IN sight MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF BENTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MAY 2015 Grace and peace to you in the Name and Spirit of Jesus Christ! What are you doing for Pentecost? The Day of Pentecost is the day of the Christian Year that we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost means fiftieth day. Pentecost is also a Jewish festival and is fifty days after Passover. For Christians, Pentecost is fifty days after Easter. The Day of Pentecost is also known as the birthday of the Church. Pentecost is a day that ranks right up there with Christmas and Easter. So what are you going to do? There are two accounts in the New Testament as to how the Holy Spirit was given. We read in John 20:19-23: When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace be with you. 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. We also read in Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. What are you doing with the Holy Spirit that Jesus gave you when you took Jesus as your Lord and Savior? How are you allowing the Spirit to fill you and lead you into ministry in the power Name of Jesus Christ? I think we often take for granted the Spirit of God that is within us and between us. This Holy Spirit is powerful! God created all that there is through this same Holy Spirit! (Genesis 1) God breathed into us the breath of life His Holy Spirit! (Genesis 2) Sins are able to be forgiven through this same Holy Spirit! (John 20) The effects of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) are reversed through the powerful gift of the Holy Spirit! (Acts 2) God builds up the body of Christ through the gifts of Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 4) God speaks to us through His Spirit! (Romans 8) And this list could go on and on and on! My point is this God s plan involves us receiving His Spirit as take Jesus as our Lord and Savior. His plan involves us allowing His Spirit to work through us for His Kingdom. Paul wrote to Timothy saying: 6 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:6-10 What are you doing for Pentecost? What are you doing with God s Holy Spirit in loving God and loving neighbors? Are you open to the Holy Spirit working a miracle in you and through you? Are you ready to forgive as you have been forgiven? Are you willing to allow the Holy Spirit to move in, through and you? Are you ready for Pentecost? Grace and peace, Rev. Dr. Danny Gleason Senior Pastor From the Pastor
From Mother s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day, to Memorial Day, there are a lot of things to appreciate in the month of May. What are some ways we can be intentional in the way we honor/acknowledge these people? Listed below are some ideas that my work for you and your family. Mother s Day and don t forget Grandma Moms enjoy anything homemade by their kids. Listed below are a few ideas for the kids to try this Mother s Day. 1. Mommy Survival Kit any glass jar big enough to hold the following items: hand sanitizer, hand wipes, chap-stick, Advil, flavored water packets, and CHOCOLATE!!! Tape a label on the front saying exactly what it is Mommy Survival Kit open, enjoy, and breathe. Tomorrow is a new day! 2. DIY Photo Bookmarks take a picture of your kid(s) with their arms up in the air. Then cut out the pictures and add a string. 3. 365 Reasons That I Love You As My Mom any jar big enough to hold 365 slips of paper each with a reason why your mom is so AWESOME!!!! One for everyday of the year! 4. Breakfast in bed!!! 5. A homemade card! Memorial Day 1. Write a letter to a family who lost a loved one fighting for our country. 2. Don t think of Memorial Day as just another day off or another day for a bar-b-que. Be intentional in you honoring those who sacrificed their lives for our country. 3. Visit a soldier s grave and place an American Flag and/or flowerer s grave and place an American Flag and/or flowers. Teacher Appreciation 1. Flowers or plants are great gifts! 2. Bring gift card to their favorite place could be Starbucks, Target, etc. 3. Bring them their favorite candy and drink. 