The Connector October 2018

The Connector October 2018 OCTOBER IS MINISTER APPRECIATION MONTH Thank You, Pastor Randal and Barry for your ministry at Mt. Harmony. You are loved and appreciated! Women s Ministry Fall Dinner Tuesday, October 16th 6:30 pm Cost - $12 Envelopes are available in Sunday School folders and on the Member Registration Kiosk see details inside MT. HARMONY BAPTIST LEADERSHIP TEAM Dr. Randal Whitten... Senior Pastor Barry Bryant...Associate Pastor Music Ministry Noelle Porter... Director of WEE Education Program LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS, SERVE THE COMMUNITY, REACH THE WORLD

JUST A THOUGHT! Over the last couple of months I have been making announcements and you have seen in The Communication Guide on Sunday mornings something about a Vision Team. Several have asked questions so I wanted to share a little about what we are doing. In looking to the future and getting a gage on our trajectory as a church, our impact on this community, and our impact for the kingdom of God, I put together a random team. This team consists of leaders within our church, those of age and those with not so much age. The Team consists of: Barry Bryant, Staff Noelle Porter, WEE Director Jimmy Lewis, Deacon Chairman Penny Stanley, Preschool Point Person Emily Justice, VBS Director Mark Hunter, Audio/Video Tech Susan Lewis, Staff Ray Spivey, Building and Grounds Nelson Fleming, Staff Doug Bruton, Deacon/Facility Team Co-Leader Cindy Hunter, Children s Ministry/Facility Team Co-Leader Melinda Ashcraft, Women s Ministry Meryl Ann Breemes, Greeter Ministry Heather Allen, Church Treasurer Morris Noland, Usher Team Leader Ron O Neal, Facility Team Jerry Harrell, Deacon Iris Cowles, Sunday School Member Nathan Porter, Deacon/Youth Leader Randy Crider, Youth Leader Pastor Randal The overarching purpose of the Vision Team is to Determine the FOCUS and scope of ministry and mission (both now and in the future); Keep us on FOCUS; Use resources wisely; identify priorities; Coordinate the calendar of activities; and Enrich congregational and community fellowship. Our first meeting August 5th was a general orientation meeting. The Vision Team had already read the book Simple Church, and we spent a great deal of time discussing the book. Things like, what does a Simple Church look like, the definition of a Simple Church, and the Four Components of Simplicity which are: Clarity Movement Alignment Focus. By Definition: A simple church is designed around a straightforward and strategic process that moves people forward through the stages of discipleship. The leadership and the church are clear about the process (Clarity) and are committed to executing it. The process flows logically (Movement) and is implemented in each area of the church (Alignment.) The church abandons everything that is not in the process (Focus.) During our second meeting September 9th we discussed things such as: Strengths and Weakness of MHBC; we assessed Church Needs and Community Needs and we talked about Critical Issues in the Church. Following that we were challenged to put those things aside and now focus on the glory of God and His plan and His purpose for MHBC. We also finalized our future meeting schedule. At our next meeting October 7th we will discuss topics such as: Why does the church (the church in general) exist? Why does MHBC exist? (Define who we are). What is MHBC to be as a church? (Who and what are we) What is MHBC to do as a church? (What does God want us to do?) Where is MHBC going and how will we get there? All of this discussion based on God s Word as found in Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 19:10; 2 Timothy 2:2. We also, from Scripture, considered the 6 Compelling Reasons for Discipleship. Those are: 1. Because Christ has commanded us to do so. (Acts 1:8) 2. Because it demonstrates our love for God. If we truly love Him we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15) 3. Because all are lost without Christ (Romans 3:10-23) 4. Because this is God s chosen method. He could use angels, but he only uses redeemed sinners to tell lost sinners about Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:14-17; 1 Timothy 1:15) 5. Because God desires to save all people. (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) 6. Because faith grows best when each generation conscientiously strives to pass it on to the next. (continued on next page)

