THE PEWS ARE READY

Few groups in the church are as involved in as many acts of worship as is the Altar Guild. The Guild has a distinct presence in sanctuary décor, communion preparation, funerals, weddings, acolytes, and special Sam's Picture Sundays, to name a few. You and I take for granted the decoration of the sanctuary (and even the entire church) for Christmas and Easter. We assume that communion will be prepared for the chapel every Sunday and all the other times, including 11:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve (!). When we attend funerals, we assume that some of "our people" will prepare the parlor for the grieving family and friends, and that those same people will be present in the narthex to escort the family members into the sanctuary for the service and greet them afterwards.

The Altar Guild also is responsible for "pew readiness," the preparation of the pews for worship each week. You'll see volunteers during the week in the sanctuary, making sure the hymnals are in good shape and placed properly. If you mistakenly take the Bible or hymnal out with you and leave it on a table in the hallway, another one will be in its place for Sunday morning. When you're invited to stand and sing "How Great Thou Art," the hymnal will be there. When you are invited to read along the words of Jesus, the Bible will be there. The members of the Altar Guild make sure that there's a pen available in every slot and that it writes. When you and I need to write a prayer request to be received by the whole church, there is a card available on which to write that request. The Kleenex that you leave behind will be picked up and discarded, along with your scribbles on the prayer card, the bulletin folded into an airplane, the Coke can, and the Starbucks cup. (Any sketches of your minister that depict him as a bald older man, and there are always some, are turned over to the FBI for fingerprint and DNA analysis). In short, when you and I come to worship on Sunday morning or to attend a concert, funeral, or lecture in the sanctuary, our focus can be entirely on the issue before us. Because of a loving, dedicated member of the Altar Guild, the pews are ready.

You'll hear more in coming weeks and months about the Altar Guild. There is always room for you if you want to learn more about worship and want to help facilitate it. If you'll call the office, you'll be put in touch with the appropriate people. The Altar Guild. It's a good way to make a difference.

I'll see you this Sunday.

News

The United Methodist Women will host the 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)

Dr. Oral Moses, Babbie Mason and the Georgia Spiritual Ensemble will perform Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. No tickets required; donations accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Oral Moses Scholarship at Kennesaw State University. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

The Dementia Caregiver's Support Group meets next Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Special Blessings Support Group will gather next Wednesday, February 12 at 4:15 p.m. in Room 259. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The Senior Adult Ministry will host a Valentine's Day luncheon this Thursday, February 13 at 11:30 a.m. in the Family Life Hall. (Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)

A Grief Support Group will begin Wednesday, February 19. The group will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for six weeks. To register or for more information, contact Rev. Elaine Wilder at ext. 7826.

Learn how you can be a part of our 2014 mission team to the Republic of Georgia. An informational dinner 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. in Room 104. For more information, contact Patty Mozley or Forrest Cate ext. 7806. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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)

Lil' Lambs sale registration for consignors has begun online at www.lil-lambs.org. 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)

Tutors are needed for Project Light, our English as second language and G.E.D. Training program. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

This Week

Our annual Daddy and Daughter Valentine's Dance is this 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)

The United Methodist Women will sell organic coffee and organic chocolate this Sunday, February 9 on the Bridge and at the Reception Desk. All proceeds go to support UMW Mission Projects.

Power 45!, a program for 4th and 5th graders, will be held this Sunday, February 9 from 4-6 p.m.in the FUSE Box.

Auditions for "Swing Out Saturday Night" are this week. The show is 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.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

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.

February 5: Beef stroganoff egg noodles or grilled Tilapia with seasoned rice, vegetables, salad bar,
rolls and desserts.

Kids: Breaded chicken sandwich, tater rounds, peaches, salad bar, and desserts.

Save the Date

Daddy and Daughter Dance

Friday, February 7

Power 45!

Sunday, February 9

UMW Coffee and Chocolate Sale

Sunday, February 9

Drama Ministry Team Auditions