4. Have your child write a letter expressing their appreciation for all they do. O.P.A.L.S. (Older People with Active Life Styles) Tuesday, April 28, 2015 11:30 a.m. in the Worship Center $5.00 per person for lunch The OPALS (Older People with Active Life Styles) will meet Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at 11:30 in the Family Worship/Life Center for table fellowship. They will enjoy a meal together for $5; then they will travel down the road to St. Jude Catholic Church for a guided tour of the new facility, directed by Tammy Rumbaugh. She will give them an insider view of the beautiful sanctuary, prayer chapel, youth & children areas and share some of the finer points of the building. We pass it whenever we come to church, and we ve all been curious about its interior. They are eager to share with us, so join us on the 4 th Tuesday everyone is welcome. Everyone is welcome, but please make a reservation by calling: Sandra Upshaw at (318) 326-5966. Calling All Swamp Dawgs aka those interested in playing on the church co-ed softball team. If you are interested in having fun, some competition, and just being a true baller join our team! For more information or to sign up, contact: Ann Sellers at ann.sellers@bentonumc.org or call the church office at (318) 965-2273. 2
Bodies in Motion: A Personal Testimony There s an exercise class that meets regularly at Benton UMC that has given me a new lease on life and I want to share that good news with you! I asked our leader, Carrie Bamburg, if I could be her Poster Child and advertise this awesome opportunity, open to everyone no matter your age or physical condition, personality or attitude. In this class, everyone goes at their own pace, doing whatever little (or majorly athletic) activity they can, always with the thought of pushing the limits just a bit. When I started a year ago, I could not do a jumping jack, now I do sets of 25; I started with no weights, now I use 5 lbs; I was weak and breathless at the end of a session, now I m energized. I have better balance, better control of my body, more stamina and much more strength. It is truly amazing how much I ve improved. As my husband says, we re in the 4th quarter of our lives now, and I m in better shape than I ve been in years. So come and join us! We re called Bodies in Motion and that s our goal just to move! We meet Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 9:00 AM and Tuesday & Thursday at 5:00 PM (normally). Carrie does something different for each session so they are never boring or routine. The cost is $35 a month or $5 a session. Add it to your routine... and I ll see you there. ~Pastor Cheryl BENTON UNITED METHODIST WOMEN UMCOR Trip Six ladies from our church served at UMCOR, in Baldwin, LA, March 29 - April 2, 2015. In back row: Billie Mack, Louise Carter, Irma Kennedy, Joann Horton, in front: Pat Mosher and Dianne Wilkinson. We made health kits, and worked in sewing room making book bags. Pat and Dianne went into Franklin and cleaned a 90 year old man s apartment. He was a joy and so appreciative. It was a great time for serving and sharing. We have reservations for April 10 15, 2016 if you want to save the date and join us. 60 Hand towels 120 Wash cloths 500 plus Band-Aids 54 Toothbrushes 111 Plastic bags 30 Combs 30 Nail Clippers 3 Files 101 Bars of soap CIRCLE MEETINGS (AKA, SMALL GROUPS): The Benton United Methodist Women celebrate the month of May by having special circle meetings. Our two circles (small groups) meet at special times and places for pot luck meals. The Nightingales (evening circle) will have a Salad Supper at the home of Pat Mosher on the third Tuesday, May 19, at 6:00 pm. The Morning Glories (morning circle) will have a salad luncheon at the home of Katherine Ashley Thursday, May 14. Of course, anyone is invited to join either circle for this time of fun and fellowship. The circles will not meet again until September. For more information on United Methodist Women and events, contact: Katherine Ashley at lucykatherine52@yahoo.com or (318) 464-3798 Quarterly General Meeting of the Benton United Methodist Women Tuesday, June 3 at 6:30 PM in the Family Life Worship Center Linda Resendez with the Veterans Administration will be our guest speaker, continuing our study on The Church and Disabilities. The Benton United Methodist Women invite everyone to join us. We have two circles (small groups) that meet monthly from September through May. The Nightingales meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Eva Smith Room. The Morning Glories meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:30 am in the Pairs and Spares Room. You do not have to join a circle to become a member of the Benton United Methodist Women. Just participate in any of our activities 3