Now, how can you help? I am asking you to pray for this team, for God to clearly reveal His plan, His purpose, to us, and to give us unclouded direction on our next steps as a church. I would also ask you to pray that the Simple Church that is designed from God s direction will be received, accepted, owned, and implemented by MHBC understanding that in order to Focus on God s plan, there may be some change. The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak (Hans Hofmann) Think of it artistically. Art is a process of elimination. The sculptor produces the beautiful statue by chipping away such parts of the marble block as are not needed. (Elbert Hubbard) Thank you for your prayers and support. More updates next month. It is a joy to be your pastor. Always know that you are loved and appreciated. Pastor Randal WMBA ANNUAL CELEBRATION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 DINNER & BUSINESS MEETING for Messengers @5:30 p.m. (rsvp) WORSHIP CELEBRATION @ 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, Powder Springs Dinner & childcare rsvp to cw@westmetrobaptist.com by 10/08/18 Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in fervent prayers to God... Romans 15:30

Music Ministry Kid s Music Camp (Children s Choir) Parents, just a reminder that our Kid s Music Camp Choir will be singing in worship services, several times between now and Christmas. They will also be singing in our Mt. Harmony Family Christmas on Sunday morning, December 9th. Watch for more info to follow. Please make every effort to have your camper here for rehearsal each week! Sons of Jubal in Concert The Sons of Jubal will be in concert on Thursday evening, October 4th, at the GBMB Conference Center in Toccoa. The pre-service will begin at 6:30pm and the concert at 7:00pm. The concert is free! There will be a love offering taken to support the mission projects of the Sons of Jubal. This is a BEAUTIFUL time of the year to take a drive up in the mountains to see the leaves and hear a wonderful concert of praise and proclamation! Jubalheirs The Jubalheirs will be in concert at Macland Baptist Church in Powder Springs on Friday, October 5th. Pre-service music will begin at 6:30pm and the concert at 7:00pm. Dec 16 Dec 23 Calendar Dates: We will have a Church-wide Christmas Caroling to shut-ins from 3:00 5:00pm. This is open to all ages! Come and join us as we minister and bring some Christmas cheer to our shut-in members Christmas Candlelight Service will begin at 5:00pm. Come and join us for this special time of worship as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Christmas At The Keyboards 2018 Saturday, December 1 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 2 3:00 p.m. Mt. Harmony Family Christmas Sunday morning, December 9th Mt. Harmony Family Christmas presented by Mt. Harmony Music Ministries

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Fall Festival Sunday, November 4th 12:00 to 2:00pm at Pavilion & Ballfield There will be food, inflatables, hay ride, and much more We need volunteers! Please come to church dressed for outdoor event Watch for more details! Sponsored by Mt. Harmony & On Mission Church Georgia Baptist Christmas Backpacks for Appalachia Thank you for your overwhelming and compassionate participation in this ministry. Please note collection date change: New Collection Date: October 28, 2018 All backpacks must have two (2) ribbons on them, one designating gender and the other designating the age range for the child. (Please see Susan Lewis if you need ribbons) Pink Ribbon = Girl Blue Ribbon = Boy Yellow Ribbon = Ages 4-7 Green Ribbon = Ages 8-10 Red Ribbon = Ages 11-15 We still have backpacks available in the church office.

NEWS & INFORMATION OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2018 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Wednesday, October 17 Wednesday, November 14 will be our Thanksgiving Luncheon Turkey & Dressing will be provided Day Trip to Ellijay Thursday, October 25 Leave church at 9:30 a.m.; Return around 4:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for Van transportation Lunch at Bigun s BBQ in Talking Rock Free time to explore and shop in downtown Ellijay Apple shopping at Panorama Orchards Please contact the Music Ministry Office to sign up and pay reservations Reservations must be paid by Wednesday, October 17

