Randy Strickland, Pastor 770-561-2468 Cell 2922 Antioch Church Rd Gainesville GA 30506 770-536-7351 The Journey Antioch United Methodist Church Randy s Ramblings The United Methodist Church is truly a connectional church. We have brothers and sisters who share the same faith and worship in much the same way as we do all over the world. There are United Methodists in Japan who along with many others of God s children have been devastated by the earthquake and tsunami that followed it. As we begin to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Lord, the people of Japan are experiencing another sort of resurrection. As they rise from the rubble and ruin of this great tragedy with the prayers of Christian believers around the world and the help of various churches and charities, let us keep them before God in our prayers. The following statement was issued a few weeks ago but prayers are still needed and relief efforts are continuing. The National Federation of Asian American United Methodists (NFAAUM), representing ten Asian American ethnic groups in The United Methodist Church, requests prayers and expressions of love and concern for all persons affected by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan. It is the biggest earthquake to hit Japan since records began almost 150 years ago. It is a tragedy of gigantic proportions, and Asian Americans are in prayer for the safety of the millions of persons who are affected by this natural disaster. We ask all United Methodists to join with us in prayer for the millions who are affected by the earthquake and resulting tsunami. We recognize that this disaster affects not only Japan, but all countries of the Pacific Rim. We also are praying for the safety of emergency crews who are searching for survivors and giving comfort to the victims. It is our hope that all United Methodist churches during their weekly worship services will be in prayer for all who are affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Further, we await word from UM- COR for additional ways in which we can respond. It is through events like this that we can be the people of faith and reach out in love to all. -- Mr. Donald Hayashi, President, National Federation of Asian American United Methodists. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is at work in Japan. If you would like to contribute to this effort you may do so through our church. Please designate any offering to this cause to Relief for Japan UMCOR Advance #3021317. Volume 13 Number 4 April 2011
Prayer List Joan Briggs Elizabeth Cassady Renee Clark Martha Coffee Caylin Davenport W.L. Harrison Bobby and Kansie Haynes Lee Hudson Patricia King Lora Kerby Dr. John Lewallen Graham Lombardi Sandra Olar Ernie Reaume Lera Strickland Nancy Swinson John Villyard Sally Warrington Bryan Wilson The Journey Everyone is encouraged to bring flowers and greenery on Easter Sunday to put on the Cross in front of the church. Someone will be at the cross to help you put your flowers on the Cross from 10:00-11:00 a.m. This has become a beautiful tradition at our church. After the Easter Worship Service please have your family's picture made in front of the Cross. Maundy Thursday April 21 at 7 pm Remembering the Last Supper Acolytes Palm Sunday April 17 at 11 am Jesus s entry into Jerusalem Page 2 I am excited to begin our Acolyte program once again at Antioch. We are looking for children who want to learn more about worship and have fun. Second graders through fifth or six graders are invited to join us on alternate Wednesday afternoons beginning April 13 at 4:00-5:00. We will start with a snack, then Randy will lead a short lesson related to worship, then we will practice with anyone who would like to serve during the worship services, and end with fun and games. Even if children are not ready to serve as acolytes during the Sunday worship service, we invite you to join us! Younger siblings and parents are welcomed too. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, April 13 at 4:00. I hope to see lots of children. Call me if you have questions. Acolyte Program Dates April 13, 4:00-5:00 April 27, 4:00-5:00 May 11, 4:00-5:00 May 25, 4:00-5:00 Emily Hulsey Acolyte Director 770-536-9220 Tenebrae: Service of Shadows April 22 at 8 pm Remembering Christ s death on the cross through scripture and song
The Journey Page 3 Hymn of the Month "Were You There" African American Spiritual arr. by William Farley Smith Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified my Lord? April Duties Greeters: Barbara Stevens and Jackie Turley Altar Guild: Rita Edge and Mallory Edge Ushers: Robert and Barbara Wilson, Doug and Nancy Hulsey Were you there when they nailed him to the tree? Were you there when they pierced him in the side? Were you there when the sun refused to shine? Readers: April 3 April 10 April 17 April 24 Sheila Coffee Roni Grizzle Rick Freeland Steve Boyette Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? Lockup duties for April: Sue Cook This African-American Spiritual is of unknown origin. The song was brought to America by slaves and was sung in their worship services as Financial Update well as in the fields as they worked. Church Directory Update We are waiting on the proof of our Church Directory. Once the proof has been returned to Olan Mills we should receive our directories within six weeks. Hopefully, we will have them by the end of May. We think you will be pleased with the directory. The directory committee wants to thank everyone who had their pictures made and for your patience with us as we added the final touches to the directory. April Hospitality Committee January-March 2011 Expenses 32,652.47 Income 26,613.10 Deficit -6039.37 Thanks to everyone who generously supported our efforts to pay for the air conditioner repair. We currently have $1228 in this fund to pay the estimated $1200 repair bill. As we end the first quarter of 2011, I want to give you a financial update for Antioch. As you can see during the first quarter, our expenses have significantly exceeded our income. We currently have a deficit of $6039 for 2011. The finance committee will be meeting in early April, and we will continue to monitor our finances throughout the year. We are committed to keeping the congregation of Antioch informed. Please let Vivian or me know if you have questions. Wednesday, April 6-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 20-6:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting Wed. April 6th 7p.m. Remember the gas grill drawing is currently underway and the winner will be drawn on May 8. Robby says that tickets are moving slowly. Please see him if you need tickets for this fundraiser. Emily Hulsey Finance Chair If anyone would like to put flowers in the church in honor or memory or for any special occasion - contact Sue Cook 678-294-0515, emailcook2906@charter.net UMW - April 18th 6 pm Program - Joan Briggs Hostesses - Joan Briggs & Gloria Davidson All ladies are invited to attend. We have a lot of fun!
