Glad Tidings for the Week of January 31, 2010

Some persons have the mistaken notion that they were created to consume- to eat, breathe, and take up space. The Bible teaches a different message. God designed you to make a difference with your life. You and I were created by God to add to life on earth, not just to take from it. God expects us to give something back.

Rick Warren in his book The Purpose-Driven Life reminds us that God calls each of us to service in His kingdom. Many of us have thought that God only calls missionaries, pastors, and other "full-time" church workers. The Bible makes it clear in such scriptures as Romans 1:6-7; I Corinthians 1:2 & 1:9; I Peter 2:9; and II Peter 1:3, and many other places that our call to Christ's salvation is also a call to service. This is our purpose for life, each of us. We are called to ministry or service. Anytime you use your gifts or abilities to help others, you are in the service of God. In Romans 7:4 we are told: "Now you belong to him...in order that we might be useful in the service of God." In the church in China, they welcome new believers by saying, "Jesus now has a new set of eyes to see with; a new set of ears to hear with, new hands to help with, and a new heart to love others." God desires that for His church everywhere, including Isle of Hope UMC. How well are you functioning as the eyes, ears, hands, and heart of Jesus Christ?

We are each part of the body of Christ, the church. There are no insignificant ministries in the church. It takes all of us working together to carry-out the work Christ wants to do in the world. I Corinthians says, "All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a separate and necessary part of it."

You are going to give your life for something. What will it be - a business; a sport; a hobby; seeking fame? None of these things last. When we serve in the family of Jesus Christ, our work takes on eternal significance.

God wants us to make a difference in the world. If you are not involved in some type of service or ministry, what is your excuse? "Abraham was old. Jacob was insincere. Leah was unattractive. Joseph was abused. Moses stuttered. Gideon was poor. Samson was co-dependent. Rahab was immoral. David had an affair and all kinds of family problems. Elijah was suicidal. Jeremiah was depressed. Jonah was reluctant. Naomi was a widow. John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least. Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered. Martha worried a lot. The Samaritan woman had several failed marriages. Zacchaeus was unpopular. Thomas had doubts. Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid." Can you think of a better excuse than this collection of misfits? God used every one of them in His service. I just believe that He can use you and me also!

NO MORE EXCUSES! You and I are called to serve.

Dick Reese

LOVE GROW SERVE SHARE

Isle of Hope UMC Now On Facebook

That's right! Isle of Hope United Methodist Church is now on Facebook! We invite you to join our fan page to receive updates about events within the life of our church. Click here to check us out, and we look forward to keeping you informed!

Announcements

If you are currently receiving both the paper version and this email version of the Glad Tidings, please let us discontinue sending you the paper version by sending an email to gladtidings@iohumc.com to let us know. If you wish to discontinue receiving this email version, please use the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page.

BABY RECOGNITION SUNDAY, JAN. 31
Each year it is with great honor that Isle of Hope United Methodist Women recognize babies born to our congregation during the preceding year. On January 31, 2010, all babies will be recognized during the 8:45 AM and 11:15 AM worship services. A reservation form will be mailed to all parents, if you do not receive a form please call Catherine Smith at 355-9493.

Loan and Scholarship Funds
The IOHUMC Board of Trustees administers 3 funds which make loans or scholarship grants to undergraduate or graduate students who meet fund-specific qualifications and demonstrate financial need:
� The Weller Memorial Student Loan Fund
� The Dr. William A. Clary Scholarship Fund
� The Joan Goodding Broerman Scholarship Fund - qualified applicants must pursue as their major course of study a degree in early childhood education
For an application, call the Church office at 912-355-8527 or e-mail info@iohumc.com.

