NewsletterJune 2018 The Children s Choir performs O Chicken of Little Faith We believe in Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity Help Us Congratulate Our 2018 Graduates Student High School Future Plans Austin More James F. Byrnes High School Presbyterian College Cody Sullivan Riverside High School Auto Mechanic, Cobb Tire Carson Radlein Greer High School Clemson University Student College Future Plans Garner Brooks North Greenville University Seminary Graham Brooks North Greenville University MBA Program To give online visit: https://memorialumc.churchcenteronline.com/giving or text 84321
Summer Worship Series on the Book of Acts This summer we will read stories of the creation of the early church. After the resurrection, Peter and the Disciples understand the story and they start to share it. They confront religious and political leaders, they welcome new members, and they make great sacrifices to help the church grow. Paul also joins the story as part of one of the most amazing transformations in human history. June 3rd - Communion - Acts 6:1-15, Acts 7: 54-60 - The Story of Stephen June 10th - Acts 8: 26-40 - Phillip and the Ethiopian June 17th - Acts 9: 1-19 - Saul s Conversion June 24th - Acts 10:17-41 - Peter and Cornelius Altar Flowers for the Sanctuary The Flower Calendar is posted in the hallway beside Wesley Davenport classroom, and there are dates open throughout the rest of the year. When you select a Sunday service, I will call you to ask what you want printed in the bulletin and what type flowers you like. After comparing several florists, we have chosen Joys Petals owned by Joy Felts. The arrangements she has provided contain a variety of flowers that enhance our sanctuary; the prices begin at $60, including taxes and delivery. We feel Joys Petals will provide beautiful arrangements for us. - Harriet Johnson Small Groups, Committees, and Churchwide Fellowship Dates Sunday, June 3rd, Graduation Sunday, 9:00 and 11:00am services Tuesday, June 12th, Lydia Fellowship Circle, 10:30, Social Hall Conference Room Tuesday, June 12th, Afternoon Circle, 2:30pm, Social Hall Conference Room Wednesday, June 13th, Young at Heart, 11:45am, Social Hall Monday, June 18 - June 21, VBS week, 5:30 dinner, 6:00 activities, Social Hall Monday, June 18th, Finance Committee, 6:00pm, Wesley Davenport Classroom Monday, June 18th, Administrative Council, 7:00pm, Wesley Davenport Classroom Monday, June 25th, Scholarship Committee, 12:00pm, Social Hall Monday, June 25th, Spiritual Life Council, 6:00pm, Social Hall Every Wednesday, Traditional Choir rehearsal, 7:00pm, Choir Room To request a space at the church for any reason, please contact our Office Manager, Leslie Pace at leslie@ memorialgreer.com or at 864-877-0956. You can access our entire church calendar under the Radical Hospitality section of our website - memorialgreer.com. Sunday Scripture Podcast The Sunday Scripture Podcast places scripture in your hands throughout your busy week. You can find the show on Spotify, itunes, Google Play, and sundayscripturepodcast.com. We will post a podcast in the middle of the week, show notes so you can see our scripture and quotes, and the corresponding sermon on Monday morning. Find us and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook by clicking on the icons on our homepage. Page 02
Spiritual Life Council When we have children, we are delighted when they grow, when they learn, when they begin to practice what we have been teaching them. We would be saddened if, over the years, our children didn t grow and learn and practice what they ve learned. Even so, Our Heavenly father must be grieved when, as His children, we do not mature in our faith and practice. Perhaps we need to regularly ask ourselves, How am I different now than I was 20, 10, 5 years ago? Even one year ago? Has my faith grown? Have I learned more about biblical principles? Do I love God more than ever? Am I serving others to a greater degree than I did? Or am I still in the same place I was several years ago? Some Christians become believers and never develop their faith any further. Sometimes, we are resistant to change; we don t like being uncomfortable. But if we don t change, we don t grow. We can change without growing, but we cannot grow without changing. Paul admonishes us to grow to maturity in the faith in a number of places in the Bible. In Colossians 1:9-10, he prays for believers, (I) ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Members of the Spiritual Life Council are seeking ways in which we can encourage and assist each of us as we continue our walk of faith. Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to serve our congregation and our Lord with excellence. Long Range Committee We are establishing a new LRC in response to several positive factors in our church and downtown Greer. We continue to create new Sunday school classes and existing ones are growing. The McClimon Trust has made campus expansion and improvement an annual consideration for our leadership. Work on a downtown hotel with approximately 100 rooms and a parking deck with approximately 300 spaces will begin shortly. The LRC will consider every element of our future, will report to the Administrative and Spiritual Life Councils, and will ultimately present a plan for action. The Leadership Development Committee nominates members for every committee in our church. They have not completed the list for members of the LRC, but we can tell you there will be balance of gender, age, and length of time attending Memorial UMC. We will announce the names as soon as they are ready. Red Bird Missions 2018 - Photographs Page 03
Children s Ministry Children s Elementary Sunday School Our Summer Sunday School theme will be Summer Road Trip on Route 66 - Exploring the 66 Books of the Bible. Children will develop Bible skills and knowledge in fun ways, and one of the best parts? Each week there will be a portable lesson your child can literally take on the road if you are traveling. Just see Mrs. Erin if you d like a lesson to-go bag! And they won t travel alone. June 24 - Introduction July 1 - Books of Law July 8 - Books of Poetry July 22 - Books of History July 29 - Books of Prophets August 5 - Gospels/Acts August 12 - Letters August 19 - Revelation/Review (Rising 6th Graders will paint their names on a fish) This is Sheldon, and he wants to see the world and explore the Bible with your child this summer! Sheldon can be picked up along with the travel lesson. Be sure your child takes a selfie with Sheldon on the road and posts it on either our Memorial Facebook page or our private Memorial Children s page, as you prefer. Each child who participates in either the Sheldon selfie activity or who completes the to-go lessons will get a prize and the child with the most completed in each category (Sheldon Selfies and to-go lessons) will get a special award at the end of summer. The fun begins June 24! Thanks to Addison Cate, the artist behind our beloved Sheldon. Rolling River Rampage Vacation Bible School - What You May Not Know All ages are invited to our Kickoff on Father s Day, June 17 at 10:00am in the FLC Gym. Join us for snacks, games, balloons, and a magic show! Our missions focus is Blessings Bags for children of Greer Relief clients that our children will assemble. We are seeking donations through June 17 of toys, socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, individually wrapped snacks, and other items children need or enjoy that would fit in gallon ziploc bags. Dinner is served Monday-Thursday from 5:00-5:30 for children and volunteers and our menu is: Monday-Chick Fil A; Tuesday-Chuy s Tex/Mex; Wednesday-Pizza; and Thursday- TBD (not yet adopted by a class, though a donation was made to cover costs, please email erin@memorialgreer.com if you can help). Parents will be responsible for their child/children during dinner. Drop off and pick up are in the Social Hall for all ages (5:30-7:00pm). Please be sure your child is checked in before drop off. Each night children will experience two thirty minute rotations so they won t do every activity every night, but they ll have quality time in either Missions and Science or Art and Recreation. On Thursday night, children in 2nd-5th grades will go off site to Century Park where they will participate in a river cleanup of Maple Creek led by experts from the Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District, who will teach them about water conservation and water quality protection. They will have a special prayer walk by the river before returning for the final closing session. Should be really special! Sunday, June 24 will be Children s Sunday, and the children will lead in many aspects of worship to include all music at the 9:00am service. They will also sing the introit at the 11:00am service. Please plan for your child to attend and participate in this special day to conclude a special week! Is your child not yet registered? Planning to volunteer but haven t yet done so? Go to memorialgreer.com. We are still in need of Preschool Shepherds. Page 04