The Journey Page 4 Administrative Council Minutes March 15, 2011 Attendees: Sheila Coffee, Chairperson; Rita Edge, Vice Chairperson; Randy Strickland, Pastor; Sue Cook, Glen Davidson, Gloria Davidson, Roni Grizzle, June Mathis, Vivian Smith, Roland Smith, Evelyn Strickland, Bowen Wheeler, Barbara Wilson, and Robert Wilson. Sheila Coffee called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Thoughts on Prayer Sheila Coffee: In keeping with our emphasis on prayer, Sheila stated that the church should PUSH Pray Until Something Happens. In addition, she read an article on How much does prayer weigh? Following this, Randy Strickland led the group in prayer. Approval of Minutes Vivian Smith: Minutes of the previous meeting were distributed; with no corrections/additions, they were approved as given in distributed copies. Missions/Outreach Report Rita Edge: Rita reported that Robby Hulsey has volunteered to teach the Children s Sunday School class; and they had a blast with him. The class on Becoming a Contagious Christian started on Sunday night, March 13 th, with 11 people present. It will run for six weeks. Anyone who was unable to attend the first class may pick up on a later class. It is a video presentation, with Randy acting as facilitator. The Pancake Supper was a resounding success. The film A Man Called Norman was awesome stressing the fact that every community has a Norman (people who tend to be overlooked as less than desirable). Randy stated that the film may be checked out by anyone who was unable to attend the Pancake Supper. Financial Report Vivian Smith: In the absence of Emily Hulsey, Finance Chairman, Vivian reported that the General Fund has a balance of $20,332 through March 13 th with the majority of the monthly bills having been paid. In addition, the fund for the repair of the Air Conditioner now stands at $1,228, slightly more than the estimate by Lawson. Rita Edge made a motion to approve the financial report, seconded by June Mathis, and unanimously approved. Raffle Update Sheila Coffee: In the absence of Robby Hulsey, Sheila reported that he had stated raffle sales were not going very fast. Everyone needs to work a little harder at selling the tickets. Lay Leadership Selection Committee Report - Randy Strickland: June Mathis has been elected as Nursery Coordinator. Children s Coordinator Rita Edge: Rita reported that the Rolling Bible School planned for this year is in the process. Family Coordinator Evelyn Strickland: Evelyn reported that $215 was cleared on the Pancake Supper, which goes toward the Air Conditioner repair. The Lasagna Dinner cleared $813 which also goes toward the Air Conditioner repair. Those, plus $200 in donations, made the $1,228 total. Evelyn also reported that they sent off the Church Directory today. It should be back in approximately six weeks. Evelyn then passed around a picture of the church, which Randy had made at dusk when it was snowing. She asked the opinion of the Council about having Christmas cards made from it to be sold as a fundraiser. Everyone thought it was a great idea. Christian Education Randy Strickland: Randy reported that he has been mentoring an Emory student named Bryce Behnke. Antioch has been approved as a Supervised Ministry for Bryce. If the Council approves, he would be arriving in late August and staying until May of 2012. He would be working 8 hours per week. Two hours each week would be spent participating in worship service and occasionally preaching. The remaining six hours would be focused on a young adult ministry. A
The Journey Page 5 motion was made by Randy to approve this ministry, seconded by Barbara Wilson, and unanimously approved by the Council. He will receive no salary; however, Randy suggested that it would be nice if the church could give him expense money, if possible. Randy stated that Emily is talking to one person regarding the Youth Director position. Since she has not received an answer from that person, he did not want to give his/her name. Emily Hulsey has agreed to take the training portion of the Acolyte Director position; Randy will teach the theological part. Randy made a motion to approve Emily as Acolyte Director; it was seconded by Rita, and unanimously approved. Hospitality Committee Donna Corbin: Donna reported that the committee has divided the church membership into groups. Each committee member is then responsible for keeping track of those members in her/his group; i.e., checking on members who are not in church to see if they are sick, etc. The committee is also getting new Visitor s