe, earth, and people. God declared all things good. In this quarter s lessons, God is revealed as the Creator, Sustainer, Judge and Redeemer who brought all things into being and declared The Creation good. Join us on Tuesdays 7:00pm in the East Lounge. Do you need time to escape the chaos of the world? Do you desire prayer for your needs? Do you struggle finding time to pray? Do you want a stronger prayer life? Prayer is one of the primary means through which we connect with the Holy Spirit. When we connect, the Holy Spirit transforms our spirit. God hears our prayers. He listens and He answers. Through group prayer we grow closer to one another as a community of faith. All are invited to attend! There is a sign-up Sheet in the Narthex For church bus transportation. Bus leaves at 3:30pm Sharp!!! Calling out in the Name of the Lord together is one of the most transformative things we can do as a church. Allow our sanctuary to be your weekly refuge.

6 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 LYDIA CIRCLE 7:00PM - RAGSDALE HALL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 RUTH CIRCLE 10:00AM RAGSDALE HALL saturday, October 20 WORSHIP COMMITTEE 2:00PM - ROOM 17 *ALL LITURGISTS TO ATTEND wednesday, OCTOBER 24 MERRELL PRE-SCHOOL BOARD MTG 7:00PM-ROOM 17 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 EVANGELISM MTG 10:30am ROOM 17 tuesday, OCTOBER 16 FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING 7:00PM - ROOM 17 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM FEEDING WITH COMPASSION SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 10:00a.m-1:00p.m Free Produce & Food Items Please Note: You will be required to sign in and bring bags to collect items. MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 Bread Cart Ministry 2:00PM 3:00 PM RAGSDALE HALL Please Note: You will be required to sign in. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18 TRUSTEES COMMITTEE MEETING 7:30PM - ROOM 17 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 CHURCH COUNCIL 7:00PM RAGSDALE HALL MERRELL UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Annual Fall Yard Sale Saturday, October 27, :00am 2:00pm Please support the United Methodist Women Fundraiser FISH FRY Friday, October 19 11:30AM - 5:00PM Donation: *$14.00 Fish *$10.00 Pork Please see any United Methodist Women COME JOIN US!!! LOTS OF GOODIES TO CHOOSE FROM!!! GET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND COME TAKE A STROLL AND FILL A BAG OR TWO. SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!! Youth Noisy Penny Offering Becoming Another Man

7 Revival Baby Baptism VBS Wedding Anniversary Blessing Church Family Picnic Farm Share

8 Derrick White 10/02 Sophia Lyttle 10/02 Marguerita Bennett 10/04 Kenroy Hudson 10/06 Perret Cornelius-Morton 10/06 Perret Morton 10/06 Daphne Isaacs 10/08 Grace Hudson 10/08 Daphne Isaacs 10/08 Julia Ward 10/08 Eileen Tucker 10/09 Marcia Cadogan 10/10 Peta-Ann Coombs 10/11 Astley Bowie 10/12 Wintworth Hudson 10/12 Derrick Vickers 10/13 Annie Coleman 10/14 Trevor Martin 10/15 Trevor Trevor 10/15 Val Browne 10/15 Samantha Cox 10/16 Barbara Plowright 10/19 Steven Lawrence 10/19 Robert Lawson 10/22 Susan Harris 10/23 Shamari Greene 10/25 Aniyah Evans October 25 David. J Kenton October 27 Petrolyn McCalla 10/28 Dhemar Cameron 10/28 Dorret Cooper 10/29 Lovell McKail 10/29 Thador Walford 10/30 Opal Cameron 10/30 + The Staff + The Rev. Bancroft Leighton Williams, Pastor pastorbancroft@merrellumc.org Claudette Meatley, Certified Church Administrator claudette@merrellumc.org Bro. Louis Trotman, Director of Music Sis. Shirley Smith, Director Preschool Preschool@merrellumc.org Mr. Leroy Satchell, Custodian MEMBERSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP Merrell welcomes interested persons to become members. We invite you to contact the Pastor by calling the Church Office. BAPTISMS Performed at the Sunday Service, contact the Church Office. MARRIAGES Performed after consultation with the Pastor In time of illness or sorrow, please call the Pastor or the Church Office promptly. Our Church Leaders Church Council Sis. Eileen Tucker Lay Leader Sis. Patricia Tabois Lay Member to Annual Conference Sis. Lorna Smith Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee Sis. Yvette Smith Admn. Assistant to Pastor Sis. Claudette Meatley Finance Committee Bro. Wayne Ranger Treasurer Bro. Eric Royes Financial Secretary Sis. Norma Williamson Prayer Ministry Sis. Uliet Black Trustee Bro. Franklyn Coombs Evangelism/Outreach Ministries Sis. Valerie Henry Preschool Board Chair Sis. Thelma McGeachy United Methodist Women Sis. Thelma McGeachy United Methodist Men Bro. Lovell McKail Visitation Ministry Sis. Dizzierene Cox Stewardship Bro. Winston Chang New Members Committee Sis. Rose Farquharson Membership Secretary Sis. Phillipa Daniels Campus Ministry Representative Sis. Judith Gohagen Disaster Coordinator Bro. Lovell McKail Worship Ministries Sis. Deloris Ellis Youth Sis. Judy Gohagen Sis. Keisha Coombs-Newman Thrift Shop Interim Coordinator Sis. Phylis Brown Budget Director Bro. Dudley Mills Bulletin Announcement Forms are available in the church office area on the office door. Please return form(s) via office@merrellumc.org or place it in the box on the office door. Deadline for announcements: WEDNESDAY at NOON.