THE FIRST WORD A publication of Ellijay First United Methodist Church November 2012 William Johnson 1 Jeane Snoke 1 Scott McBride 2 Dianne Lassiter 3 DeWayne Lineback 3 Caroline Brown 5 Carl Day, Jr. 6 Sandy Flynn 6 Alyse Munson 7 Joel Braswell 13 Joe McCutchen 14 Joyce Smith 14 Harriet Rasberry 15 Mary Thelma Cole 16 Patti Smith 16 Steve Brown 19 Marcello Valle 19 Linda Ledford 20 Hal Stolz 21 Michael Christopher 22 Thomas Daughtry 22 Michael Putman 22 Bliss Cole 23 Millie Kelley 24 Melissa-Jessica Lawrenz 24 Rip Ripley 24 Melissa Day 26 David George 27 Thank you for the many cards and personal gifts as well as gifts for the apportionments in our honor during Pastor Appreciation month. It is a pleasure to serve this wonderful congregation. Ellijay First is an unusual congregation because of the diversity of backgrounds and where people have moved here to retire and to work. We are made up of weekenders, vacationers, people with one or more residences and the folks who are permanently here. It is a joy for me to hear your stories, but more importantly to get to know you and to love you. Thank you for your positive response to serving in leadership ministries for the year 2013 and beyond. I am renewed personally by the wonderful way in which so many of you give of your time and energy. Thanks to the Finance Committee who are actively working on our budget (intention cards for supporting the church financially are on the way). Our Nominating Committee, better known as Lay Life and Leadership, is also actively working, even now. This year we will be asking each family to sign an Intention Card rather than a pledge card. This is the amount you intend to contribute to Ellijay First through your tithes and offering. In our changing economy I encourage you to make this a priority. God has blessed us so much! My prayer for this church is that we will not only support the ministries of the church but also have a vision of paying off the $386,000 we owe on the building. Nov. 3 (9 am) Spiritual Growth For women Nov. 10 (9 am) Stop Hunger Now Nov. 18 (6pm) Church Conference Nov. 20 (6:30pm)A Season of Prayer Nov. 21 Dec. 5 (6:15 pm) NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES Children s First Christmas Program, MIRACLE IN A MANGER Dec. 9 (11 am) Children s Choir Christmas Music: AARON THE ALLERGIC SHEPHARD Dec. 16 (7pm)Chancel Choir presents A NIGHT OF REJOICING A time of fellowship follows Dec. 18-19 Live Nativity Dec. 23 Church-wide Christmas Breakfast Dec. 24 (5:30 pm) Christmas Eve Worship
SUNDAY Each Sunday 8:45 a.m. Early Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship 5 p.m. Bell Choir 6 p.m. Impact Youth 1st Sunday 8:45 a.m. Communion 11 a.m. Communion ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS 1st Monday 5:30 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting November 5 6:00 p.m. Administrative Council Meeting November 5 2nd Monday 6:00 p.m. UMM Dinner & meeting When Called 4th Monday 11:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Workshop November 26 Each Tuesday 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study BYKOTA CLASSROOM 1st Tuesday ( 2nd ) 8 a.m. UMM Prayer Breakfast/Meeting at IHOP November 13 3rd Tuesday 11:30 a.m. UMW Noon Circle November 20 6:30 p.m. A Season of Prayer November 20 2nd Wednesday 5 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, BYKOTA CLASSROOM Each Wednesday 5 p.m. Youth Choir practice 5:30 p.m. EAT/PRAY/LEARN Fellowship supper sponsored by church groups 5:45 p.m. Grace Notes 6:00 p.m. Youth IMPACT ( 6th 12th grade ) 6:00 p.m. Children s Choir practice 6:30 p.m. Summit Seekers Children s program ( 3 yrs.-5th grade ) 6:30 p.m. Adult Studies ( Nursery available ) 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal 1st Thursday 11 a.m. Joy Circle November 1 2nd Thursday 11:30 a.m. Single Ladies Lunch November 8 A NOTE FROM THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS COMMITTEE Sunday, December 9, 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. The devotional phone line has been reactivated. The phone number for this line is (706) 635-3500. Messages will be changed twice weekly. If anyone is interested in recording a devotion to be included in the weekly devotionals, please contact Peggy Puckett at (706) 635-8778. Your devotion could be a meaningful passage of scripture, something that has touched you, or something meaningful to share.
