THE MESSENGER the weekly newsletter of Christ United Methodist Church KIDS KONSIGNMENT SALE One of my favorite sayings of all times goes something like this: Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn from time to time. When I was asked to write this cover for the Messenger about the history of the Kids Konsignment Sale, this saying immediately came to mind. In the Spring of 1994, Jane Shank, Melanie Midkiff (now Cain) and I were lamenting the fact that our Christ Church playground needed some attention (a major overhaul really). How would we pay for these desired improvements, we wondered? Many conversations later, we, along with other eager volunteers, elected to begin a children s consignment sale at CUMC. With our fingers crossed, we held the first Kids Konsignment Sale in Room 113 in the fall of 1994 with twenty consignors, hoping we knew what we were doing! Countless improvements to the sale have been made over the years: consignors regularly number 250+, families looking for good quality, gently used items clothing, toys, books, equipment at fair prices are served, local charities distribute unsold merchandise, and the list goes on and on. Proceeds from the KKS cover the expenses of our playground, provide scholarships for children at the CEC and Kids Ahead, fund special classes, and capital improvements are made to our church campus. As the next installment of the KKS nears on September 23-24, amazingly the 45th sale, many things have changed since those austere beginnings 22 years ago, but many things have stayed the same. Make a plan to take friends and family to this sale and see for yourself! Have some time to volunteer? Go to kidskonsignmentsale.com to sign up. We d appreciate your help. We are extremely grateful for the continuing support we receive from our church and hope that the KKS continues to play a significant role in the lives of many for years to come. And just like we knew from the beginning EVERYONE WINS! VOLUME 59, ISSUE 37 WORSHIP Sunday, September 18, 2016 Change for Good: Commit to the Little Things in Relationships Scripture: Luke 16:1-13 SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30am Traditional Service Preaching: Mike Bailey (Sanctuary) 9am Awakening Contemporary Service Preaching: Mike Bailey (Fellowship Center) 9:50am Sunday School for All Ages 11am Traditional Service Preaching: Mike Bailey (Sanctuary) 11am GO! Children s Worship Drop-off at Chapel by 11:15am 11:15am Spark Contemporary Service Preaching: Mike Bailey (Fellowship Center) A blind squirrel indeed! Gay Brogden, CEC co-chair
MINISTRY UPDATES Attendance for September 11: 678 Sunday School: 360 PRAYERS (as of 9/12/16) Home: Bob Apperson; Jo Kivett Deepest sympathy to Sandra Boswell on the death of her father, Homer Lowdermilk Deepest sympathy to Michael Foster on the death of his brother, Marty Foster. Deepest sympathy to Gerry Purgason on the death of his mother, Mary Pauline Polly Matthews. CIRCLE OF PRAYER If you, or someone you know, has a prayer request, please email prayer@christgreensboro.org. You may also call the church at (336) 299-1571 and ask to speak to Susan Pabon. To sign up to receive updates from our prayer ministry, please visit christgreensboro.org/prayer. STEPHEN MINISTRY If you re going through a difficult time, a Stephen Minister can help. Contact Rev. Virginia Reynolds at 299-1571, ext. 381. WORSHIP SERVICES FOR BISHOP PAUL LEELAND Bishop Paul Leeland began his service in our conference on September 1. Three worship services are being planned to welcome Bishop Leeland to the Western North Carolina Conference. Please feel free to attend. October 9 St. Paul UMC, Winston Salem, 3pm October 16 Trinity UMC, Asheville, 3pm October 23 University City UMC, Charlotte, 3pm PLEASE RETURN BIBLE STUDY RESOURCES TO LIBRARY The library has become a great resource for Sunday school and ChristGroup materials and is looking to collect all outstanding church materials. If you have any resources that were bought for Sunday school or a ChristGroup, or you have personal resources you would like to donate to the church, please place them in the basket outside the library door (room 112). We are looking for