THE FIRST WORD. October

Transcription

1 THE FIRST WORD A publication of Ellijay First United Methodist Church October 2011 October James Bell... 3 Charles Leonard... 5 Debbie Campbell... 6 Bill Day... 6 John Williams... 7 Ann Clark... 9 Bill Munson Rachel Bunn Marianne Evans Margaret Roylance Anna Westmoreland 13 Debbie Westmoreland Andy Barton Patty Bell Ann McClannahan Miranda Harwell Jessie Westbrook Evan Marble Nancy McGinty Mike Savage Paula Taylor Mike Sapp J.D. Reece Starla Jones Early November Birthdays Bill Johnson... 1 Jeane Snoke... 1 Scott McBride... 2 Dianne Lassiter... 3 DeWayne Lineback... 3 Caroline Brown... 5 Carl Day... 6 Lauren Dobson... 6 Sandy Flynn... 6 Alyse Munson... 7 Jill Bolduc... 9 Ellijay is a busy place these days with people filling the apple barns, restaurants, and other businesses in town. Fall is truly in the air! I ask that in all of the excitement with the Apple Festival, football, etc., that you will join with me in making worship a number one priority this Fall! Look carefully at this publication as well as the weekly bulletin, s, and the Church website, for many opportunities for worship, small groups, great fellowship meals as well as ministry places. I look forward to seeing you Sunday! Thank You Joy and I want to thank you for the many calls, prayers, and cards during this time of celebration on the birth of our grandson Nolan Miles Gibson, as well as the unexpected death of my sister Vivian. I am not sure what people do who do not have a church home, we are truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful church family. Jack and Short Brown 121 Hidden Lake Circle, Ellijay GA Charlie and Sibyl Plumly 363 Etowah Drive, Ellijay The SPR Committee announces PASTOR APPRECIATION DAY We will be celebrating Pastor Appreciation Day on Sunday, October 23 rd at both the 8:45 and the 11:00 services. In preparation for this event we invite each of you to write a note of appreciation to Dr. Barton for his service to you, to our church family, and to our community. Those wishing to make their appreciation note a little more special are certainly free to do so. You may wish to include a gift card, tickets to a special event, a charitable donation in his honor, or some other special remembrance. Appreciation letters will be collected from the membership and presented to Dr. Barton on October 23 rd. There will be a designated collection box in the church office now through Thursday, October 20 th as well as at the sanctuary entrances on Sunday, October 9 th and October 16 th.

2 Thanks to everyone for a great kick off to our Wed. night FUEL and our Stop Hunger Now opportunity. We took in $414; that is 1656 meals toward our goal of 10,000. A special thanks for the check for $50 that helped get us to that number. A great big thank you to the guys who worked from cooking, serving, setting up, collecting and cleaning up. We received many compliments on all the food, especially the bacon and pancakes. Stop Hunger Now Mission Project Sat., Nov. 12th from 8:30am-11:30am We will assemble 10,000 meals in less than 2 hours. Volunteers are needed to assemble meals or to provide financial support. Donation of 25 cents buys one meal; $25 buys 100 meals; and $250 buys 1,000 meals. Lunch will be provided by UMW. Please prayerfully consider how you can assist with this worthwhile project. To donate or/and sign up, forms will be available. Checks should be made out to Ellijay FUMC with Stop Hunger Now in the memo area. What a great way to prepare for Thanksgiving! Contact Lloyd Vautrot for information at (706) ; (706) ; or lvautrot@yahoo.com. OCTOBER EVENTS Tuesday the 4th. Prayer Breakfast, 8:00 a.m., IHOP Wednesday the 28th FUEL, Breakfast for dinner WEDNESDAY NIGHT FUEL BEGINS AT 5:30 P.M. OUT AND ABOUT TRIP Nothing is planned yet for October. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! Gilmer County Food Pantry children s snacks, baby food, soups, sugarless food for diabetics & the usual, such as canned meats, fruits, & vegetables, paper products, diapers. Cash donations always help, too. Voices for the Chancel Choir You will enjoy preparing music for our church. ADULT VOLUNTEERS for youth programs (set up, clean up, help keep things running smoothly) Food/monetary donations to Ben Barrett freezer for those in emergency need of food. Volunteers are needed for Children s Church and Nursery once every 3 months. Craft, lesson, and snack are provided. Contact Marianne Evans for details. The church STILL needs a CDL licensed driver for our church bus on various occasions. Compensation is negotiable. Please call Bill Johnson at (706) if interested.