Dinner with Friends Join us for Dinner with Friends! You are invited to join this small group that splits into smaller groups later. If you are a mature adult, empty-nester, a pair or a spare, or just want to hang with some cool cats, check this small group out. For more information, contact: Reba Hearne at (318) 965-0122 Sounds of Benton The Sounds of Benton has come and gone. It was a big hit!! Thanks to those who came out and enjoyed an evening of wonderful food and entertainment! Thank you Will Hughes for your vision and all you do to help the music ministry. This event couldn't have been possible without him!! I would like to thank all of the youth that served. Our youth are getting extremely professional with their serving skills!! I heard nothing but complements about their service!!! My heartfelt thanks goes out to Kim Cox, Carrie Bamburg, Jeanne Hine, Ann Sellers, Irma Kennedy, Tanya White, Reba Hearne, Katherine Ashley, Jemi Adcock, and Dana Cherry. We couldn't have done it without their amazing help!! To Brent Hine and Red River Catering, the food was delicious!!! Can't wait until next year!! Stay tuned for more details!! ~Jennifer Hable Student & Children s Ministries Serving Four Seasons String Quartet Performing Choir members wanted!! If you've ever wanted to sing or make a joyful noise unto the Lord, we have a place for you!!! Practice is on Tuesdays at 5:30 and we would love to have you!!! No experience necessary! Good music and fellowship happens every week, come join us!!! 4
Through May 20 Sunday School 9:00-10:00 AM Middle School (6th-8th Grade) High School (9th-12th Grade) Student Ministries (Weds) 4:30-5:30 pm Band Practice 5:30-6:00 Meal in FLC 6:00-7:15 Worship Senior Recognition Day May 3 @ 10:15 am Wacky Olympics May 3, (5-8pm) @Grace United Methodist Wacky Olympics is a fun competition event within the Shreveport Methodist district. Field events, food and fun. This a great time to meet other fellow Christians within our area. Living Large May 20 5-7pm @ BUMC End of the school year bash. Outdoor volleyball, Hungry Hippo, Corn Hole, and more. Food will be served. Wear old clothes or swim wear than can get dirty or wet. Camp Caney Junior/Senior High Camp 1 Begins: June 15 Registration is 1:00-2pm. Ends: June 19, 10am Camp 2: Begins: July 6 Registration is 1:00-2pm. Ends: July 10, 10am We have decided to join our Junior and Senior High Camps again to give everyone two chances to come to camp. Each camp will run simultaneously, but separately and come together for meals and worship. It will be very memorable this year! We will make new friends, play games, enjoy the lake and dig deep into scripture and spiritual issues with small groups and worship. Weekend @ the cross July23-25 Shreveport, La. (Centenary College) Weekend of the Cross is designed for you to come with a group from your local church and be involved in a weekend of mission to families in need of minor home repairs in the Shreveport area. Revive 225 July 26 Aug 1. Revive 225 is an exciting ministry of First United Methodist Church for high school and college students, who spend a week in Baton Rouge sharing Christ s love and changing lives through home repair service. Cost $280. Half of the money goes back into the supplies for the project. Wed night will be a free night for us to enjoy a local activity. Band/Singers All are invited to participate. One can sing, play an instrument or just enjoy and listen. We will have band practices on Sundays at 1pm and 4:30 pm until the end of Wednesday night live. Jennifer Hable will work with the singers while Will works with the Instruments. Music Lessons: Will Hughes will also be offering his services by giving lessons on Sundays. It will consist of a 30 min practice paid by the student. $125 per month. Instruments may consist of Drums or guitars. First Lesson is @12:30. Second is at 1:00 and so forth. F ³ ( Family Fun Fridays) This summer we will have F ³ ( Family Fun Fridays) Movies and Food for all ages. We will have 2 in June and 2 in July. @ BUMC. More info to follow. 5th Quarter In the Fall we will have 5th quarter after the football games. 5th quarter is a fun filled event of games and food. 9:30-11:00 pm @BUMC. 5
May Service Opportunities The Closet Clothes Ministry Wednesdays from 11:30-12:30 PM 3rd Wednesday from 12:00-5:00 PM Sue Shadow at (318) 965-2496 The Table Food Ministries Truck Unloading Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 AM Bag Packing Tuesday, May 19 at 10:00 AM Food Distribution Wednesday, May 20 at 12:30 PM Rachel Stoneman at (318) 965-2273 Souper Saturday Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 AM Katherine Kavanaugh at (318) 218-7730 Church Service General Office Work Carolyn Collins at (318) 965-2273 Greeters & Ushers Dick Mosher at (318) 965-2373 Communion Cheryl Nelson at (318) 422-0914 Daycare Needs Julie Broussard at (318) 965-4719 Magazines Games Toys Clothes Blankets Crib Sheets Lysol Kitchen Towels & Supplies Diapers Wipes Towels Glue Arts & Crafts My name is Ann Sellers. I am the Director of Adult and Family Ministries at Benton UMC. I have been employed