Adult Ministry Upcoming Events!
Visit and Tour Mickve Israel Synagogue
Mickve Israel has added more information to their tour and renovated their museum. Come learn about one of the earliest Jewish congregations in the colonies and the first synagogue in Georgia. Ride on Church van or cars.
Date: Thursday, February 18
Time: 9:30 AM Leave IOHUMC
         10:00 AM Start Tour
         12:00 PM Return to IOHUMC
Sign-Up: in Sunday School or call church office
Cost: Free
Lunch and Learn with Ed Poenicke
Enjoy a great lunch and meet Ed Poenicke. Ed is retired from the Chatham County Agriculture Extension Service. He will share some springtime gardening information and tips.
Date: Friday, March 19
Time: 12:30 PM Lunch begins
         1:00 PM Program begins
Sign-Up: Make reservations in Sunday School or call church office
Cost: $6 for lunch
Visit the Bamboo Farm
Have you visited the Bamboo Farm on Highway 17 lately? They have all sorts of bamboo and interesting information about plants in our area. They even grow strawberries. Alan and Sandi Beals (our church members) will share a tour and information with us. We will travel by church van and cars.
Date: Tuesday, April 20
Time: 9:45 AM Leave IOHUMC
         10:30 AM Begin Tour
         12:00 PM Lunch at the Bamboo Farm
         1:45 PM Return to IOHUMC
Sign-Up: Register for Tour and Lunch in Sunday School or call church office
Cost: $4 for lunch. Tour is free.

Flower Guild News

To place a floral arrangement on the altar as a memorial or to honor a person/persons, list your name on the board located on the wall across from the steps to the sanctuary. Also, please contact the church office regarding (the date) and the method of payment. The charge is $65.00. Suggestions: Birthdays, Anniversary, Graduation or any other special occasion.

Inner City Night Shelter

Isle of Hope United Methodist Church Sunday school classes provide monthly support to the Inner City Night Shelter by preparing soup and sandwiches on the second Sunday of each month. We also provide servers to assist with that evening meal. Inner City serves the homeless population of Savannah, those people who are literally "on the streets." Substance abuse is very common among this population. We typically serve between 100 and 150 people each Sunday night.

Thank you to all of the helping hands who willingly provide this service. Here is the yearly schedule. Please contact Martha Nesbit, coordinator, if you wish to become involved in some way (mgnesbit@hotmail.com). And, by the way, the United Methodist Women will be hosting a brunch for the women of Inner City on Feb. 6^th. We look forward to providing them with a lovely meal and goodie bags.

January/July Youth Group/New Horizons

February/August New Hope

March/September Berean

April/October Cornerstone

May Friends in Faith/Stepping Stones

November Good News

June/December Pilgrim/Seekers

"For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat." Matthew 25:35

AID FOR HAITI

If you would like to assist with the many needs in Haiti, you may do so through a financial gift. Please send your checks made payable to IOHUMC and mark it UMCOR or OFCB. 100% of all funds sent will be used for long term response through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) or to help our brothers and sisters in Bayonnais, Haiti. Thank you for your generosity!

The Good Samaritan Circle will meet Friday, February 5th at the home of Joan Broerman at 10:00am.

Missions & Outreach

Wesley Community Center's Love Walk Please join us for the Love Walk on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Forsyth Park. The 5K Run kicks off at 7:45 AM and the 3.6K or 2.4K Walk begins at 10:00 AM. Both events begin at the south end of Forsyth Park. Gather some friends and take part in Wesley's biggest fundraising event! Sponsor sheets are available in the church office.

Souper Bowl Sunday Sunday, February 7^th is Souper Bowl Sunday. The communion offering will go to support America's Second Harvest Food Bank. You are also welcome to bring non-perishable food items and place them in the soup pots in the church doorways.

Friends 'n Needles Prayer Shawl Ministry I would like to offer a special word of thanks to the ladies of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. They have been very busy this year knitting and crocheting for many people around the world! Throughout the year, they made many, many knitted hats for the soldiers deployed overseas. They provided prayer shawls for church members and friends, as well as baby blankets for all babies born into the IOHUMC family. The fashion show held in October was a huge success and the proceeds will support the following ministries:

The Christ Child's Nest - $2600 for scholarships and $1000 for ongoing needs

OFCB Ministries in Haiti - $1000

Wesley Community Centers - $1000

The Emmanuel Center - $1000

United Methodist Committee on Relief - $1000

These ladies demonstrate that any talent may be used to serve others and bring glory to God. Thank you!

