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TRANSFORMATION Happy New Year! It's that time again. The Christmas decorations come down and we all try to settle back into a normal routine. My coffee table is covered in magazines that are offering countless suggestions about how I should  focus my plans for the New Year. Three of them have the bold headline, "New Year, New You!" I'm not big on resolutions. Sudden and drastic changes feel intimidating and unmanageable. I tend to feel more comfortable with the language of priorities. What do I want my priorities to be for this coming year? Some of us want to focus on physical health; some of us want to work on improving a relationship. Some of us want to improve our work life and others of us need to focus on our families or our faith or our finances. No matter what your specific priorities, it is good to take account of where you are and where you want to be. Around the church, we like to use the language of transformation. And there are a couple of important things to consider. First, transformation is never something we
accomplish alone. We are called to do the heavy lifting, but God provides a spark and plenty of support. Second, transformation is usually a process. It can begin suddenly and we often make progress in spurts, but the real change takes time. It's not until we look back that we can see how far we've come. Finally, the work of transformation is never complete. There is always room for improvement and we can always become stronger and more loving and more faithful people. How is God transforming you? Where do you need to invite God's work of transformation? We are all on a journey to become our best selves, our true selves. It may not be as simple as "New Year, New You," but it can be as simple as a quiet prayer opening yourself up to God. Listen to God's quiet whisper about how you can participate in your own transformation and the transformation of our world. And then take the first step towards something new in this New Year. Here's to 2014 and the many things God has in store for each us. I'll see you on Sunday, |
The next Power 45! will be held on Sunday, January 12 in the FUSE Box and Family Life Hall and on the Activity Field. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)
Come share the song. The Music Ministry invites singers of all ages and skills to join the 'Family Choir' on Sunday, January 5. Simple music will be rehearsed in the Choir Room 261 a half hour before each worship service. For more information, contact Bryan Black or ext. 7815.
Our 2014 Women's Retreat at Serenbe will be Friday-Saturday, February 7-8. Our theme is "Be Still," and registration is now open. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, 7826) Weekday Ministry Preschool and Kindergarten is hosting tours on Wednesday, January 22 from 5-7 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, January 27-29 at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)
Sunday School Forum, Sunday, January 12 at 10:10 am in the Sanctuary. Dr. Cory Labrecque, professor of Religion and Ethics at Emory University, will join us to speak on Christian Discipleship and how our everyday relationships can become opportunities for transformation. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826) All men of the church are invited to a mission expedition along the Amazon River February 2-9. Discover unique service, educational and research experiences focusing on the astounding natural and human resources of the Peruvian Amazon. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806) The Drama Ministry Team announces auditions for "Swing Out Saturday Night," an exciting new production coming to the Family Life Hall on March 22. Auditions for singers, actors and dancers are set for Sunday and Monday, February 9-10. Contact Chris DeJarnett for more information. Fuse Sports Basketball registration for ages 3K-5th grade is underway. The season begins Sunday, January 12. Click here for more details. |
Friday, January 3 is Movie with the Youth, who will be going to see The Book Thief at the NCG Marietta.
The Youth's Annual Bonfire is set for Sunday, January 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Park on Polk Join the Youth Ministry as it kicks off the new year. We will be using the new bonfire pit made by Will Beckett. Bring your lawn chairs and join us for some hot chocolate.
The Dementia Caregiver's Support Group meets January 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826) Special Blessings Support Group will gather on Wednesday, January 8at 4:15 p.m. in Room 259. This group provides support and resources to parents and caregivers of children with issues ranging from mild speech and behavioral challenges to more serious situations. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826) |
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Connect Through Table Fellowship
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Family Night Supper is served at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Family Life Hall. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.
January 8: Breaded pork chop or baked chicken, potato cheese casserole, mixed vegetables, pintos, salad bar, rolls and desserts. Kids: Corn dogs, tater rounds, peaches, salad bar and dessert
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Movie with the Youth Friday, January 3 Youth's Annual Bonfire Sunday, January 5 Dementia Caregiver's Support Group Wednesday, January 8 Special Blessings Support Group Wednesday, January 8 Family Night Supper Resumes Wednesday, January 8 Power 45! Sunday, January 12 Sunday School Forum with Dr. Cory Labrecque Sunday, January 12 Youth Human Trafficking Awareness Night Sunday, January 12 Ladies Bible Study Resumes Thursday, January 16 Women's Bible Study Resumes Wednesday, January 22 Weekday Ministry Preschool
and Kindergarten Tours Wednesday, January 22 Monday through Thursday, January 27-30 Men's Mission ExpeditionAlong the Amazon River Sunday, February 2 through Sunday, February 9 Women's Retreat at Serenbe Inn Friday and Saturday, February 7-8 Drama Ministry Team Auditions for "Swing Out Saturday Night" Sunday and Monday, February 9-10 |
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