3 SUNDAY Each Sunday 1st Sunday 8:45 a.m. Early Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship 5 p.m. Youth Bell Choir ) 6 p.m. Adult Bell Choir ) 6 p.m. IMPACT for Youth 8:45 a.m. Communion 11 a.m. Communion Beginning October 23 ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS 1st Monday 5:30 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting November 7 6:30 p.m. Administrative Council Meeting November 7 2nd Monday 6:00 p.m. UMM Dinner & meeting Fellowship Hall Only when called 4th Monday 11:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Workshop Church -10/24 Each Tuesday 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study BYKOTA CLASSROOM 1st Tuesday 8 a.m. UMM Prayer Breakfast/Meeting at IHOP, Back Room 10/4 3rd Tuesday 11:30 a.m. UMW Noon Circle 10/18 6:30 p.m. Prayer and Worship Service 10/18 2nd Wednesday 5 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, BYKOTA CLASSROOM 10/12 Wednesday 5 p.m. Youth Choir practice 5:15 p.m. Grace Notes 5:30 p.m. MID-WEEK FUEL Fellowship supper sponsored by church 6:00 p.m. Youth meeting IMPACT Small Groups 6:30 p.m. Adult and Children Groups 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal 1st Thursday 11 a.m. Joy Circle 10/6 2nd Thursday 11:30 a.m. Single Ladies Lunch 10/13 groups. All women of the church are invited to Talking with God, A Study on Prayer on Saturday, October 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Breakfast pastries and lunch will be provided. Bring a friend and your Bible. Peggy Puckett is the facilitator. A NOTE FROM THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE SUNDAY, October 16, 9:15-9:45 am Blood pressure screenings in the office. Come by for a free check. If you know of anyone who is home bound or in the hospital, please call the church office so one of our team members can make a visit.

4 SUNDAY MORNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS BEGIN at 9:45 a.m.! Join one of our five adult classes as they explore a variety of topics, Biblical texts and books. Discussion, prayer and study will challenge you to deepen your faith and understanding of God s word for you today. CROSS WALK is beginning a study of the book by Dr. Lloyd J. Ogilvie, former Chaplain of the United States Senate: Asking God Your Hardest Questions. With warmth and clarity, Ogilvie offers thoughtful, biblical insights to modern questions. He encourages us to honestly ask God anything, because there s no question too big for God and no need too deep for God to meet. Join us for our first conversation, September 11 - IS GOD REALLY IN CONTROL? Helping Hands is studying the Gospel of John. Cornerstone is continuing "Forty Weeks of Purpose" a video study of Rick Warren's A Purpose Driven Life. We have monthly social gatherings and support many causes such as the Gilmer County Food Pantry, Angel Tree, Kids Kottage and The March of Dimes. BYKOTA is doing a study on Christianity s Family Tree, What Other Christians Believe and Why. It is a study by Adam Hamilton who presents a welcoming and inspiring vision of eight Christian denominations and faith traditions and their unique and valuable perspective on the Christian faith. For each group there is a brief history, an outline of major beliefs, and a description of some things we can learn to strengthen our own faith. It is a wonderful study with interesting and positive discussions. Ben Barrett uses the International Sunday School Lessons and will be studying the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Matthew during the months of September through November. Support is needed for frozen food for the freezer in the Ben Barrett Sunday School classroom. You may donate frozen dinners or money to the class and they will purchase the food. This food is given to those in immediate need of something to eat. JOY CIRCLE COLLECTING ITEMS FOR GILMER COUNTY SCHOOLS Please bring pencils, plastic pencil holder boxes, Kleenex, and wipes to the collection box in the Fellowship Hall. Sunday 9:45 a.m. Bible Study 6 p.m. IMPACT high energy worship experience Youth Impacting Gilmer County for Christ Wednesday 6:00 p.m.. IMPACT small group In Memoriam Barbara Bossa