A SEASON OF PRAYER will be held on Tuesday, November 20, at 6:30pm. As we approach the calendar day of Thanksgiving, we will gather for a brief time of worship and prayer, focusing our conversations with God on the blessings we often take for granted during a season of thanks. Childcare will be provided. SPOTLIGHT!! Getting to Know Our Ellijay FUMC Neighborhood We need your help!! We are going to begin a new article to SPOTLIGHT current and new members of our church family!!! The youth members have agreed to participate in this project, but we need adults to help them out. In order to do the write-up, the youth member and the adult will work together to interview the chosen church member and get a short article written for the bulletin. This will be a great tool for us to get to know our church family better! It will include their picture and things like where they are from, where they work/ed, how many kids they have, things they enjoy, etc This is also a great opportunity for our adults and youth members to work together. If you are interested in working on this inter-generational project, please contact Joan Compton, 706-636-2417. Did you know that there is a choir for everyone in our congregation? We invite you to join the Chancel Choir, Children's Choir or Youth Music. Please contact John Rathbone, Charlie Bryant or Sarah Thorne. The leaking of water in the kitchen pantry was found to be the failure of one of the roof heating and air units. There are three roof units, all were16 years old. This is the second unit to be replaced in the last year. Cost of this second unit replacement was $14,000 which is discounted $3-4,000, thanks to Bill Johnson and the support of his company, Strictly Mechanical. The cost has been born by the anonymous generosity of several of our members. We have one 16 yr. old unit left. We have recommended for 2013 budgetary consideration a cost of replacement of $14-15,000. On October 16th, ETC installed a gas sensor that is tied into our security system. This means that if gas is detected, our alarm goes off and a call from ETC is made. A church camera security system is in the process of being installed. Modifications were made to the playground to increase safety and meet inspection requirements. Changes were made in the personnel caring for our church grounds. You will soon see a marked improvement.
Don t eat within 2-3 hours of sleep. Heartburn As we head into the holiday season which typically includes overeating, I thought it would be appropriate to write about heartburn. The medical term for heartburn is Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD). Heartburn is a result of stomach acid moving from the stomach into your esophagus. Here are some suggestions for controlling reflux: Elevate the head of your bed on blocks. The sphincter between your esophagus and stomach relaxes during sleep and may increase reflux. Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, citrus juices, fried foods, and peppermint as these increase acid production. Keeping a food diary may help you identify the foods that affect your reflux. Avoid overeating as this may result in increased acid production and reflux. Some people have silent reflux and don t have obvious symptoms. Sometimes cough is the only symptom. There are over-the-counter products that you may try for mild reflux. Some examples are ranitidine or omeprazole. Talk with your doctor if you need to take the medications for an extended period of time. Chronic reflux may result in a precancerous condition called Barrett s esophagus. Have a great holiday season. Submitted by Nancy Smith, RN We had a busy, productive October. We had a well-attended Prayer Breakfast on the 2nd, worked on a deck and ramp for the big man, cooked lunch at the bazaar, and cooked breakfast for dinner on the 24th. Stop Hunger Now, with the mission committee, was kicked off and because of the generosity of you all we are ready to pack the 10,000 meals on the 10th of Nov. Cartecay United Methodist Church will join us on the 10th to help with the packing. November opportunities: Nov. 10 Stop Hunger Now. We will pack 10,000 meals in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. UMW will serve lunch after we finish (soup, sandwiches and desserts will be featured) You will also have an opportunity to sample the meal we have prepared. Nov. 13 Prayer Breakfast at 8 a.m. at IHOP. Please try to attend and invite a guest. Nov. 28 Fund raiser Breakfast for Supper. We will do the usual sausage with biscuits & gravy instead of pancakes.