Cards, along with a Visitor s gift. Additionally, the committee is in the process of making recommendations to the Trustees regarding more signage for the various areas of the Sanctuary and Truslow Hall. Trustees Glen Davidson: Glen reported that the Air Conditioner would be repaired in mid-april. Brent Edge and Butch Davis are in the process of getting material for handrails for the front steps and the handicap ramp. A discussion was held regarding the thermostats for the HVAC system. They are presently programmed; however, they do not always revert to the lower temperature after Sunday worship. Glen stated that it would be too expensive to replace all of them with manual thermostats. They are investigating the possibility of taking out the programmable portion of the thermostats, making them manual. Randy stated that they could be made Manual by putting them on Hold. Worship Committee Donna Corbin: Donna stated that everything is planned through March. They are working on April and May. Donna has made plans regarding the Easter Lilies and Palm Branches. She further stated that Glen, Gloria, and Sue have been a great help with all the duties involved with Worship. Other: Robert Wilson asked that the members help clean up Truslow Hall following functions: i.e., stacking tables and chairs, etc. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50. The next Council meeting will be Aril 12 th. Wanted: Ladies for the United Methodist Women WHAT IS UNITED METHODIST WOMEN? United Methodist Women is the group of women in each congregation that is organized for mission. United Methodist Women is the successor organization to the home and foreign missionary societies, ladies' aid groups and guilds of the seven predecessor denominations of The United Methodist Church. Purpose of the UMW - The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the Church. Vision: Turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world. We meet the 3rd Monday night of each month at 6p.m. If you can't make this time, maybe you would be interested in starting a "circle" of ladies under the UMW, that could meet at another time. I'll be happy to talk with you. Come give us a try. Peace in Christ. Sue
From the Herrins Dear Family and Friends! This is the last reminder of the two special projects going forward for the month of March...and we would be so grateful if you, your Sunday School class, your men's/women's group, or your congregation participated in one or both of these projects: First, we really need a new copier at the seminary. Funds are coming in, but we're not there yet! Here's how and were to give: https://www.themissionsociety.org/forms/onlinedonations/39/ In the "Donation Information" block, just direct it to specialproject: "Herrins/290:SMJW-COPIER". Or, you may mail a check made out to The Mission Society with a note in memo saying Herrins/290:SMJW-Copier" and mail it to: The Mission Society, 6234 Crooked Creek Road, Norcross, GA 30092 As soon as we have enough funds, we will let you know so you can celebrate with us!! Second, last year, Jeanne introduced the idea of the "reading corner" to the Laurens school and now the school wants this for their elementary class rooms. We need books--lots and lots of children's books--in ENGLISH!--grade levels 1-6. We just need you to collect them, box them up and mail what you find-- book rate!--to our Texas mail service: Jon and Jeanne Herrin, 2525 W. Veterans Blvd., Lot 15 PMB 51, Mission, TX 78572 If you can get them there, we'll get them here! And what a difference books can make in a child's life!! You and I know this...now, let's show these teachers and children the incredible value of reading. As always, we are so grateful for your continued prayers, notes of encouragement, support and participation in this ministry of hope and love. May God bless you all. Until... The Herrins in Monterrey - Jon, Jeanne, Megan, Andrew...and Jesse http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100001069374361 http://www.themissionsociety.org/people/herrin/ herrinmission@gmail.com Update from Sue Cook The UMW has already sent a check for $100.00 on the copier. UMW is collecting books. There is a box in the children's Sunday School classroom next to the kitchen for the books to be put in. Also Jon has said the seminary website is up and running : http://www.smjw.org/english April Birthdays Logan West 2 Roland Smith 3 Tena Rumfelt 6 Shirley Hoover 11 Tyler Coffee 21 Aly West 22 Payton Edge 26 Ernie Reaume will be having back surgery on the 20th. Please remember him in your prayers. Lois