5 ALL Women of the Church Are Invited To A UMW Mission Study Talking With God, A Study on Prayer Facilitated by Peggy Puckett Saturday, October 22, a.m. to 2 p.m. Ellijay First United Methodist Church 75 McCutchen Street Fellowship Hall Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Pastries & Fruit as well as a Salad Lunch Please Bring Your Bible Invite Your Friends Stop Hunger Now Mission Project Sat., Nov. 12th from 8:30am-11:30am Volunteers are needed to assemble meals or to provide financial support. A donation of 25 cents buys one meal; $25 buys 100 meals; and $250 buys 1,000 meals. Lunch will be provided by UMW. Please prayerfully consider how you can assist with this worthwhile project. To donate or/and sign up, forms will be available. Checks should be made out to Ellijay FUMC with Stop Hunger Now in the memo area.

6 MEET YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE Sharon Elkins Sharon helps us with resources. She is an associate benevolent worker at Faith, Hope and Charity Thrift Store. Sharon is married to Howard and they have one son, Ray. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Georgia, and her graduate degree is from West Georgia University. She taught special education for thirty years. Sharon and Howard love to travel whenever possible and Sharon loves to read. Nancy Smith Nancy has been married for 25 years to Art Smith. Kristina, their daughter, is a pharmacy student at the University of Georgia. Nancy is a nurse practitioner at Respiratory Consultants of Georgia with offices in Cartersville and Calhoun. She attended the Medical College of Georgia for her BSN, Emory University for her Masters of Nursing and Kennesaw State University for her MSN/FNP. In her spare time she enjoys reading and crafts including basket making. Nancy is also a certified CPR instructor and has done CPR certification for the youth, boy scouts and pre school staff this year at our church. Dr. Barbara Talbot, DDS Barb was born and raised in a near west suburb of Chicago. She attended DePaul University majoring in biology, and received her doctorate from Northwestern University Dental School in After graduation she practiced dentistry with her family until 1994, when the city girl moved south to escape snow shoveling. She is the proud mother of three boys: George, senior at Berry College: Austin, junior at Gilmer High School, and Nathan, sophomore at Gilmer High School. In her free time, Barb enjoys spending time with her boys and taking care of the family s pets. Her hobbies include gardening, taking pictures, playing tennis and snow skiing. She is currently on staff with Georgia Mountains Health Dental Clinic in Blue Ridge. Lauren Dobson is the wife of our awesome youth minister, Brandon Dobson. She recently graduated from N. Ga. College and State University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She currently works at the Canton Institute for Physical Therapy in Canton, Ga., and New Beginning Therapeutic Services in Jasper, GA. When not working with the youth of our church or providing physical therapy, she enjoys shopping, going to the movies, and watching college football. Go Gamecocks!!! Katherine Meyer went to college at the University of Alabama and had no idea that she would end up in nursing. While at Alabama she earned a degree in Home Economics. After she married Jerry and after the birth of their daughter Sarah, Katherine went back to school and earned a Bachelor s degree in Nursing from Brenau College. Her first job after becoming a nurse was working on the Neurology/Neurosurgery floor at Emory University Hospital. Over the years as a nurse, Katherine worked in home health, utilization review at North Georgia Medical Center and is currently the County Nurse Manager at the Gilmer County Health Department. Katherine and Jerry have one daughter, Sarah, and a son, Chris plus seven grandchildren. She enjoys music and gardening. These wonderful ladies, with their individual skills and resources, have made the health and wellness committee pro active with our members in helping out in various ways. All of them have such strengths, so be sure and look them up for any problems, especially if I am not around. You can meet them during B/P screening each month as three of us rotate each time. Sitting down, He called the Twelve and said to them, If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all Mark 9:35 TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR DAILY LIVING 1. Only for today, I will seek to live the day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once. 2. Only for today, I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself. 3. Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one. 4. Only for today, I will adapt to my circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes. 5. Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so reading is necessary to the life of the soul. 6. Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it. 7. Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices. 8. Only for today, I will make a plan for myself; I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it, and I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision. 9. Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world. 10. Only for today, I will have no fears; in particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Contributed by Pope John XXIII Submitted by Tamra Acree, MSN, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