here since September of 2014. Prior to working here, I was the Director of Youth and Family Ministries at the Presbyterian Church in Georgia. My family moved to Benton from Bainbridge, GA in July of 2013. My husband, Jason, works for Edko, LLC. My children, Davis and Tate, are in fourth and fifth grade at Legacy Elementary. As a family, we enjoy being outside, playing and watching sports, having family movie nights, and giving each other a hard time that s what families are for right?! We have really enjoyed being a part of Benton United Methodist Church. The people are very giving and mission minded. There is something for everybody here! SHARE YOUR STORY Each month we have activities that can be done by an entire family or by individuals and highlighted in our newsletter. If you participate in any of these activities, we would love for you to share your story. Maybe it s something a kid says or does or a way in which the activity moved you or someone else. Submit these via email to ann.sellers@bentonumc.org or share on our Facebook page. We would love to know your story!!! Pat & Dick Mosher Please join us as we celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. A life of caring, sharing and giving together Saturday, June 20, 2015 3:30 PM Benton United Methodist Church 4615 Palmetto Road Benton, LA 71006 RSVP to Krista (325) 518-5099 (leave message) or kddy3@hotmail.com by June 1 Your presence is our present 6
BENTON UNITED METHODIST MEN SPORTING CLAY SHOOT SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2015 Proceeds will benefit missions including: Louisiana Methodist Children s Home & Louisiana Teen Challenge Los Paloma Sporting Range, 900 Seven Pines Road, Benton, LA 71006 www.bentonumc.org/clayshoot Event Schedule 7:00 am Registration 8:00 am Shoot Begins Lunch provided after shoot Prizes awarded Top team Top male shooter Top Female Shooter Four-Person Teams $100 per shooter if paid prior to June 21 $125 per shooter if paid after June 21 DOOR PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY Contacts Jeffrey Duke (318) 455-3881 or Jacob Randall (318) 426-6916 On Sunday, April 19 Ron Jones in conjunction with the Board of Trustees announced to the congregation a campaign called "Raise the Roof". This campaign is to replace the shingles on the roof of the original building that is now the Daycare and Sunday School classrooms. This roof is 15 years old with 15 year shingles and needs to be replaced before it causes greater problems. The roof will require 160 squares to cover and will cost about $35,000. Simple math results in a per square cost of $220 per square. Therefore, the campaign is to sell 160 squares at $220 each. The campaign has no time limit. It will continue until all 160 squares are sold. You can buy less than an entire square or buy part of a square each month until all are sold. Partial squares can be bought only as follows; 1/2 a square at $110 or even 1/4 square at $55. Purchase with check, cash, or money order. Place in one of the RED enveloped available throughout the church, mark on the envelope the amount enclosed and indicate for RAISE THE ROOF. Then, put in offering plate on Sunday or turn in at church office. This campaign and any offering you make is not intended to be a substitute for your regular tithe but an additional offering to help preserve what God has provided for Benton United Methodist Church. Please pray about this campaign and do what you can to help preserve this building that is so very vital to our mission to "Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World". You can see how we are progressing by watching the charts that will be posted in the main hall until this campaign is complete. 7
INVITING IN... GROWING UP... SENDING OUT Benton United Methodist Church 4615 Palmetto Road, Benton, Louisiana 71006 Office: (318) 965-2273 Fax: (318) 965-5360 Email: bentonumc@bellsouth.net Website: www.bentonumc.org NON-PROFIT PERMIT #17 PAID U.S. POSTAGE BENTON, LA Return Service Requested Newsletter Articles May 3, 2015 Matthew 6:25-34 The Resurrected LIFE: Worry-Free Living May 10, 2015 John 15:9-17 The Resurrected LIFE: Sacrificial Living May 17, 2015 John 20:19-23 The Resurrected LIFE: Forgiven Living May 24, 2015 Acts 2:1-21 The Resurrected LIFE: Spirit-filled Living May 31, 2015 Romans 8:12-17 The Resurrected LIFE: Spirit-led Living Article submissions are due on the 20th of each month. Please attach pictures to email in JPEG format. Please send all articles to: rachel.stoneman@bentonumc.org Come & live large! Wednesday May 20, 2015 5:00-7:00 PM Hot Dogs Waterslides Snow Cones Cotton Candy Popcorn Volleyball Cupcake Walk Hungry Hippo Door Prizes