Children s Summer of Service Every Wednesday in July (excluding the week of the Fourth), children of various age groups will have opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the Greer community. One adult volunteer is required for each activity, please email erin@memorialgreer.com if you d like to help. Grades are based on last school year. We ll meet each week from 9:00am-11:00am. July 11 - Community Helpers Day. (Preschoolers and K5-2nd grade helpers ). We ll make treats and cards to thank our Police Officers and Firefighters and deliver them, meet real community heroes, and get tours. Pre-registration encouraged through the link in the weekly children s email. July 18 - Greer Community Ministries Senior Dining Day. (Elementary) We will go to Greer Community Ministries by bus to set up for Senior Dining. We ll set up and help with crafts and serve refreshments to the seniors. Registration is required in the link in the weekly children s email due to transportation and we are limited to 13 children or alternate transportation for some, due to bus seats. If we get extra adult volunteers who are willing to drive their vehicles with more children, this would expand the outreach of this trip! July 25 - Greer Relief Pantry Day. (Elementary) We will walk to Greer Relief to stock their pantry and sort goods. A needs drive sponsored by the children will be held in the preceding weeks. Pre-registration encouraged through the link in the weekly children s email. Summer Family Connection Activity Pails Coming June 10! This summer your family is invited to take an activity booklet that comes in a handy sand pail full of supporting supplies. It s all designed to help you and your children make meaningful, Christ-centered connections this summer: Connect to your Family through Christ. Connect to your Faith Community through Christ. Connect to your Neighbors Through Christ. Elementary Sunday School children will assemble 50 of these pails on June 10 and they ll be available immediately after and in weeks to follow while supplies last. We hope this will help you start the summer with intention so you seek and share meaningful and joyful experiences, inspired by Christian love! Children s Calendar Sunday, June 17 - VBS Kickoff with Magician Steve Holt, 10:00am, Gym Monday, June 18 - Thursday, June 21 - Vacation Bible School 5:30pm - 7:00pm Summer of Service (9:00am - 11:00am): Wednesday, July 11 - Community Helpers Day (Preschool - 2nd Grade) Wednesday, July 18 - (Elementary) Greer Community Ministries Senior Dining Day Wednesday, July 25 - (Elementary) Greer Relief Page 05
Family Ministries Summer Calendar Sunday, June 17 - Deadline for donations for Children s Blessing Bags for Greer Relief. Seeking items needed or wanted by children that fit in a ziploc gallon bag: toothpaste, toothbrushes, packaged snacks, toys, etc. Sunday, June 17 - VBS Kickoff with Magician Steve Holt, 10:00am, FLC Gym Monday, June 18 - Thursday, June 21 - Vacation Bible School 5:30pm - 7:00pm Sunday, June 24 - Children s Sunday, 9:00am Service (and Introit at 11:00am) Sunday, June 24 - Sunday, July 22 - Children s Critical Needs Drive for Greer Relief Wednesday, July 11 - Summer of Service Community Helpers Day (Preschool - 2nd Grade), 9:00am-11:00am, Strait Room Sunday, July 15 - Summer Cookout - Combined Service in the Sanctuary at 10:00am, with a Summer Cookout in the Gym to follow. BBQ chicken glazed with a homemade sauce prepared by A Taste of the South provided. Members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please drop your dish off in the gym before the service, volunteers will be standing by. Please label your dish