7 UMC CONFERENCE NEWS The North Georgia Advocate is sixteen pages of church news that you will receive twice a month at a cost of $25 ($23 if over age 65) per year. It is a source of personal stories and important news of our conference, and also gives a perspective on the national and global church. It is time to renew your subscription or to sign up for a new subscription. This can be done online at by phone, paying with your credit card, ; or by sending your check, payable to "North Georgia Advocate" PO Box , Dallas, TX October 16~ The next BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING at 9:15 Volunteer for a committee, visit our homebound members, participate in some of our many activities. You will be blessed. Volunteers Are Needed! Children s Church A craft, lesson, and snack are provided. This is done on a rotation basis for once every three months. That is only 4 hours a year to assist in this important ministry. Contact Marianne Evans if inter- Noon Circle meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Joy Circle meets the 1st Thursday at 11 a.m. Joy Circle serves meals to our shut-ins and nearly shut-ins and other friends of the church who are in this category. If you know of anyone who fits this profile, please call Patty Bell The next Administrative Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m. All committee chairs are encouraged to attend. Audio Ministry continues to need volunteers If you have a musical ear and like to work with audio gear, you are needed to serve on a rotating basis. Please contact John Rathbone at or November Newsletter Deadline The deadline for submitting articles or information for the November newsletter is Monday, October 24. Anything received after that date will be included in the December newsletter. JOIN THE CHOIR! Join the fun!

8 Through Christian Education, we invite people and communities of faith to be transformed as they are inspired and challenged to : Know and experience God through Jesus Christ Claim and live God s promise Grow and serve as Christian disciples Children, youth and adults are invited to participate in the Sunday school hour each week beginning at 9:45am. Classes are available for ALL ages with five adult class offerings that are sure to meet your needs for spiritual growth. Join us! A SEASON OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30pm This hour is an opportunity for youth and adults to pray and worship the third Tuesday of each month. Join us for a time of quiet meditation surrounded by the reflection of candles and opportunities for individual and corporate prayer practices, silence and meditative music. Come and experience this special service in the sanctuary. Childcare will be provided. ADULT FUEL STUDY OPPORTUNITIES (Wednesday nights at 6:30pm) Bill McKinney continues a discussion class, HOT TOPICS. Each week, Bill will facilitate the topic of the week, selected from issues contributed by YOU, the class participant. Watch the bulletin for the topic of the week. Bibles and discussion are a vital key to this class! Jan Day continues leading a small group discussion using the book, LETTERS FROM THE DESERT by Carlo Carretto. Its life-affirming message has inspired countless readers in a dozen languages. Simply, it reminds us that in the evening of our lives, we will be judged by love. DO YOU HAVE A CRECHE (Nativity Set) that has special meaning? Would you be willing to share it and the story behind it with the congregation? The Nurture Division hopes to have a display during Advent in the Narthex. Watch bulletins and newsletters for more details and how you can share and enjoy! SCOUTING NEWS Troop 402 worked and camped out for Carters Lake Clean Up. New officers were elected and Tommy Calhoun is now Senior Patrol Leader. The troop is preparing for parking at Apple Festival and the Fall Camporee which will be the last weekend in Oct. Venture 402 parked cars for the Rodeo and are preparing the camporee for the mountain district.