resources that are no more than ten years old and not written in. You do not have to have to have all of the pieces of a study to donate. Any resources not needed will be donated to St. Francis Episcopal Church book sale. CHRIST LIFE ADULT MINISTRY NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES Dimensions: Hearing the Good News (Parlor) Do you believe at a deep level that God loves you, even you? Are you serious about nurturing that relationship? Strengthening your prayer life? If so, come to a new Sunday school class that will explore these themes and seek inspiration to unpack the Good News of the Gospel and apply it to everyday life. Led by Robin Britt. Next Step (Basement) Next Step will explore ways to embrace John Wesley s vision of doing all the good we can. Be prepared to do hands-on work inside and outside the class, and have open and meaningful conversations about the needs in our community and how we can positively affect those needs. Our goal is to take our work beyond the classroom environment and into the community, when and where needed, while creating a loving relationship with each other. CHRISTGROUPS GEAR UP FOR FALL What exactly is a ChristGroup? you may be asking. It s what we ve started calling our small groups here at Christ Church. ChristGroups are small groups that may vary widely in their purpose, audience, format, or emphasis, but the focus is always on growing as disciples followers of Christ. As disciples we seek spiritual formation. Author Marjorie Thompson in her book SoulFeast called spiritual formation the process of being shaped in the image of Christ by the gracious working of the Holy Spirit for the sake of the world. That s what we re about. How are you being shaped in the image of Christ? For centuries Christians have known that spiritual formation is best done in community. That was actually the genius of John Wesley: Small groups called classes formed the basic unit of the faith community. Pray that God would lead you to a group where you can experience God s grace and truth, which over time will lead to spiritual growth. The opportunities are many! Register online at christgreensboro.org/smallgroups. CIRCLE 5: SEPTEMBER 20 Circle 5 will meet on Tuesday, September 20, at 7pm in the Disciple Room. Jo Robinette will present a fun and interesting program on the art of scarf tying, to complement our fall attire. All guests are welcome to attend
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:50am 10:50am) THIS WEEK* Aldersgate (Room 213) Study of Mark, led by Jim Genova Asbury (Chapel) Christ and Conversation (Room 108) Cokesbury (Room 106) Will not meet Connections (Room 207) Dimensions (Parlor) Epworth (Room 202) Faith Matters (Room 215) Fellowship (Room 110) Improv (Basement) Koinonia (Room 205) Montagnard Class (Room 207) Next Step (Basement) Parents of Young Children (Disciple Room) Seekers Class (Room 101) Revival by Adam Hamilton Led by Duane Morford PRIME TIMERS: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Prime Timers will meet Tuesday, September 20, at 5:30pm for dinner ($6). Cathy and Wally West will present a program of vocal and instrumental standards, including some sing-a-long favorites. Make your reservations by noon on Monday, September 19, by contacting the Reservation Line. Bus will pick up at WhiteStone at 5pm and Friends Homes West at 5:15pm. FALL 2016 LAY ACADEMY WITH DR. MICKEY EFIRD: THE GOSPEL OF LUKE Christ Church will welcome back Dr. Mickey Efird on Tuesdays, October 4 November 1, as he leads the Lay Academy on the Gospel of Luke. Sessions will be held 3pm 4:45pm in the Fellowship Center. Cost is $25 per person or $35 per couple. No pre-registration is required. Pay online or pay at the door. Cash, check, or credit/debit cards accepted. CHRIST KIDS CHILDREN S SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:50AM Our theme for Sunday, September 18, is Joseph Saves the Day (Genesis 37:1-36) Twos and Threes: Room 302 Fours and Kindergarten: Room 301 First and Second Grade: Room 103 Third Grade: Room 105 Fourth and Fifth Grade: Room 211 Sixth Graders: Room 204 UPCOMING KIDS GROUP (FOURTH SIXTH GRADE FELLOWSHIP) DATES October 1 2: Retreat at The Summit: Jesus is Our Superhero! This is a special time for our fourth through sixth graders to deepen their relationship with Jesus while making friends at church! Registration information has been mailed and posted on The City. Please register by September 26. October 16: CROP Walk November 12: Hayride and Cook-Out GO! FOR SEPTEMBER What kid doesn t love hamming it up in front of a camera from time to time? During the SNAPSHOT series, kids will be encouraged to do just that. By striking different fun and creative poses throughout the lessons, kids will help tell the stories of the Israelite s journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. More than that, kids will get an unforgettable snapshot of God s enduring love and faithfulness through the deserts of life. Children ages kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join us for GO! Children s Worship each week. Drop-off in the Chapel by 11:15am and pick up after your worship service has concluded. FALL BABYGARTEN AND MUSICPLAY CLASSES Registration is now open for our fall session of Babygarten (ages 3 months 24 months) and MUSICplay (ages 2 3 years) classes. Learn more and register for the following classes at christgreensboro.org/childrensmusic. CHRIST YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL Youth, grades seventh through twelfth, will meet from 9:50am 10:45am, starting with breakfast in the lobby of the Youth Building. YOUTH GROUP Youth, grades seventh through twelfth, will meet from 6pm 7:30pm in the Gym for a $3 snack supper. Senior High will participate in bible trivia games, and Junior High will help set up Kids Konsignment racks as a service project and then play capture the flag. Reminder: There will be a pizza and planning meeting in the Youth Building at 12:15pm on Sunday, September 18, for all youth leaders and officers. YOUTH CHOIR This week (9/18), guys will meet at 5pm, and girls will join at 5:30pm. Next Sunday, (9/25), girls will meet at 5pm and guys will join at 5:30pm.
MISSIONS FALL FOOD DRIVE It s time to mark your calendars for the Fall Food Drive that is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 7-8, at the Harris Teeter at the Shops at Friendly Center. Volunteers are needed to greet customers, hand out flyers from Greensboro Urban Ministry, and collect food from the customers. Sign-up sheets will be in the Gathering Space beginning on Sunday. Shifts are every two hours from 10am 6pm each day. In addition, food collected in the Holy Grounds by First Food Sunday, October 2, will be combined with the food collected during the Food Drive. Please bring non-perishable food donations to the Holy Grounds any time prior to October 2. You can also shop at Harris Teeter during the Food Drive to help fill our carts. Please do what you can to support this Christ Church hunger mission. Contact Beth Taylor at b76taylor@gmail.com, (336) 202-8726, or June Farthing at jfarthing48@gmail.com, (336) 255-3218, with any questions. OUT OF THE GARDEN BACKPACK MINISTRY We are packing approximately forty bags of food every week for school children in need! Please consider supporting this ministry by dropping off the following items on the shelf in front of the Library: canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned high protein beans, pasta and pasta sauce (cans), white rice (any size), macaroni and cheese, canned tuna, chicken or fish, peanut butter, crackers (especially ones that come in sleeves like Ritz or Saltines), granola bars, cracker packs, cereal (especially instant packs), and canned ravioli/spaghetti. CURAMERICAS GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP INTEREST MEETING Since the 1990s, Christ Church has been supporting Curamericas, an organization started by former Christ Church member Dr. Henry Perry that today serves countries in Latin America and Africa. Once again, we have the great opportunity to partner with Curamericas in 2017 on a trip to Guatemala. There will be an interest meeting for all those interested in joining the trip and learning more about Curamericas on Sunday, September 18, at 12:15pm in the Parlor. We will be joined by the Curamericas staff. Please contact Anna Brown (abrown3308@gmail.com) for more information. SUPPORT THIS YEAR S CROP WALK CROP Walk is an important mission, fighting hunger both here in Greensboro as well as around the world. This year s walk is October 16. Tables are in the gathering space and Holy Grounds, where you may sign up to walk as a member of the CUMC team, sponsor a walker, or make a donation. For more information on CROP, contact Al Rives and Kathie Amato at kmamato@duke.edu or at 336-852-0382 or 336-508-1675. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY There are only three weeks left that need volunteers for this year s Building on Faith Initiative; the rest of the weeks have been filled by volunteers from churches across Greensboro! The following weeks still need volunteers to help finish the house: September 24 (3 slots) Cabinets, laminate, and countertops October 8 (14 slots) Interior trim October 29 (5 slots) Final tasks If you are interested in volunteering, sign up at faith2016.habitatgreensboro.volunteerhub.com/events/index using the code FB2016FAITH. Contact Michelle Pyle (mrpyle2@gmail.com) with questions or for more information. HELPING HANDS FOR HUNGER Helping Hands for Hunger (HHH) is a global mission project that assembles nutritious food packets to be sent to starving children around the world. Please save the date for our next packaging event on Sunday, October 2, 4pm 6:30pm, in the Gym. In order to reach our goal of packaging 40,000 meals, we need to raise $11,600 by September 26. If you would like to provide your generous support, you can give by earmarking a check for HHH and dropping it in the offering plate on a Sunday morning or mailing it to the Church Office. You may also contribute online on The City by credit card and choosing Helping Hands for Hunger from the dropdown menu, or by visiting christgreensboro.org/giving, clicking the green Give Online Icon, and choosing Helping Hands for Hunger from the dropdown menu. You can also sign up to help package meals at tinyurl.com/hhh2016fall. God calls us to minister to those less fortunate than ourselves. Through your gifts and service, won t you please help this worthy cause do just that? CONGREGATIONAL CARE AGING IN PLACE EXPO September 22, 2016, 11am 2pm Join us for exhibits, presentations, Q&A sessions, and door prizes from experts on safety in the home, including Well Spring, DLM Builders, Home Depot, and A.C.T. by Deese. The first 100 people who register before September 15 will receive a free lunch; thereafter, lunch can be reserved for $6. To register, contact Shepherd s Center (336-378-0766; info@shepctrg.org). Registrants should leave names for each participant and a phone number. This event is cosponsored by Christ Church Senior Adult Council and Shepherd s Center.
Our weekly Welcome Wednesday ministry includes dinner, children s choirs, and programs for all ages, plus special worship services and events. Visitors are welcome! The Family Life Work Area sponsors this ministry. FALL 2016 CLASSES: SEPTEMBER 14 OCTOBER 19 CLASSES FOR ADULTS Giving the Ultimate Gift: Helpful Tools in Preparing for End of Life (Parlor) From long-term care to planning a funeral or memorial service, many details and decisions to be addressed. This six-week series will cover the following topics: Viewing Insurance and Financial Necessities; A Time of Transition When Illness Sets In; When a Decision Has Been Made; Planning Your Funeral or Memorial Service in a Holy Manner; Planning Your Funeral with the Funeral Home; Questions and Answers and Filling out and Signing of Forms. Coordinated by Mark Vickers and Virginia Reynolds. Yoga (Youth Building) This beginner/intermediate class will be taught with a great variety of props: blocks, straps, spiky balls, foam rollers, and chairs. We will offer two yoga sessions this fall: a six-week session ($60) running September 21 October 26, and a five-week session ($50) running November 2 December 7. Registration is required in advance. All students will need a yoga mat and a blanket. For more information, contact Mona Flynn (lifefityoga@gmail.com). Covenant Bible Study (Room 106) Covenant is an in-depth group Bible study in which participants