Morrow Mirror. A monthly newsletter brought to you by Morrow First United Methodist Church

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1 Morrow Mirror A monthly newsletter brought to you by Morrow First United Methodist Church Scouting as Evangelism Article for UMM Magazine April 22, 2018 By The Rev. Luis Ortiz As a United Methodist pastor for the last 25 years, frequently I am asked, How can we get new kids in our church? It is clear the programs we have used for the last ten years no longer reach the youth in our communities. These evangelism efforts are internal and not external. Need Foot Traffic One of the secrets to growth is new foot traffic. If a mall has no new foot traffic coming in and out, the mall will eventually close. The church is no different. If the church stops having new foot traffic coming in and out, it will also close its doors. Each time I begin a new church appointment, I evaluate the youth programs to see how much new foot traffic they have. I hear members tell me they want more kids in the church, but the truth is, they are not doing anything differently today than they have been doing for the last ten or more years to produce new growth. Somewhere along the line, they stopped connecting externally with kids in the community. My Secret Weapon I am going to share with you one of my secrets to gain more kids in your church and increase the foot traffic. Are you ready? Here it is: SCOUTS. That s right, it s that easy. Scouting is one of the easiest ways to have new foot traffic in your church. Scouting should not be viewed as just another program. Scouting is an evangelism tool that will bring new kids and parents onto your church campus. Many of these are families who would never think about coming inside your church. Every church to which I have been appointed had no Cub Scout program when I arrived. Many had only a small number of Boy Scouts. I have been blessed to help launch five Cub Scout packs and one Boy Scout troop in the churches I ve served. I served as the Cubmaster and a den leader in all the new packs. At one church, I served as the Cubmaster and the leader of two Webelos dens. A few years later we launched a Boy Scout troop, and I became the Scoutmaster. P.R.A.Y. Classes I always incorporate P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) classes with the scouting program. Classes were held on church grounds with members of UM Men and UM Women serving as leaders. Talk about a powerful evangelism tool! Scout programs frequently mean you have parents and kids all weekend on the church property for the first time. As you start to communicate with the parents, you build relationships and begin to disciple them. Building Momentum When beginning a new scouting program, remember it may start out slowly and you may not see new disciples right away. But as you engage with the Scouts and their families you will find this is an effective way to make new disciples for Christ. Scouting provides an opportunity to connect with Hispanic families and other ethnic groups with which the church would seldom connect. Do you have a Scouting Program in your church? If you don t, it s time to launch one!

2 April 2018 Financial Information April 2018 Attendance & Giving by Date Sunday Worship Sunday School Budget Giving 4/ $6, / $6, / $3, / $2, As of April 23, 2018, we have received $19, towards our monthly budget of $26, The apportionments for February, March, and April have not been paid. Church Accounts Auditor Yes We Still Need One Morrow First UMC is seeking a volunteer with an accounting/bookkeeping background to audit our 2017 accounts. If you are interested, please contact Becky Griffin in the church office: mumcfin-sec@bellsouth.net or Upcoming Events & Activites MFUMC Vacation Bible School Sunday, June 3 - Wednesday June 6 5:30 p.m. North Georgia UMC Annual Conference Tuesday, June 12 - Thursday, June 14 The Classic Center, Athens Annual Youth Beach Trip Friday, July 6 - Monday, July 9 Laguna Beach, FL North GA UMW Mission U Thursday, July 26 - Saturday, July 28 Georgia Baptist Conference Center, Toccoa MFUMC UMW Retreat Friday, October 19 - Sunday, October 21 Hinton Rural Life Center

3 Volunteer Appreciation Sunday, May 6, 2018 In the parking lot The Varsity Food Truck will serve Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, French Fries, Onion Rings with Chili, American Cheese, Diced Onions, Ketchup, Mayo Packets, Mustard, Pepper, Salt, and Pickles. The Fellowship Hall will be open for seating. WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS! Chris Hoenes Governance Board Nurture Chair For All the Pantry Volunteers Thankfully there are many people that support the MFUMC Food Pantry in a variety of ways: donations, unloading delivers, bagging food, and making sure everyone receives something on Thursdays. So many people, too many to name, but each of you is appreciated! MFUMC Food Pantry in Need Our food pantry served over 2,500 Clayton County residents in One week there were 25 families (90 people) on a single Thursday. Please help restock our pantry with the most common needs such as spaghetti and sauce, beans, rice, cereal, fruit cups, canned vegetables, soup, peanut butter, and jelly. Thank you, Diana Aull Thank you for volunteering and supporting the MFUMC Food Pantry. Diana Aull, Coordinator