Congratulations to our newly selected Stephen Leadership Team: Sheri Futrell, Debbie Halligan & Steve Ketcham What are Stephen Leaders? Stephen Leaders are the individuals who will work together to lead Stephen Ministry at EFUMC. They will attend a one-week Leader's Training Course in Orlando, January 13-19. What Do Stephen Leaders Do? Cast a vision and build awareness for Stephen Ministry Recruit, select, and train Stephen Ministers Connect people who need care with Stephen Ministers Provide ongoing supervision and continuing education Keep Stephen Ministry vibrant and strong ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES--9:45 a.m. HELPING HANDS class is studying Noah Built His Ark in the Sunshine by James W. Moore. The Sunday after Thanksgiving we will begin a five-week Advent study, The Journey, by Adam Hamilton, In January we will go back to the Noah study. We continue to support the Food Pantry, Murphy Harpst, Gilmer Christian Learning Center and Kids Kottage with monthly contributions and will soon be sponsoring a child for the Kenya Project. CORNERSTONE Sunday School class will be finishing up a study of 1st Corinthians. On Nov. 25 we will begin a 5 week study entitled Christmas Is Not Your Birthday based on the book by Mike Slaughter. They 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 studying the International Sunday School Lessons. BEN BARRETT is studying the International Sunday School Lessons.
Ellijay First UMC has recently enrolled in the Stephen Series, a system for training laypeople to do caring ministry. Those training for Stephen Ministry will learn skills and develop their talents for bringing Christ s healing love to people who are grieving, depressed or experiencing other stresses in life. Carole Long is our contact person and can be reached at home at 706.636.4814, cell 850.212.0261, or by email at walmtn@etcmail.com for more information. The Stephen Series is named for the martyr Stephen, one of the first laypeople commissioned by the apostles to perform acts of caring ministry. If you have difficulty hearing, please see an usher before church for a hearing impaired device. Thanks to the Trustees for securing these aids. Volunteers are needed to provide supper for the youth on Sunday evenings. There is a sign -up sheet located on the bulletin board by the youth room. Any individuals, SS classes, or Circle that would be interested in providing a meal for approx. 25 people on Sunday nights may contact Barbara Talbot for menu suggestions or other information. Sunday, Dec. 9 ~ at 9:15 a.m. Next BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING 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 interested. The next Administrative Council meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 5, at 6 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 706-889-2038 or www.dirtcheep@ellijay.com. December Newsletter Deadline The deadline for submitting articles or information for the December newsletter is Friday, November 30. Anything received after that date will be included in the January newsletter. JOIN THE CHOIR! Join the fun! Noon Circle meets the 3rd Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Joy Circle meets the 1st Thursday at 11 a.m.
for ALL women of the church EXPERIENCE Saturday, Nov. 3 9 a.m. LAUGH YOUR WAY TO GRACE Facilitated by Julie Deloney ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 18 6 p.m. SCOUTING NEWS October was super busy. Both Troop 402 and Crew 402 parked cars both weekends of Apple Festival. Volunteer work hours calculated for youth and adults was 2032. Fantastic! The Winter Camporee, held in Blairsville at Camp Woodruff, was held on the 26th - 28th. Once again Troop 402 showed their spirit and were awarded the Spirit Stick. November events start off with a camping trip on the weekend of the 2nd in Tennessee. On Nov. 5th there will be a flag retirement at Cameron Hall and finishing up the pop corn sale is also planned. Wednesday night activities, EAT/PRAY/LEARN, resumed on September 5. All c h i l d r e n a n d youth activities, adult study opportunities, youth & children s choirs and suppers begin at 5:30 p.m. Please look for sign-up sheets for dinner reservations. Mark the permanent column if you would like to be included on our new permanent dinner list. The cost of the meal is $6 ($18 family maximum) and children under 12 are free. We look forward to seeing everyone. EAT/PRAY/LEARN 5 p.m. Youth Choir 5:30 p.m. Supper 5:45 p.m. Grace Notes 6 p.m. Youth IMPACT (Grades 6 12) 6 p.m. Children s Choir 6:30 p.m. Summit Seekers Children s Prog. 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 p.m. Adult Studies (Nursery available) November 14 Wed. Night Supper Prepared by Joy Circle Menu features many fabulous recipes from the Blue Willow Inn.