read and discuss the Bible together, learning how to love God and each other better. The fall segment on Creating the Covenant will run for eight weeks. Facilitated by Alice Kunka and Anita Smith. A Disciple s Path (Disciple Room) A Disciple s Path guides individuals to take the next step in discipleship and become dynamic, engaged followers of Jesus Christ. The study combines a Wesleyan understanding of our growth in God s love and grace with practices of spiritual discipline expressed in our membership vows. The workbook contains six weeks of daily readings to guide participants in learning and practicing seven essential spiritual disciplines. Led by Mike Bailey and Joe Grady. Centering Prayer (Chapel), 6:10 6:25pm Shared silence time will be led by Robin Britt. Knitting with Barrie Birkner (Gathering Space) All levels and ages are welcome to join me for conversation. We will be doing knitting technics, crochet technics, and more new stuff as the year progresses. Come join us and learn how wonder it is to be able to make someone you love a gift. Coffee and Conversation (Fellowship Center) Chancel Choir (Choir Room) Rehearses 6:30pm 8pm CLASSES FOR YOUTH Small Group Grades 7 and Older (Youth Building) Coordinated by Katey Blaylock and Sarah Pearson. Youth are also welcome to attend adult classes, or to volunteer with children s classes. Contact Anne Dooley (adooley@christgreensboro.org) to volunteer! CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Children s Choirs (Room 101) We will be getting our music ready to present at our Children s Sabbath worship service this fall! Both of these choirs will sing! Joyful Noise Choir (fours kindergarten) will meet 5:55pm 6:20pm. Wesley Choir (first third grade) will meet 6:30pm 7pm. GLOW Kids GLOW Kids (Go Love Others in the World) is a mission-oriented programs for children ages three years to second grade. Two groups, divided by age, meet each week to learn about local and worldwide missions that affect young children. Cost is $10 for the year for new children. Mission Possible Kids Join us as we inspire community service and outreach while having fun and fellowship with friends ages fourth through sixth grade. Cost is $10 to participate for the year. For more information, please contact Jennifer Steele, coordinator (336-907-7537). WEEKLY SCHEDULE Dinner 5:30pm 6:15pm Joyful Noise Choir (Fours Ks) 5:55pm 6:20pm Wesley Choir (First Third Graders) 6:30pm 7:20pm Classes for All Ages 6:30pm 7:20pm (Some class times may vary.) MEAL PRICES A salad bar will usually accompany each regular meal. A Healthy Choice meal or glutenfree meal is also available by request when you make a reservation. Adult Meal (16 and older): $6 Regular meal for Youth or Special Kids Buffet (10 15 years old): $4 Kids Buffet or Small Regular Meal (4 9 years old): $3 Children 3 and under eat free. Family Maximum: $20 Menu for September 9/21 Steak tips, bowties and buttons, steamed broccoli, garlic bread, and assorted desserts. Kids menu: Pasta and sauce. Healthy choice: Grilled chicken salad. SPECIAL EVENTS October 26: Trunk or Treat December 7: Christmas Musical VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are always looking for volunteers to help with children s classes and to teach a class for youth or adults. To volunteer for cashiering, decorations or classes contact Alan Wilson or Anne Dooley (adooley@christgreensboro.org). To volunteer for kitchen or cleanup, please contact Mark Ledford (mledford@christgreensboro.org).
MEMORIALS and HONORARIUMS for AUGUST 2016 BUILDING FUND Randy Ferguson PASTOR S DISCRETIONARY FUND Dale Langerman Bonnie and David Amos ENDOWMENT FUND Marie Carruthers Becca & Graham Pritchard Becca & Graham Pritchard HUNGER FUND Marie Carruthers Bobbie Cross Tom Alspaugh New Covenant Choir HELPANON FUND MEMORIAL FUND Dale Langerman OUT OF THE GARDEN Virginia & Mike Moser Susan Pabon, David Carruthers, and Claire Stringfellow Carolyn Witman Gene & Pat Holder Velma Tomlin HELPING HANDS FOR HUNGER E.D. Kennedy STEPHEN MINISTRY Susan Pabon Susan Pegram MUSIC FUND Bob Thurston Summer Tai Chi Class Aging in Place Expo Resources for Independent Living September 22, 2016 11am 2pm Christ United Methodist Church 410 N. Holden Rd., Greensboro, NC 27410 Featuring exhibits, presentations, Q&A sessions, and door prizes from experts on safety in the home: The first 100 people who register before September 15 will receive a free lunch; thereafter, lunch can be reserved for $6. To register, call Shepherd s Center at 336-378-0766 or email info@shepctrg.org. Registrants should leave names for each participant and a phone number. CO-SPONSORED BY: SENIOR ADULT COUNCIL Helping older adults pursue independent and active lives of purpose