4 Folktales by Moonlight Historical Jonesboro/Clayton County, Inc. will host a folktale event on Friday May 4 and Saturday May 5. The event begins at 7:00 on the grounds of Stately Oaks Plantation. Stories from Native American heritage, the Revolutionary War, and the Confederacy, plus some good ole ghost stories are a few of the tales you will hear and experience. Bring your friends and neighbors for storytelling. Who knows? You may have a story to tell also! Tickets: Adults $10 Children age 5 12 $5 Children under 5 no charge Call for Reservations The Ramblers will be attending Georgia Folklore by Moonlight at Stately Oaks on Friday, May 4. The church bus will leave at 6:30 p.m. Seats are still available. Contact Pam Boyd and sign up on bulletin board. Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend Celebration Saturday, May 12, 2018 Theme: Conversations 6:00 P.M. Fellowship Hall Adults $10 Children (ages 3-10) $6 Please complete form below or in the bulletin to reserve your spot. Forms and payment must be submitted to church office by 5/6/18. To make a reservation for the MDSF Celebration, please complete form below and return it to the church office. # $10 each = # $6 each = [ages 3-10] # High Chairs Name

5 Upcoming Fundraisers for the RSVP/HVAC Campaign Saturday, May 5, :00am 4:00pm Activities & Vendors will include: Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, Food, Children s Fun Circuit, Caricaturist, Biker s Meet-up & Exhibit, Silent Auction, Animal Attraction and much more! Hosted by Bethel UMC 245 Fairview Rd, Stockbridge, GA awesomeblossomfestival.com At Awesome Blossom The Trustees will be selling BBQ Sandwiches, Chips, and a Drink for $6. And the UMW will be selling desserts. Come support and join the fun. All proceeds will go to the RSVP/HVAC Replacement Fund Plate includes: Fish, French Fries, Hush puppies, and Coleslaw.

6 Bill & Jenny Ham, as Bill continues treatments for bone cancer, requested by John & Dana Chapman Bill Studdard, who delivers bread to our food pantry had open heart surgery on 3/5, requested by Diana Aull Charles & Karen Sargent Revs. Jack & Talia Hartwell are home and on the slow road to recovery. They are on staff at First Baptist Church of Morrow, reported by Bob Brannon Janet Thomaston has started physical therapy to improve her balance, reported by Anita Thomaston Jeff Budkoski and Family after the recent passing of Tommie Budkoski Judy Stanford, family issues and healing from her broken hip, reported by her friends, Dana & John Chapman Karen Ferrell-White has multiple myeloma, facing 12 weeks of chemo, requested by Mary Anne Brannon Laura Milton Moore had final surgery on 2/17. She is still in pain, reported by Chuck Ruffino Lynn Bridges is doing well after two surgeries, reported by her friend, Kathy Munson Mason McGee is going through a rough spot and needs prayers, requested by Judy Jaeger Michael Taylor had surgery on his elbow on April 15, requested by his mother -in-law, Susan Crawford Mike Smith, requested by his sister, Joan Deason Ruth Muniz, requested by her daughter, Diana Aull Savanna French is awaiting test results to determine treatment of the cancer in her lymph nodes. She feels great and is going on with life like a normal teenager. Please continue to pray for her, reported by her great-aunt, Connie Cabe Vicki Faulk is at a stage with ALS that she is totally stiff and her hands are closing up. Please pray for a miracle and God s will be done, reported by her aunt, Kathy Munson Walter Moore s health is failing, requested by Susan & Barry Crawford. Our Love and Christian Sympathy to the family of former member Chester Chet L. Budkoski, Jr., age 70, upon his death on April 23, He was predeceased by his parents, Morrow FUMC member s Chet & Tommie Budkoski, Sr. and his sister Deidre Budkoski. Chet, known for his humor and for being the life of the party, served in the U. S. Army and was retired from Bell South/AT & T. Following retirement and prior to his declining health, he enjoyed being a handy man and being a volunteer in the Children s Ministry at his church. Services for Chet Budkoski, Jr. were held Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock with interment following at Georgia National Cemetery. Please remember Chet s widow, Diane, their six children, 10 grandchildren and his brother, Jeff Budkoski and family, in your thoughts and prayers during these most difficult days.