Julie

Education Events

KFC Bowling

Meet at AMF Lanes this Sunday, January 31st at4:30PM for the ultimate bowling match leaders verses kids. Bring $10.00 (Shoes & Dinner included) and let the games begin. Pick up at the AMF 7:00PM. NOTE TIME CHANGE and DROP OFF & PICK UP!

Confirmation Green House Retreat

Confirmands don't miss Confirm '10 overnight retreat this Friday, January 29th at 6:30PM til. Saturday, January 30th at 9:00PM. Must be present for the entire retreat to attend.

GodSquad - 5th Graders

Come this Sunday as we "Work It Out" together. Remember GodSquad is about Fellowship and Fun so come and enjoy a good time spent together. Regular time 4:30-6:00. Bring a friend.

Meg

Youth & College

Jan. 31^st - Acts 4:32-37; Clothing Drive

Feb. 7^th - Community

Feb. 14^th - "LOVEstrong" Valentines Day dinner

LOVEstrong. Consider spending Valentines Day evening with us - we want you to dress up and bring a friend. Come enjoy great food and a time of fellowship where we will explore true love and what it means to us. 5:30-7PM, please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 3^rd. Parents - we are look for volunteers to help serve dinner that evening. If you are interested, please email us at jchiu@iohumc.com. Hope to see you there!

Jocelyn & Mackay

Music & Fine Arts

The Chancel Choir looks forward to participating in the annual Hymns for Hope, which benefits the Interfaith Hospitality Network. The event is scheduled for 6pm, Sunday, January 31, at Wesley Monumental UMC. Choirs from a number of participating churches each present an anthem, then combine to sing a closing selection. The theme for this year's concert is No Hands But His. Please plan to support this important ministry! Tickets are on sale for $7.00 and can be purchased or reserved by calling 790-9446.

Because of Hymns for Hope, there will be no rehearsals of any youth choirs, guitars, or Handbells this Sunday, January 31.

The Men's Chorus will begin another series of rehearsals on Sunday, February 14, at 7:00PM. We plan to sing in worship on Sunday, March 14.

Kevin & Nancy

Congregational Concerns

Christian Sympathy to...

...Ricky Murphy and family on the death of his grandmother, Frances Maxey

...Family of Rosa Carter, our church member, on her death.

Memorials & Gifts

...Donations were made to the Preschool Scholarship Fund in memory of Jack Herry by Betty Clements and in memory of Rosa Carter by Betty Clements.

...A donation was made to Haiti Project in memory of Jack Heery by David Parrott.

... A donation was made to the Pastor's Emergency Fund in memory or Barbara Slagel by New Horizon's Sunday School Class.

...Donations were made to Christ Child's Nest in honor of Yokum's 40th Anniversary by Elaine & Joyce Compton, in honor of Joan Broerman by Huntingdon Women's Club, in memory of Julian Quattlebaum by Dixie & Bill Diffenderfer & by Carolyn Solana, in memory of Jack Heery by Dixie & Bill Diffenderfer, Judy & Clyde Griffin, Walter Lewis, Marean & Leon Proper, Char Hylbert, Joe & Marilyn Buck, Dale Hooks: Manager Marketing Services, Mr. & Mrs. Clay Ratterroe, Clate & Belle Ralston, The Hathaway Family, Elinor Carter, Mr. & Mrs. Ben Barnes, Kimberly & Joseph Eric Carter, Kitty O'Neil, Mary Roberson, Linton & Tracie Smith, Sidney & Marcie Karp, Sonny & Cecelia Seiler, Pat Biggerstaff, Ken & Marion Johnson, L.G. & Lou Hook, Bill & Glenda Patterson, Danny & Mayette Sims, and Allen & Mary Beall.