CHILDREN S MINISTRY You are invited! Wednesday Nights @ 6:30-7:30 Summit Seekers Ages: 4yrs.-5th grade Bible Story, Crafts, Games, Music, Fun Join us for dinner @ 5:30 Children s Choir @ 6:00 w/ms. Sarah Thorne Need a head start on Christmas Shopping? Need a date with your honey? Need a nap? Children s and Youth Ministries will be hosting a Parents night out! This is our gift to you! November 30th, 6:00-10:00. You must make reservations for this evening by November 18th!!!! Sign-up sheet will be in the church office. Save the Date: Live Nativity December 18th and 19th See Marianne if you are willing to teach Sunday School, or Children s Church. Preschool News Preschool will present Miracle in a Manger on Dec. 5th after the Wed. night supper. (6:15-6:35) The preschool would like to invite you to this Christmas blessing! Keep saving box tops. Worth 10 cents each! Children s Church Ages 3 years thru 2nd Grade. Join us after the children s sermon in church. We will sing some songs. The lesson and craft will go along with the children s sermon. We will also have a snack. We will join back up with the parents in church. Children s Church Volunteer Schedule Nov.4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Nov. 25 Barbara Dohl/ D, Westmoreland Youth Jenny Easley Jacqueline Poole Nursery Joy Barton Bliss Cole Leyla Leon Need Volunteer
ELLIJAY STUDENT MINISTRY (6-12th Grade) MEET Christ, KNOW Christ, LIVE Christ November 2012 Weekly Schedule Sunday 9:45am - Sunday School 11:00am - Worship 6:00 - IMPACT Wednesday 6:00 - Manistry and Wo-manistry smallgroups Youth Ministry Contact Kerri Ann Lipscomb 770.601.4488 Youth@fumcellijay.org What s happening in the youth ministry Fall has been a busy and exciting time for the youth of our church. With fall sports, band, and other school activities in full swing they have been some busy people! In the midst of their busy schedules we have been meeting on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Sunday night from 6-8 we gather for games and worship. I am amazed by the talents of our student praise team who lead us in worship each week. God is producing some wonderful leaders in our students. Manistry and Wo-manistry (girls and guys small groups) meet on Wednesday night. Our Ministry has been blessed to receive 2 interns from Global Youth Ministry located on Fort Mountain and they have been helping as small group leaders. A huge thanks to parents and volunteers who volunteer to help on Sunday nights and to those in the church who have been providing meals! It is greatly appreciated. Interested in helping out? Contact Kerri Ann or sign-up to provide a dinner on the youth bulletin board. IMPORTANT DATES TO KNOW.. November 9th-10th - 30HR Famine Lock-in November 30th- - Parents Night Out November 21st No IMPACT small groups December 9th Progressive Dinner December 18th-19th Live Nativity
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 welcomingworshiping-nurturing-sending. From The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2008, pp. 87-88. 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 30540 Church: 706-635-2555 Fax: 706-273-2555 Pastor s Residence: 706-636-4991 Email: office@fumcellijay.org danny@fumcellijay.org youth@fumcellijay.org children@fumcellijay.org Website: www.fumcellijay.org Church Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday CHURCH STAFF The Reverend Dr. Danny Barton, Pastor The Reverend Alan Tarr, Assistant Pastor Tamra Acree, Parish Nurse Charlie Bryant, Director of Music Pam Corbin, Custodian Gabrielle Cornett, Pianist Marianne Evans, Director of Children s Ministries & Preschool Rhonda Hilliard, Administrative Assistant Angel Hughes, Nursery Coordinator Kerri Anne Lipscomb, Youth Minister Cheryl Smith, Organist