and lid for easy return. Wednesday, July 18 - Summer of Service Greer Community Ministries Senior Dining Day (Elementary - Registration Required), 9:00am-11:00am, Strait Room Wednesday, July 25 - Summer of Service Greer Relief Pantry Day (Elementary), 9:00am-11:00am, Strait Room Sunday, August 12, 5:00pm - Ice Cream Social at Century Park, 318 Brushy Creek Road, Shelter #6. Bring your favorite dessert to share, and meet us at this shady picnic shelter on Maple Creek, just downhill from Kids Planet! You may want to bring some folding chairs so you can relax in the shade by the creek. We ll post signs by the small road to this parking lot and picnic shelter, which is nearer to S. Main Street than the larger Kids Planet playground. There is a disc golf course, a baseball field, and much more to enjoy at this park, but you may prefer to just sit in the shade and enjoy some ice cream! In the event of inclement weather, please check memorialgreer.com. Our alternate location is the FLC Gym. Page 06
Sponsors For Memorial UMC 2018 Relay For Life: Masters Dental Lister, Jeter & Lloyd, CPAs, LLC Fowler s French Dry Cleaners Upstate Professional CPA Services Stomping Grounds Coffee & Wine Eye Associates of Carolina Dobson s Gifts & General Hardware Citizen s Building & Loan SSB James Agency, Inc Countybank In Memory Of: Bill Polson Bob Polson Tony Polson Jimmy Hudson Gail Bagwell Johnny Settle Harritte Thompson Marcell Cason (Mema) Tom Hammond Michael Scott (from His Loving Family) Harrell Auten, Jr. Sally M. Auten Ruth J. Mitchell Betty M. Nivens Joe. D. Mitchell Ed Farmer J.J Harvey Catherine Lee Mary & Bill Jones Herman & Grace Rishforth Bill Crowley(daddy) Carl L. Parker Jr. James M. Anderson J. Paul Ross Jr. Dr. Harold E. Ross Diane Hanson (You fought the battle to the very end) Vivian Brown (Gone but not forgotten) Neil Wyss Tom Hammond Eva Vaughn Betty Waterfield Dub Johnson Katherine Johnson Smiley Howell Pam Harrill Richard Howell Eliza Cait Millwood Jimmy Hudson Mike Melon PaPa Duncan Richard Howell Katherine Johnson Dub Johnson In Honor Of: Kathy N. Campbell Macie J. Belfield Scott A Nivens, Jr Brenda Hayes Mary Rockwell Kat Fender Mike Meece Margie Crowley (caregiver) Mike Meece Diane Miller (Praying and Loving you, dear friend) Joan Wallace (Praying and Loving you, dear friend) Beverly Snelgrove (Praying your beginning treatments will be fruitful) Alan Moore The Seekers Class Adults Unlimited Mr & Mrs. David Dobson Mr & Mrs George Strait Jane Rhodes Chip Johnson Becky Senn Courtney Johnson Bobbie McQuaid Bobbie Jo Hudson Allen Moore George Strait Adair Johnson Chip Johnson Courtney Johnson Jane Rhodes Mike Meece Together we raised $4,140. Relay For Life in Greer raised over $ 68,000. Thank You Page 07
Youth Ministry Graduation Sunday We will celebrate graduates in the Memorial UMC family in both worship services on Sunday, June 3rd. Youth Sunday School During the summer break, we will follow a bible study entitled, Sticky Faith, during Sunday School. Roughly 50% of graduating high school seniors walk away from their faith once they graduate. Many parents wonder how they can continue their child s faith once they are no longer living under their roof. The Fuller Youth Institute wondered the same thing and studied over 500 youth as they transitioned from high school to the years beyond. Part of what they learned through their research is that regular faith practices are important to Sticky Faith, or faith that lasts. Yet often teenagers aren t sure how to nurture their own spiritual growth. FYI s research has indicated that only about half of graduating youth group seniors pray once a day or read the Bible once a week. Beyond prayer and Scripture study, teenagers also don t seem to have experience with a host of other timeless faith practices that could make a difference in their day to day lives. During this summer, we invite all youth to create new, or deeper, faith patterns that will last throughout their lives. Salkehatchie Summer Work Camp We are proud to have 4 youth representing Memorial at Salkehatchie Piedmont. Please pray for Ella Kate Brannon, Addison Cate, Sarah Catherine Lee, and Sarah Grace Smyre. During the week of June 23-30th, these strong young women will physically improve the