...Donations were made to the Green House in memory of Jack Heery by Graham & Mark Solana, in memory of Barbara Slagel by Graham & Mark Solana, in memory of Julian Quattlebaum by Melinda & Charles Neidlinger, Sr., and Perri Grumish, and in memory of Nancy Hughes by Helen Lenahan, Dr. Raul & Kay Buelvas, and by Jack & Ruth Ann Hill.

Serving In Worship

January 31, 2010

ACOLYTES:

8:45 AM- Katie Allen, Phillip McManamy

11:15 AM- Tripp & Carter Geriner

ALTAR STEWARD:Mimi Jones

CHILDREN'S CHURCH:

8:45 AM- Margaret Davis, Bonnie Dempsey

11:15 AM- Melissa Vaughn

GREETERS:

8:45 AM- Evon Alexander, Ann Grotheer

11:15 AM- Jeannie Haynes, Raye Kitchens

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS:
Lisa Yannett, Marla Grady, Catherine Smith

SOUND BOARD:
8:45 AM- Charlie Davis 11:15 AM- Corky Cail

USHERS:

8:45 AM- Ken Jones, Capt., Kathleen Boggs, Lisa Yannett, Carolyn Hannaford, Sandy Ramstad, Kathy Nelson, Jill Brooks, Celena Egan

11:15 AM- Ken Royal, Capt., Georgine Scott, Amy Dixon, Sally Vaughan, Ruth Lewis, Suzanne Bryan, Wendi Sparks, Ali Benson, Laurie Allen, Elizabeth Usher, Celena Egan

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Sunday, January 31

8:45 AM..................................Worship Services

10:00AM................................ Sunday School

11:15 AM.................. Anchor Worship Service

3:00 PM..................................... SPR Meeting

4:30 PM......................................... GodSquad

4:30 PM..................................... KFC Bowling

4:30 PM..................... Chancel Choir at Wesley

5:30 PM.................................... Youth Supper

6:00 PM................................................ UMYF

6:00 PM................................. Hymns for Hope

Monday, February 1

9:00 AM.......................................... Preschool

10:00 AM.................... Beth Moore's Patriarchs

10:30 AM......................... Sparkler Bible Study

12:00 PM....................................... Rummikub

12:00 pm................ Worship Planning Meeting

12:30 PM.............................. Praying in Color

6:00 PM........................................ Girl Scouts

6:00 PM.............................. Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, February 2

9:00 AM.......................................... Preschool

9:00 AM......................... CBS Leader's Council

10:45 AM............... We Care Meals @ Memorial

6:30 PM........................................ Cub Scouts

Wednesday, February 3

9:00 AM.......................................... Preschool

9:00 AM............................ Newsletter Labeling

9:30 AM.................................... Staff Meeting

9:30 AM...................... Wymberly Garden Club

5:15 PM................................ Children's Choirs

5:15 PM......................... Prison Papers Grading

6:00 PM.................... Wednesday Night Supper

6:45 PM......................... Max Lucado: Fearless

7:00 PM........................... Beth Moore's: Esther

7:00 PM.................................... Chancel Choir

7:00 PM............................ Disciple Bible Study

Thursday, February 4

9:00 AM.......................................... Preschool

10:00 AM............. Becoming a Good Samaritan

6:30 PM............................... Anchor Rehearsal

7:00 PM........................................... Troop 56

Friday, February 5

8:30 AM................................... Moms in Touch

9:00 AM.......................................... Preschool

10:00 AM..................... Good Samaritian Circle

6:00 PM.................... Massey/Taylor Rehearsal

Saturday, February 6

All Day.......................... UMW Mission Workday

6:00 PM...................... Massey/Taylor Wedding

Staff Directory

Please click here for a complete Staff Directory.