CALENDAR of CHURCH EVENTS for the week of SEPTEMBER 18 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 8:30am Traditional Service Sanctuary 9am Awakening Contemporary Worship Fellowship Center 9:50am Sunday School for All Ages 11am Traditional Service Sanctuary 11:15am Spark Contemporary Worship Fellowship Center 11:15am GO! Children s Worship Chapel/Youth Building 12:00pm Older Adult Trip Luncheon Disciple Room 12:15pm Guatemala Mission Trip Informational Mtg Parlor 2pm Flute Choir Choir Room 4pm KKS Set Up Gym 4pm KIDS Group Parents Meeting Parlor 4:45pm Yoga Youth Building 5pm Youth Choir Choir Room/Sanctuary 6pm Sharing Group Parlor 6pm ChristYouth Snack Supper and Fellowship Gym/Youth Building 6:15pm Choristers Rehearsal Room 101 6:30pm Women s Spiritual Growth Bible Study Room 205 7:30am 9am 1:45pm 4:30pm 6:30pm 7pm 7pm 9am 9:15am 9:30am 10am 10:30am 10:30am 11:30am 5pm 5:30pm 7pm MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Pilgrimage Reunion Group Parlor Tai Chi Youth Building Chair Yoga Youth Building Small Group Bible Study Disciple Room Finance Committee Meeting Parlor Women s Bible Study Disciple Room Carillon Handbell Rehearsal Choir Room TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Celebration Ringers Choir Room Intermediate Yoga Youth Building Bible Study Disciple Room Circle 3 Parlor Prayer Shawl Ministry Gathering Space/Parlor Simply Fit Exercise Class Youth Building Beginners Yoga Youth Building Campana Ringers Choir Room Primetimers Fellowship Center Circle 5 Disciple Room WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 7am Men s Bible Study Parlor 5:30pm Welcome Wednesday Dinner and Fellowship Fellowship Center 5:55pm Joyful Noise Rehearsal Room 101 6:10pm Centering Prayer Chapel 6:30pm Welcome Wednesday Classes Church-Wide 6:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Choir Room/Chapel 6:30pm A Disciple s Path Disciple Room 6:30pm Covenant Bible Study Room 106 6:30pm Wesley Choir Rehearsal Choir Room 7am 9:15am 9:30am 10:30am 11:00am 11:45am 4:30pm 6pm 6:30pm 7pm 7:30pm 7am 9:30am 9am 11am THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Men s Bible Study Parlor Intermediate Yoga Youth Building Adam Hamilton Bible Study Disciple Room Simply Fit Exercise Class Youth Building Senior Expo - Aging in Place Fellowship Center, Parlor, Disciple Room, Chapel, Sanctuary, Music Room Chair Yoga Youth Building Pilgrimage Reunion Parlor Awakening Band Practice Fellowship Center Stephen Ministry Training Disciple Room ChristLife Group Parlor New Covenant Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Men s Bible Study Parlor Kids Konsignment Sale SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Kids Konsignment Sale Spark Practice Fellowship Center LOOKING AHEAD Kids Konsignment Sale: September 23 24 KIDS Group Retreat: October 1 2 Third Grade Bible Sunday: October 9 Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween Carnival: October 26
THE MESSENGER Postmaster: Change of address to: The Messenger 410 N. Holden Road Greensboro, NC 27410 The Messenger (USPS 073 460) is published weekly, except for weeks of July 4 and December 25, by Christ United Methodist Church. The weekly newsletter of Christ United Methodist Church. Periodical Postage Paid Greensboro, NC CONTACT US Christ United Methodist Church 410 North Holden Road Greensboro, NC 27410 christgreensboro.org Church Phone (336) 299-1571 Church Fax (336) 299-7866 Reservation Line (336) 299-1571, ext. 333 reservations@christgreensboro.org Weekend Emergency Line (336) 337-5633 Childhood Enrichment Center cecgreensboro.org (336) 294-9080 Kids Ahead (336) 299-5006