7 Our Service Members Stationed on Okinawa Island Kameron Burrell (great nephew of Linda McElhannon) Stationed Overseas Matt Allen (husband of Darcy Bloom Allen) Stationed Stateside Jayson Dooley (son of Nannette Dooley) David Key (son-in-law of Bil & Melanie Johnson) Nichole Turner (niece of Keith & Kathy Munson) Aviano AFB - Italy Capt. Kyle L. J. Phillips (grandson of Larry Phillips) Stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC Alex McKenzie-Castillo (son of Ardell McKenzie-Sasso) Jacob Beard (friend of Brooksie Foster) Stationed at Misawa Airbase, Japan Kevin McElhannon, Jr. (grandson of Bill & Linda McElhannon) Stationed in Kandahar Afghanistan Max Anderson (cousin of Layla Leo) Please send updated Service Member location information to the Church Office: mumc-admsec@bellsouth.net. Nursing Home /Hospital/Independent Living/ Rehab Patients/Homebound Members Bright View North Andover: Ethel Jewett, 1275 Turnpike St, #1211, North Andover, MA Elmcroft Senior Living: Shirley Barnett, 7493 Mt. Zion Blvd, Rm 109B, Jonesboro, GA Jonesboro Nursing & Rehab: Tootsie Callaway, Rm 116A, 2650 Highway 138E, Jonesboro, GA Ellen Betsill, 501 Blossom Tr., McDonough, GA Jerry & Mary Brazeal, 3920 Brookline Dr., Alpharetta, GA James Gloor, 5879 Clate Court, Ellenwood, GA Betty Hargis, 157 Pulliam Dr., Apt. 42, Jackson, GA Bill & Linda McElhannon, 3793 Charlotte Drive, Rex, GA, Doris Melear, 2569 Wall St., Jonesboro, GA Janet Thomaston, 7871 Thrailkill Road, Jonesboro, GA 30260

8 Friday Fun Days 2018 Date Destination Departure Cost Bring Return Time Friday, June 8 Stone Mountain 10:00 a.m. $0 Sack Lunch, Sunscreen, and Change of Clothes 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 15 Macon Museum of Arts and Science 9:00 a.m. $6 Sack Lunch Pick-up at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21 Lunch for Firemen (Fellowship Hall) 10:00 a.m. $0 Supplies to make lunch 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 29 Friday, July 13 Friday, July 20 State Capitol & Picnic at Centennial Park Tour of WSB Radio and TV (Atlanta) Museum of Aviation (Warner Robins) 9:45 a.m. $0 Sack Lunch, Bathing Suits, & Sunscreen 10:30 a.m. Kids:$10 Adults: $15 Sack Lunch at Piedmont Park 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. $0 Sack Lunch Pick-up at 4:00 p.m. Fun Friday activities are open to children and youth. Please make sure the church office has a signed permission slip for your child before the summer. For a blank permission slip contact Becky Griffin or beckg73@comcast.net. The Friday Fun Organizers are Anna Cox bellamagistra@gmail.com & Tracy Larson tlarson1932@gmail.com

9 Time/Place: Cost: Reservation Deadline: To Make Reservations: Please note: 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Adults 12 & up: $6.00 take home plates $6.00 Children 11 & under: Free or $2.00 donations Noon on Monday of each week Fill out reservation form in the sanctuary pew pocket Or church office: Quantity of food for WWNS is purchased based on the number of reservations. Those not cancelling reservations in advance are expected to pay. Wednesday: May 2 May 9 May 16 Menu: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread, Green Salad Dessert: Pound Cake Coffee, Tea, and Lemonade Baked Potato Bar with Toppings, Green Salad Dessert: Chocolate Cake Coffee, Tea, and Lemonade End of WWNS Celebration Hotdogs with Fixings, Chips, Slaw Dessert: Make Your Own Sundaes Coffee, Tea, and Lemonade

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11 Learn About Foster Care Ministry Information Meeting Tuesday, May 1 6:30-8:30 p.m. RSVP: Griffin First UMC 1401 Maple Drive Griffin, GA Tucker/Metro Atlanta District Office 1967 Lakeside Parkway, Building 400 Tucker, GA childrenshome@ umchildrenshome.org Phone: Ongoing Collection for Puerto Rico Items: Flash Lights, Batteries (all sizes) Baby items: Wipes, Diapers, Formula, Snack Foods (non-perishables) The collection box is in the hall across from the church office. The flight to deliver supplies leaves from Atlanta every two weeks. The need in Puerto Rico is ongoing. Contact: Karen Kelly at karenkelly325@yahoo.com or