WEBSITE HELP NEEDED! We are looking for a volunteer (s) to manage the church s website. If you are interested, please contact the church office. Please Note Change November Church Business Conference After hearing from several church members concerning our Bi-monthly Church Business Conference held on Sunday evenings in the Worship Center, we will experiment with the following: 1. Day Change: Our Bi-monthly Church Business Conference will return to Wednesday Evening, after the Second Sunday. You will recall we transitioned our Church Business Conference to Sunday Evening several years ago to involve a greater number of people in the business needs of the church. As with many things, it started out strong but has decreased over the last 24 months with Sunday evenings more and more becoming a family and community time. The goal is for those who currently participate in the Church Business Conference will continue to participate, and those who attend and participate in the regular Wednesday Night Ministries and have not been participating in the Church Business Conference will begin to attend and participate. 2. Location Change: The September meeting (September 12, 2018) in the Music Suite went well. For our November (November 7, 2018) meeting we will meet in the Fellowship Hall. The first goal in this change is to address the concern some have expressed in having to heat/cool the Worship Center for the meeting. Please note that we will also heat/cool the Music Suite and the Fellowship Hall when used for these meetings as well. A second goal in changing the meeting location is to address the difficulty of hearing what is said in the meetings. The two new options are both smaller venues, and the acoustics will hopefully solve the concern. At the November Church Business Conference, we will determine which of the two locations best meets the needs of those attending, and continue meeting there for the time being. It is understood, that this is change, but change is not all bad. Hopefully this will better meet the needs of our congregation and attendance at these important and informational meetings will increase. Thank you for your cooperation! WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please report any maintenance needs to the church office, Monday through Thursday 8:00 am 5:00 pm. This would include items such as: Heat/Air Conditioning Lights in hallways and classrooms in need of replacement/repair Restrooms not working properly Concerns outside such as tree trimming, pavement, signage, etc. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping God s campus up to date and in good working order. Remember, we do all things for the glory of God.

LOVE GOD LOVE OTHERS SERVE THE COMMUNITY REACH THE WORLD! THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD August Financial (General Budget) Needs $56,290 September Financial (General Budget) Needs $ 56,290 August Financial (General Budget) Receipts $52,192 September Financial (General Budget) Receipts $ 62,297 September Building Fund Year-to-date $34,066 BUILDING THE BODY OF CHRIST Life Groups and Worship Average Attendance Life Groups Gathering for Worship Life Groups Gathering for Worship August 148 August 158 September 138 September N/A Life Groups The Outreach Arm of the Local Church Strategy: 17 Life Groups Reaching 2 people per year = 34 New Life Group Members Over 5 Years = 170 New Life Group Members Online Giving 4 WAYS TO GIVE To give online: Step One: visit mtharmony.org/give Step Two: Select Give Online. You can also create a church account so you can track your personal giving. Create Account is located on the top right hand side of the secure giving screen. Step Three: Step Five: Donate Now Select amount and method, then designate the fund and enter the required information. Thank you for giving to the ministry of Mt. Harmony. 5 MORE FOR THE LORD! HERE S THE CHALLENGE! 5 MORE PHONE CALLS TO PROSPECTS EACH WEEK! 5 MORE PROSPECTS TO REACH EACH WEEK! 5 MORE INVITES TO LIFEGROUPS AND WORSHIP EACH WEEK! 5 MORE DOLLARS TO GIVE EACH WEEK! What will the Lord do as we commit to 5 MORE FOR THE LORD? WHEN GOD BLESSES YOU FINANCIALLY, DON T RAISE YOUR STANDARD OF LIVING RAISE YOUR STANDARD OF GIVING.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS 10-01 Gloria Baxter 10-01 John Haulbrook 10-01 Morris Noland 10-01 Bill Strickland 10-03 Katheryn Huddleston 10-03 Betty Davis 10-03 Andrew Greig 10-04 Nathaniel Todd 10-05 Pat Kinsey 10-05 Bill McMichen 10-05 Robin Bruton 10-06 Mable Callaway 10-07 Fran Cannon 10-07 Nathan Porter 10-07 Michelle Anthony 10-13 Brenda Lockhart 10-13 Kay Abernathy 10-13 Angela Greig 10-14 Barry Bryant 10-15 Pat Kitchens 10-16 Barbara Hubard 10-20 Anne Walker 10-20 Glenn Lawson 10-25 Annette Whitmire 10-25 Nancy Wayman 10-27 Dorothy Dewberry 10-28 Sharon Kingston 10-29 Melinda Ashcraft Mr. & Mrs. Oscar (Faye) Thigpen Ms. Judith Finch 5946 Cardinal Dr SW 225 Hogue Road Mableton, GA 30126-4124 Dallas, GA 30157-3881 Mr. Robert Walker (B/D 11-05) Ms. Nellie Medlin (B/D 11-16) 5492 Melanie Lane 404 King Springs Village Pkwy Mableton, GA 30126-2444 Delmar Gardens Rm 2131 Smyrna, GA 30082 Mt. Harmony would like to express our love and sympathy to Joan Bienz in the death of her daughter-in-law, Frankie Bienz

