Glad Tidings for the Week of July 25, 2010

Church wide Fast for the People of Haiti

Have you ever been hungry? I don't mean the "I worked right through lunch" kind of hunger. I am talking about hunger that lasts for days at a time and robs you of dignity and hope. Has your first thought in the morning ever been, "How will I feed my children today?" Not, "Will we have leftovers, eat out or pick up dinner tonight?" But, "Where will our next meal come from?"

During our time in Bayonnais, Haiti the mission team saw hunger in the children with eyes that begged us for food, bellies that were bloated yet empty, and hair that was dry and brittle. As we walked through the market, many of the ladies selling their wares rubbed their stomachs as we passed by-a plea from the hungry to be helped by the wealthy. On many occasions, as we walked the muddy paths of Bayonnais with the children holding our hands, they would look at us and say in their very best English, "I am hungry." And we would smile faintly and maybe squeeze their hand in recognition of their need, but there was little we could do. And yet, each day the team enjoyed three delicious meals prepared just for us, as the children stood at the back door and watched us eat the bountiful food. Every night as we met as a team to discuss the day's events, we vowed to find some way to respond to the crippling hunger and poverty.

After praying for God's guidance and direction for several weeks, we would like to offer our church family the opportunity to fast and pray as a body of believers for the people of Haiti. We encourage everyone who is able, to fast beginning at noon on Saturday, July 31st and ending at noon on Sunday, August 1st. How fitting it will be to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion that Sunday, and to come together at the table of the Lord to be nourished by the Bread of Life! After the 11:15 worship services, we will gather for a modest meal of beans and rice in the fellowship hall. (The children who attend school at OFCB Ministries in Bayonnais receive a meal of beans and rice each school day. For many of them, it is the only meal they receive. It is not uncommon for children who do not attend school there to go for days without food.)

At the beans and rice meal, we ask each family to donate an amount equal to what they would have spent on meals during the fast period, or whatever they feel called to give. If you are unable to fast, you might consider giving up something that you enjoy-your iPod or television. To help us all pray for specific needs during the fast, prayer cards will be available in the narthex and Sunday School classrooms this coming Sunday, July 25th. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and all those around the world who live in poverty.

In His Service,
Julie

Please call the church office by noon on Friday July 30th to make reservations for the nursery for children 3 years old and under. Please bring a snack for the children in the nursery. Thank you.

Announcements

The Sugar and Spice Shop for Day on the Island is seeking donations for supplies needed to make Pepper Jelly. We are in need of Certo Liquid Pectin and 8 oz. Jelly Jars (preferably with regular mouth lids and bands included). Please drop all items off in the Church office.
If you are growing bell peppers or jalapeno peppers in your garden and would like to make a donation, please contact Daniele Burgess @ 598-2067 or Catherine Smith @ 355-9493.

Christian Women's Club is an international interdenominational non-membership organization that meets the 4th Wednesday of each month (except November & December). The July meeting will be Wed., July 28th, at Carey Hilliard's Banquet Room, 11111 Abercorn Street Ext. from 12:00 - 1:30. This is our annual "Mother-Daughter" Luncheon. Special feature will be Kitchen Collection with Melody Williams. Music and speaker will be Rhonda Byrd from South Carolina on "How to have perfect organization for life." Price of luncheon is $10.25; reservations are requested by Monday July 19th. Call Carol Falligant (598-0865) or Fall Quattlebaum (598-0081) email gendenfieldcccw@comcast.net.

New Sunshine Ministry
The Flower Guild is in need of interested volunteers on Monday mornings to put Sunday's sanctuary flowers in bud vases (which are provided) and will need to be delivered to shut ins or/and Nursing Homes. With enough interested volunteers this should require one Monday out of every 8 or so.
This is a wonderful Sunshine ministry that is very rewarding! If interested, please call:
Matra Jordan 352-1306
Gerry Garrison 355-5801

MINISTER ON CALL
For Emergencies: July 23-July 25
Rev. Mike Ricker (912) 659-4475

Thank you to following people who volunteered for interfaith Hospitality network!
Teri & Bob Akin
Wanda Bacon
Brenda & Eddie Boaen
Joan Broerman
Dori Burgess
Brett, Daniele, Rowan, Riley & Foster Burgess
Lois & Ted Coe
Bill & Lynn Hagan
Dean & Betsy Hines
Brenda & Hurley Cook
Gray Curlee
Phyllis & Lane Curlee
Dotty Davis
Dotsie Dewberry
Inman, Vicki, Klara & Emily Hodges
Mary Louise Jones
Jim Kearney
Felicia, Doug & Asa McManamy
Gail Murphy
Katy & Jim Patterson
Karen & Mike Prevatt
Fall Quattlebaum
Jane Rainey
Cynthia Russum
Ann Sherrill
Martha Sloan
Nicole Soldan
Julie & Scott Vann
Ellen Walker

Dear Friends,
Our loss of Bill Diffenderfer is overwhelming, but we are sustained by the gracious outpouring of love and respect from Isle of Hope UMC. We thank you for your generous gifts, prayers, food, cards and calls, and especially your presence. We appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Dixie, Monica, Bill and Rachel