12 5th Annual Miles of Hope Saturday, May 19th Silver Comet Trail - Cedartown, GA Bring your friends and rally a team to ride the Silver Comet Trail with our kids! There will be 10, 20 and 30+ mile rides marked for cyclists, or you can freely walk/ jog. The ride begins at 9AM. Lunch will be served from 11:30AM - 1:00PM to all registered participants. Register to ride or become a sponsor today! When: Saturday May 9:00AM - 1:00PM Where: The Cedartown Welcome Center and Depot 609 S. Main Street Cedartown, GA Events: There will be 10, 20, and 30+ mile rides and a 5k run/walk option. Lunch will be served to all registered participants following the race. There is no registration fee. Donations are encouraged, and there are opportunities for corporate sponsorships along with opportunities for individual and group funding. All proceeds from the event benefit Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers. Questions? Ready to sign up? Contact Scott Fuller (828) sfuller@murphyharpst.org Register at Murphy-Harpst Children's Centers 740 Fletcher Street Cedartown, GA

13 During VBS, the children will be making Manna Bags as a mission project. These bags help to meet the needs of the homeless by providing a bag of food and essentials. We are asking church members to donate items for the bags. Suggested items are listed below. Canned or Bagged Tuna or Chicken Bags of Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds Beef Jerky or Slim Jims Small boxes of Raisins Individual Pudding Cups or Applesauce Wrapped packages of Crackers Wrapped packages of Cookies Small cans of Zip Top Fruit or Fruit Cups Individual size Chips or Pretzels Hard Candy, Mints or Gum Plastic Utensils Napkins ChapStick Packages of Tissues Travel size Toothbrush and Toothpaste Comb Soap Band Aids or Adhesive Bandages Mouthwash Hand Wipes Socks Washcloth Items donated for the Manna Bags should be placed in the boxes by the church entrances before May 28th. The bags will be distributed to the congregation. These bags can be kept in your car to give to people in need who you encounter in the community. Questions? See Susan Adams or Tracy Larson.

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15 National Teacher Day - Tuesday, May 8, 2018 THANK A TEACHER!

16 Morrow First United Methodist Church Rev. Luis A. Ortiz P.O Jonesboro Road Morrow, GA Phone: Congratulations to Judy Durrance Jaeger! Judy was recently honored to receive the Georgia Rose Award in recognition of her professional accomplishments and her dedication and continuous volunteer service to Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. The award was given during the 125th Founders Day celebration in Peachtree City on Saturday, April 21, Calvary Calendar for 2018 Pick a Date May 27 June 24 July 22 August 26 September 23 October 28 November 25 December 23 MFUMC Youth You are needed! You are needed! You are needed! Alpha Xi Delta Alumnae October Birthday Group You are needed! You are needed! Our calendar to serve supper to Calvary residents for 2018 has several open spots. Please contact Doug Jewett (dsj3783@aol.com) if you or your group is interested in helping with the needy in our community.