OCTOBER 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sons of Jubal Concert at GBMB Toccoa 6:30 Pre-service 7:00 Concert Jubalheirs Concert at Macland BC in Powder Springs 6:30 Pre-service 7:00 Concert 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Vision Team Meeting in Student Center Lunch Provided 7:00pm Sunday School Mentoring Meeting at New GA Baptist Church 6:30 meal by reservation only 3PM Save-itforward Packing 14 WMBA Annual Meeting at FBC Powder Springs 5:30 Dinner & Business Meeting for Messengers 6:30 Worship Service for everyone 15 16 5-7PM Save-itforward Distribution at Harmony Leland Women s Ministry Dinner 6:30-8:00PM In Fellowship Hall Cost $12 17 12:30 B & B Covered Dish Luncheon 18 19 20 21 Vision Team Meeting in Student Center Lunch provided 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 Ellijay Day Trip Leave 9:30AM Return 4:30PM Reservations $10 for transportation All registration & payments made through Music Ministry Office 26 27

OUR MISSION IS HELPING PEOPLE FIND GOD MT HARMONY 561 Veterans Memorial Hwy, SE Mableton, GA 30126 Phone: 770-948-3900 Fax: 770-948-9260 Hospital Line: 770-948-6032 WEE Program: 770-874-7493 Beyond All Limits...By His Power We ve seen the transformation hundreds of times people who came to us full of doubt and uncertainty become secure in the knowledge of their rightful place in God s great kingdom. The change may start slowly in a Bible Study class or choir participation, perhaps but once it begins, it picks up speed. Serving Jesus together, shared experiences, time spent in prayer all bring us closer to our highest calling. Take the first step toward personal renewal join us for services this week! Above all else, Mt. Harmony is a church that loves Jesus, loves people, and loves our community. We're just real people, but we are passionate about helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Mt. Harmony partners with more than 45,000 churches (16 million Christians) who call themselves Southern Baptists. Together we support 10,000 missionaries in 154 nations around the world. We are on the Web WWW.MTHARMONY.ORG Weekly Activities Sunday AM 9:15AM LIFEgroups for all Ages Sunday 10:30AM AM Celebration Worship (childcare provided birth-4 yrs.) 9:15AM Kids XP (K5 LIFEgroups through for 5 th all grade) Ages 10:30AM 11:45AM Handbells Celebration Worship Music Suite (childcare provided birth-4 yrs.) Tuesday Kids XP (K5 through 5 th grade) Tuesday 7:00AM Men's Prayer Time Chapel Building 7:00AM Wednesday Men's Prayer Time Church Office Chapel Building 9:15-10:30AM Wednesday Church Office Closed for Staff Meeting 9:15-10:30AM Wednesday Celebration Church Office Choir Closed Fall for Semester Staff Meeting August 1 to November 28 11:00AM B&B Celebration Ringers Rehearsal Music Suite Wednesday 11:30AM B&B Celebration Choir Rehearsal Music Suite No Wednesday Children, Music Ministries and Pastor s Bible Study in June and July Wednesday Middle Ground Ministries Fall Semester August 1 to November 28 Activities will resume August 1st 5:45-8:15PM Nursery (birth-2 yrs.) 1 st Floor Education Bldg. 6:00-7:00PM Preschool (ages 3 K4) E107 6:00-7:00PM Children (K Grade 5) E203 6:00-6:45PM Men s & Ladies Ensembles Music Suite 6:00-6:45PM Pastor s Bible Study WC-101 6:00-8:00PM Grief Share Support Group Church Office Conference Room 6:45-8:00PM Worship Choir Rehearsal Music Suite For security purposes, please enter at the Family Center entrances on Wednesday evenings.