Missions & Outreach

Gifts for Babies
Remember the Friends 'n Needles Prayer Shawl Group's "Baby Boutique" when you need a gift for a baby. This month we've added four darling sweaters, some blankets and hats to our ever growing inventory which the office staff will be glad to show you at any time. We also have many colorful trendy scarves and shawls. All proceeds will be donated to various children's missions. For further information: nlhnlh@hotmail.com
Church-wide Fast for Haiti
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." Matthew 25:35
While in Bayonnais, Haiti this year, the mission team members were struck by the severity of the hunger there. The depressed economy and the earthquake in Port Au Prince have taken a toll on the people who already knew hunger all too well. Since before our return to Savannah, the team has been praying for God's guidance as we seek ways to help alleviate the hunger and suffering.
We would like to offer our church family the opportunity to fast and pray as a body of believers for the people of Haiti. We encourage everyone who is able, to fast beginning at noon on Saturday, July 31st and ending at noon on Sunday, August 1st. The fast will be broken as we receive communion during worship that morning. After the 11:15 worship services, we will come together for a modest meal of beans and rice in the fellowship hall. (The children who attend school at OFCB receive a meal of beans and rice each school day. For many of them, it is the only meal they receive. It is not uncommon for children who do not attend school there to go for days without a meal.)
At the meal, we ask each family to donate an amount equal to what they would have spent on meals during the fast period or whatever they feel called to give. If you are unable to fast, you might consider giving up something that you enjoy-your iPod or television. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti and all those around the world who live in poverty. Call Julie with any questions.

Julie

Education Events

Adult Sunday School News
New Studies available. Join one in August.
Cornerstone:"Fearless" facilitated by Debbie Alexander
New Horizons: Forgiveness - An Adam Hamilton study
Seekers: "Angels" facilitated by Joe Buck
Good News: "Paul" The Man The Mission & The Message, Meets in the "Old Youth Building"
10:02 (Men's Class): "Being Gods Man" facilitated by Doug McManamy
Meets in the Hanger - The Green House 10:02AM
Look For More To Come!
Upcoming Events
Promotion Sunday for Children & Youth is August 15th
Sunday School Teachers Orientation for Children & Youth is Wednesday, August 4th 6:00-8:00PM with supper.
3rd Graders receive their Bibles Sunday, September 12th. If you have a 3rd grader and have not received a call or email please call Lisa Sharpley (355-8527) to insure we have your child's information.

Meg

Music Ministry

In keeping with our less formal summer worship in the sanctuary, this Sunday's services will include times for singing hymns chosen by the congregation. So think ahead and come prepared to request your favorites!
The Men's Chorus will begin a series of weekly rehearsals this Sunday, July 25, at 7pm. We plan to sing in worship on August 22. As always, we invite all men to participate - with or without previous musical experience.

Kevin & Nancy

For Youth & College

Deep Creek will be this Sunday, we will leave at 11 AM from the Green House. We will return Friday, July 30! If you haven't signed up and would still like to go, there are still spots available!
BLEND is quickly approaching...it's our annual lock-in with rising 9th graders and all high school. Dates are August 20-21st. We had such a great time last year and hope you will join us this year! Permission forms are available in the office, so please sign up as soon as possible!
Wing and A Prayer will not be meeting this Sunday, July 25th. The last meeting will be on August 1st, from 7-9 PM. Please join!

Mackay

Congregational Concerns

Memorials & Gifts

...Donations were made to Wesley Community Center in memory of Bill DIffenderfer by Jeff & Caryn Andrews and James & Dotsie Dewberry.
...Donations were made to the Green House in memory of Herbie Miller (Susan Holliday's father) by Bill & Susan Barton, Jr., in memory of Bill Diffenderfer by Dale M. Blankenship, Bob & Fran Johnson, Tom Curless, Sam McCachern, Kathy & Cliff McCurry, Betty Heery, William & Susan Barton. Fred & Raye Kitchens, Bud & Joan Broerman, Char Hylbert, Mark & Janet Basseches, Diane & Jim Zettergren, Jason & Linda Moore, Hurley & Brenda Cook, Gerald & Jane Rainey, and Alexander, Marla, Carson & Mary Paige Grady.

Server List

ACOLYTES:
8:45 AM- Grace Jackson, Emily Smith
11:15 AM- Nicholas Johnson, Harrison West
ALTAR STEWARD:Mimi Jones
CHILDREN'S CHURCH:
8:45 AM- Ashley Stutzman, Melissa Turner
11:15 AM- Terry Brettschneider
GREETERS:
8:45 AM- Cleve Burkhalter, Tim Callaway
11:15 AM- Jim & Louise Smith, Ty & Tricia Stone
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS:
Colleen Bibby, Jennifer Kearson, Katherine Bennett
SOUND BOARD:
8:45 AM-Bill Simmons 11:15 AM- Molly Alexander
USHERS:
8:45 AM-Clyde Griffin, Capt., Carroll Clifton, Harry Wells, Don Waters, Doug McManamy, Charlie Strickland, Joachim Michels, Chip Woods
11:15 AM- Gary Shuman, Capt., Fred Daniel, Joe Edwards, Fred Kitchens, Jack Parker, Don Stahle, Louis Young, Bill McCartney
ANCHOR SERVERS:
GREETERS: Dawn & George Quattlebaum, Holly & Don Thompson
USHERS: George Quattlebaum, Don Thompson

Calendar of Upcoming Events

Staff Directory

Please click here for a complete staff list.