17 May 2018 *Sunday Morning Schedule 9:00 a.m. Joyful Praise Ringers Practice 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :30 am Ramblers Cracker Barrel 7 pm Cub Scout Pack, PR 6 pm WWNS, FH 6:30 pm Children, CW 6:30 pm Youth, YL 7:30 pm Choir, MR 10 am - 12 pm Food Pantry 7 pm SA Reserved Office Closed 6:30 pm Ramblers Trip to Folk Tales by Moonlight at Stately Oaks 6* Communion Sunday 10:30 am Comfort 7 pm Cub Scout 6 pm WWNS, FH 10 am - 12 pm Office Closed & Joy Pack, PR Food Pantry 12:30 pm Volunteer Appreciation, FH 1:30-5 pm SA Reserved 5:30 pm TFS-dinner to Good Shepherd Clinic 6:30 pm Governance Board, CF 7 pm BSA Troop 112, FH & SH 6:30 pm Children, CW 6:30 pm Youth, YL 7:30 pm Choir, MR 12 pm - 2 pm Thurs. Friendship Share, SRM 5:30 pm Girl Scouts, FH 7 pm SA Reserved 13* Mother s Day :30 am Comfort 7 pm Cub Scout 6 pm Year End 10 am - 12 pm Office Closed 1:30-5 pm SA & Joy Pack, PR WWNS, FH Food Pantry FH reserved All Reserved 7 pm SA Reserved Day 5:30 pm Girl Scouts, FH 7 pm BSA Troop 112, SH 6:30 pm Children, CW 6:30 pm Youth, YL 7:30 pm Choir, MR * am Guest 10:30 am Comfort 10 am - 12 pm Office Closed Musicians & Joy 7 pm Cub Scout 7:30 pm Choir, MR Food Pantry Pack, PR 6:30 pm Electa 5:30 pm Girl Scouts, Share, FH FH 12:30 pm VBS Planning, CR 1:30-5 pm SA Reserved 7 pm BSA Troop 112, SH Around 7:30pm Unload Midwest Food Bank Truck 7 pm SA Reserved 27* 28 Memorial Day Location Codes: CR=Conference Office Closed 12:30 p.m. Youth Room 7:30 pm Choir, MR Scavenger Hunt, CW=Children s Wing Lenox Mall FH=Fellowship Hall MF=Marvin Foster 1:30-5 pm SA Room Reserved MR=Music Room 6:30 pm Youth to serve at Calvary PR =Cub Pack Room SA=Sanctuary Refuge Center 9 am - 4 pm Trustees have booth at Awesome Blossom (see flyer for details) 6 pm UMW: Mother Daughter Sister Friend Celebration, FH 11 am - 2 pm Community Fish Fry, FH SH=Scout Hut SRM=Searchers Classroom US=Up Stairs YL=Youth Lounge Sunday & Color 5/6 White Sunday Servants 5/13 White/Gold 5/20 Red 5/27 White Liturgist Doug Jewett Mary Anne Brannon Erika Sturgies Mary Anne Brannon Acolytes Noah Seelhammer Sara Adams Abby Bales Jacqui Johnson Acolytes Assistant Children s Sermon Children s Church Beth Matthews Kathy Gailey Janice Bales Beth Matthews Anna Cox Molly Knowles Julia Gawel Liz Haynie Susan Adams & Molly Knowles Anna Cox & Tracy Larson Layla Leo & Lisa Brandenberger Shannon Gailey & Kathy Gailey Sound Joe Wiley Angela Seelhammer Eric Knowles Joe Wiley Worship Greeters Ushers Narthex: Karen Kelly Hall: Reggie & Elaine Pye Mike Griffin, Brain Adams, Bob Brannon Altar Guild: Pam Boyd Narthex: Eddie & Brenda Byrd Hall: Beverly St. Germian Joe Wiley, Jerry Griffin, Boyd Rodgers, Andrew Cox Narthex: Paul & Joan Deason Hall: Judy Nolen Andrew Cox, Doug Jewett, John Chapman, Joe Wiley Narthex: Charlotte Brady Hall: Kathy Gailey Wayne Knight, Brad Boyd, Eddie Byrd, Chuck Matthews May Trustee Representative: Bob Brannon ; big.brto@yahoo.com

18 Date Destination Departure Cost Bring Return Sunday, May 27 Lenox Mall Scavenger Hunt After Service $0 Sunday, May 27 Calvary Refuge Center Dinner Supplies Saturday, June 2 Augusta Pottery Trip & Lock-in at MFUMC 7:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. $0 Overnight items Pickup: Sunday Morning Sunday, June 10 High Museum After Service $0 5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 24 Tuesday, June 26 Spectacular Days 2018 These trips and activities are for the youth (middle school and high school ages). ATL UTD vs. Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Griffin Lake House & Tubing After Service $40 Team Spirit 7:00 p.m. TBA $30 Overnight items, swimsuit, sunscreen Thursday, June 28 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 1 Six Flags After Service TBA Change of clothes & lunch money Friday, July 6 Laguna Beach 8:00 a.m. $70 Beach gear, Overnight items, Sunscreen TBD Monday, July 9 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 11 Federal Reserve Building Tour 10:00 a.m. $0 TBD Sunday, July 15 College Park CrossFit After Service Loose fitting clothes Sunday, July 22 Laser Show 5:00 p.m. Lawn Blanket TBD Sunday, July 29 Coco-Cola & Centennial After Service TBD TBD Please make sure the church office has a signed permission slip for your child before the summer. For a blank permission slip contact Becky Griffin or beckg73@comcast.net. Chaperones: please return your background check forms to Becky Griffin by May 15. For more information about these events, please contact: Anna Cox bellamagistra@gmail.com & Tracy Larson tlarson1932@gmail.com Birthdays Anniversaries Doug Jewett 5/1 Elizabeth Lee 5/1 Mark Knowles 5/3 Albert Hall 5/7 Chrissy Johnson 5/7 Margaret Cobb 5/8 Joan Deason 5/9 Ruth Muniz 5/10 Melanie Ortiz 5/10 Becky Griffin 5/12 Braden Gailey 5/13 John Chapman 5/14 Judy Nolen 5/15 Laura Wiley 5/19 Anna Seelhammer 5/20 Kenrell McKenzie 5/21 Sara Adams 5/22 Jackie Davis 5/22 Ron Hoenes 5/25 Keith Munson 5/25 Jimmy Larson 5/26 Tim & Jessica Ewing 5/17 Mitch & Liz Saunders Griffin 5/31 If your birthday or anniversary should be listed and is not, please contact this church office to correct our database.