9 All children ages 4 years thru 5th grade are welcome to join us for our Wednesday Night Fuel! We begin at 6:30 and end by 7:30. We will begin the Fall with Occupation in Bible Times, and People who made a Difference! This will be a Ten week study. We will have art, science, cooking, games, Bible fun and music. We will devote the first 15 minutes of Wed. Nights to choir and getting ready for a Christmas Presentation. This will be a meaningful program for those involved and for those that get to be blessed by it! If you have any questions please call Marianne! Don t forget dinner starts at 5:30 and kids under 12 eat FREE! Check bulletin for menu and call office for reservations as reservation are needed. Trunk or Treat Wednesday, October 26th 6:15 7:30 pm Come and Trick or Treat with us! Join us for a night of fun. Children s Choir meet on Wednesday s at 6:25-6:45 We will start our Christmas Program, Signs of Christmas We have singing, speaking, and acting parts! We will perform on Dec. 11:00 Service More Than a Movie Admit one Free (or two or three.. Bring friends!) Now Showing: Monsters, Inc. Date: Oct. 28th Time: 7-9 Location: Fellowship Hall Come enjoy a great movie, delicious snacks, games and find out how this movie relates to the Bible. Free Movie Free Food! Preschool News ChildrenFirst Preschool Ages 18 months 5 years 9:00 am 12:00 pm 635-FUMC (3862) We have openings for 1 s, 2 s or 3 year olds! Keep saving Box Tops! Worth 10 cents each! We also collect empty ink jets! Please join us for Wednesday Night Dinner on October 5th as the preschool will host a fabulous, fun meal! This is a tummy filling way to support your preschool ministry!!!!!! Please join us for Sunday School Sunday at 9:45 AM Bright Beginnings Infant to 2 years Lord s Lambs ages 3 5 Delightful Disciples 1st - 5th grade Children s Church Volunteer Schedule for October Nursery Children s Church October 2 Need Volunteer Gina Putman October 9 Elizabeth Dorfman Youth October 16 Diane Vautrot Daniele Deneka October 23 Jessica Lawrenz Need Volunteer October 30 Bliss Cole Need Volunteer 7

10 ELLIJAY STUDENT MINISTRY (6-12th Grade) MEET Christ, KNOW Christ, LIVE Christ October 2011 Weekly Schedule Sunday 9:45am - Sunday School 11:00am - Worship 6:00 - IMPACT Wednesday 6:00 - IMPACT Groups Can You make it 24 Hours without food? Recently, two powerful statistics caught my eye. One said that every 3.6 seconds someone dies from hunger. The second statistic said that 15 million children die from hunger every year. I type this not to make you feel guilty but to make you aware of the situation. On November 11-12th the youth ministry will be participating in a 24 Hour Fast. We will be starting at 12:30 on Friday and ending on Saturday after we participate in the Stop Hunger Now food packaging. We are doing this not to make ourselves feel good, but to become aware. Christians who become aware of the hurting around us can become a powerful agent for change. Pray for us as we take one more step in desiring to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus. Stop Hunger Now One Quarter = One Meal One Dollar = Four Meals Our Church Goal = 10,000 Meals ($2,500) Ways to Participate = Fast, Donate, Package Meals Youth Ministry Contact Brandon Dobson Youth@fumcellijay.org IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW.. October 2rd - Special speaker at IMPACT! Missionary will be speaking about a future trip to Guatemala! October 9th - Registration begins for Stop Hunger Now 24 Hour Fast Lock-in October 12th - Youth Sponsored Dinner - Money will go towards Stop Hunger Now October 26th - Trunk or Treat - Come to help out with games and eat candy October 30th - Super Hero Olympics! - A Yearly IMPACT Tradition.

11 WE HAVE A MISSION Welcoming-Worshiping-Nurturing-Sending Why does the church exist? According to Matthew s Gospel, the risen Christ made it clear: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you (28:19-20) Based on this Great Commission, our United Methodist Church has stated its purpose: The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs. So the mission of our congregation is to make disciples. This is a four-fold task.... We could abbreviate our mission as one of welcoming-worshiping-nurturing-sending. From The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2008, pp For more information on Our Faith, please visit the UMC Web Site. Ellijay First United Methodist Church 75 McCutchen Street P.O. Box 472 Ellijay, GA Church: Fax: Pastor s Residence: office@fumcellijay.org danny@fumcellijay.org youth@fumcellijay.org children@fumcellijay.org Website: Church Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday CHURCH STAFF The Reverend Dr. Danny Barton, Pastor Tamra Acree, Parish Nurse Charlie Bryant, Director of Music Pam Corbin, Custodian Gabrielle Cornett, Pianist Brandon Dobson, Youth Minister Marianne Evans, Director of Children s Ministries & Director of Preschool Angel Oncher Nursery Coordinator Cheryl Smith, Organist Janet Tripp, Administrative Assistant