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ANTICIPATORY MINISTRY
The people at Amazon are at it again. You will remember that they recently floated the idea of delivering our orders to our homes by drones. Now, to speed up  shipping and fulfillment of orders (in addition to its agreement with the Post Office for Sunday delivery), Amazon is introducing what it calls "anticipatory shipping." Their computers will scan our previous orders, wish lists, page views, and "even cursor activity" to anticipate what we might order next. Those orders, then, are shipped to a facility near us to be delivered even more quickly when the actual order is made. This could be fun. I recently looked at Patek Philippe watches online and found one that I liked for $28,000. If that watch is waiting in a warehouse in Kennesaw, someone is going to be disappointed. I also saw some William Henry pocket knives that retail for just under $10,000. Maybe they're waiting with the watch and Bobbi assures me they'll be waiting for a long time. Nevertheless I'm sure the Amazon computers can distinguish what is wishful thinking and what is real shopping, and I'm sure this venture will be successful. Amazon doesn't make many mistakes.
But I want you to know that your church does the same thing and we call it "anticipatory ministry." We can actually anticipate and predict what people are going to need before they come into worship, before they bring their children to the nursery, before they go into the hospital, and before they call to spend a few minutes with their minister. Jesus was the first to do it when he said, "Come to me, you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Another version states it, "...you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens." Your church can anticipate that at some time, most of us get weary with life. We are dealing with failure, disappointment, betrayal, and ennui. Or we carry the heavy burdens of missteps, hidden shame, addictions, and an intense fear of tomorrow. We want to live in a supportive community of faith. We want our children to be loved and to see examples of integrity and dignity. Your church can anticipate those needs.
We also come to the church with great joy. There is a new birth, a marriage, a promotion, and a celebration. We come with thanksgiving for the opportunities and encouragement we have received. We want to give something in return. We want to share our blessings. And your church can anticipate those needs, too.
The bottom line is that we humans don't change much and that the needs and desires among us are somewhat common to us all. We want life and hope. We want to handle pressures and challenges. We want to be creative and peaceful and to dispel whatever destroys the peace and the creativity. Know that your church is present and available. We are still "new" to 2014, still able to make a new commitment. I hope to see you in the life of the church as we anticipate together what our futures will be.
I'll see you this Sunday.
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The United Methodist Women will host its Mission Extravaganza on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Rev. Jasmine Smothers, Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for the North Georgia Conference, will be the speaker. (Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835) Plan a special night out with your girl! Our annual Daddy and Daughter Valentine's Dance is Friday, February 7 from 6-8 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Cost is $5 per person, which includes a DJ, candy buffet, a rose for each girl and a keepsake photo. Visit Children's Events to register or contact Kelly Duncan with questions. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)
Learn how you can be a part of our 2014 mission team to the Republic of Georgia. An informational session about our ongoing work with a school for internally displaced persons in Tblisi, Georgia will be held on Wednesday, February 12 at 5:30 p.m. We will share Church Family Supper and conversation in Room 104. For more information, contact Patty Mozley or Forrest Cate ext. 7806. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)
Confirmation Sunday is February 2. Our 2014 Confirmation Class will be honored at a dinner on Saturday, February 1 at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Confirmation students, families and mentors are invited to attend. The class will be confirmed in both worship services on Sunday, April 21. (Emily Kirby, ext. 7822)
Tutors are needed for Project Light, our English as second language and G.E.D. Training program. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)
Registration is now open for our 2014 Women's Retreat at Serenbe on February 7-8. Our theme is "Be Still." Brochures are placed throughout the church. You may also register online here. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)
Lil' Lambs sale registration for consignors begins online at www.lil-lambs.org on Wednesday, January 29 for church members and Wednesday, February 5 for the public. The sale begins Thursday, March 6 with early shopping for $5 and free admission on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. (Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)
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 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Contact Chris DeJarnett for more information. Art From the Heart to benefit Weekday Ministry will be held Saturday, March 1 from 6-9 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, on the Marietta Square. Join our preschool and kindergarten at this annual fundraiser that is centered around art created by Weekday Ministry children as well as adult artists. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842) |
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The Youth Choir Mission Tour and Senior High Spring Break Mission meetings are scheduled for this Sunday, January 26 at 3:30 p.m. in the Choir Room and 4:30 p.m. in The Lower Room. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815 and Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)
Weekday Ministry Preschool and Kindergarten is hosting tours on next Monday, January 27 through Wednesday, January 29 at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)
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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 22: Beef lasagna or egg plant rollatini, roasted squash and zucchini, sautéed spinach, salad bar, garlic breadsticks and desserts. For the kids: Hamburger or cheeseburger, tater rounds, applesauce, salad bar and dessert.
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Women's Bible Study Resumes Wednesday, January 22 Weekday Ministry Preschool
and Kindergarten Tours Wednesday, January 22 Monday through Wednesday, January 27-29 The Youth Choir Mission Tour
and Senior High Spring Break
Mission meetings Sunday, January 26
Lil' Lambs Consignor Registration
for Church Members Opens
Wednesday, January 29
Confirmation Sunday
Sunday, February 2
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 Daddy and Daughter Dance Friday, February 7 Drama Ministry Team Auditions for "Swing Out Saturday Night" Sunday and Monday, February 9-10 Republic of Georgia Mission Team Meeting Wednesday, February 12 UMW Missions Extravaganza Thursday, February 27 Art From the Heart Saturday, March 1 |
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