homes of needy families and reach out to these families and one another in friendship. Lake Junaluska Summer Retreat The youth will be going to Lake Junaluska June 24-27th. Jesus tells his disciples, Get on the boat! Once on the boat, Jesus teaches them, calms their fears, and launches them into mission. We re excited to jump on the boat and find a spot on Jesus crew! Youth Mentors for the Fall The youth are currently looking for Youth Mentors for the Fall semester. Youth Mentors may serve in a variety of ways such as assisting in Sunday School and/or on Sunday nights during Sunday Night Programming. No preparation or experience needed and levels of commitment vary from weekly to monthly to quarterly. Please call Katie at 843.847.0880 to talk about it! Peanut Butter and Tuna for Local Charities The Camak Class will be responsible for collecting 25 (16oz) jars of peanut butter for Greer Community Ministries and 30 cans of tuna for Greer Relief this month. Drop off in the church office or the Social Hall conference room. Children s Blessing Bags for Greer Relief At Vacation Bible School our children will assemble and donate Blessing Bags for children of Greer Relief clients. We are seeking donations through June 17 of toys, socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, individually wrapped snacks, and other items children need or enjoy that would fit in gallon ziploc bags. You can place Child Enrichment Program News Congratulations to all 2018 graduates! This is an especially exciting milestone for all CEP staff and parents as we honor the future class of 2031. It has been a blessing to have played an important part in their lives. We pray for their continual success and wish them the best. Thank you to everyone who has nurtured and encouraged these children. Page 08
Financial Statements We have two different formats for our financial reports and you can access them in multiple ways. If you have any questions regarding our finances, please contact our Business Manager, Jimmy Davis - jimmy@memorialgreer.com Our 2018 Budget Spreadsheet in the church email shows the budgeted amounts, amount spent, and percent of that spending for the year for each line item in our budget. You can find this document on the top of each church email. Page 09
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations At Memorial United Methodist Church, we attempt to make all of our decisions using the lens of The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Bishop Robert Schnase. They are simple, but powerful; and we know they will help us be the church we want to be for this community. We report all announcements and organize this newsletter under the categories of these Five Practices. That keeps us mindful of our commitment to our goals and keeps us accountable to you, our members, in this endeavor. Radical Hospitality Passionate Worship Intentional Faith Development Risk-Taking Mission and Service Extravagant Generosity 9:00am Worship Volunteer Schedule Gym set up - Kevin, Gretchen, Blake and Evan Humerickhouse Coffee & Donuts prep - Thomas Owens Greeters - Daryl and JoAnn Rishforth and John, Jenni, JJ and Julia Mae Callaham Ushers - The Callahams Video - Adam Wickliffe 11:00am Worship Volunteer Schedule ACOLYTES 3rd Addison Cate and Caroline Cate 10th Addison Cate and Caroline Cate 17th Lauren Major and Emily Major 24th Lauren Major and Emily Major WORSHIP GREETERS 3rd Margie Crowley & Shelia Moore 10th Sylvia Pitts & Patsy Farmer 17th Tom and Anne Becker 24th Marcus and Ginger Cason USHERS (Arrive 10:40 AM) 3rd David Dobson, Van Brannon, Lee Dumas, Allen Moore, Marcus Cason 10th Sylvia Dobson, Dixie Kennette, Peggy Smith, Ann Waters, Ruth Griffin 17th Kevin Duncan, Daryl Rishforth, Eric Jeter, David Smith, Patrick Dollar 24th Katie Cate & Youth Team MONEY COUNTERS 3rd Ralph & Harriet Johnson 10th Marney & Freddie Hannon, Karen Pridgeon 17th Peggy Smith, Allen Lee 24th Tommy & Anne Becker, Ann Hammond LAY READERS 3rd Bobbie McQuaid 10th Sylvia Dobson 17th Sarah Catherine Lee 24th Adam Wickliffe SOUND 3rd Adam Wickliffe 10th Adam Wickliffe 17th Adam Wickliffe 24th Adam Wickliffe Phone: 864-877-0956 Email: leslie@memorialgreer.com Address: 201 North Main Street Greer, SC 29650 www.memorialgreer.com