News from Marietta FUMC for March 25, 2014

THE NEXT STEPS

The first listening sessions about Restore To Glory! have gone well. There is a solid agreement that the restoration work needs to be done and now is a good time to do it. Some questions have arisen and I want to take this space this week to address the most often asked ones.

1. What is the timeline for the work? Sam's Picture A timeline is posted on the church website and is divided into quarters of the year. Know that some of the work has already started and we'll see it soon. The last work to be done will be the sanctuary because of the lead-time on manufacturing the pews. That work will not be completed until the summer of 2015.

2. When should we start giving to Restore to Glory? Our "kickoff" date is April 6, at which time we hope most of the church will make our three-year commitments. Hopefully, then, the giving will begin in April. Some of us will choose to give larger, one-time gifts and those gifts will be accepted any time.

3. How much should we give? The general figure that has been shared is about a 25% increase per year for the three years. Of course, that figure is operative only if every family participates. As always, as in every endeavor in the church, we should give as God has given to us and as we need to give.

4. How can I give? If you give by check, designate your check for "Restore To Glory!" or "Restore" to differentiate the gift from your regular giving. The church website (www.mariefttafumc.org) has a link to Restore To Glory! and on that site we can give using debit or credit cards. There are instructions on the site under "Make a Donation" on automated giving. If there are any questions whatsoever about giving and the way in which we give, please contact the church office and someone will be available to you.

These are really good days for our church. We have within our means the resources easily to do the work we have agreed to do in Restore To Glory! and now you and I must accept this challenge and make our commitments. I have no doubt whatsoever about our completing this task. If you need to talk to me about this, I want you to call me. As always, pray for your church and for its leaders.

News

Don't Miss the Restoration Celebration and Lunch with the Whitlock Ramblers on Sunday, April 6. To mark the official kickoff of the Restore To Glory! Campaign, MFUMC is hosting a lunch in the Family Life Hall on Sunday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m. Plan for food, fun and fellowship for the whole family.

New Women's Bible Study begins this week. Our Wednesday morning Women's Bible Study will begin a 4 week discussion this week of "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. All are welcome to join in this group for discussion and learning. Wednesday mornings (not meeting on April 2), 9:30-11:15 am in room 201-B. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, 7826)

Help stock the MFUMC food pantry during April. Every week, members of our community depend on the MFUMC pantry for food. Please donate non-perishable food items throughout the month of April by leaving them in the specially marked bins throughout the church. For more information, click here.

On May 3, join us for the 2014 MFUMC Sporting Clays Tournament to support Men's Missions. Enjoy a day with friends at historic Burge Plantation shooting clays while supporting a great cause. For more information, click here.

Learn more about our summer mission trip to Arizona on Sunday, March 30 at 12:30 p.m. in room 201-B. For more detail, visit mariettafumc.org/missiontrips. (Contact: Sarah Bentley)

Life can be challenging. Sometimes having a caring Christian friend who will listen and pray without giving advice or making judgment makes all the difference. God did not intend for us to be alone when crises hit; God intended that we support and encourage one another. FUMC has trained Stephen Ministers available to provide confidential emotional and spiritual support. Contact Rev. Elaine Wilder (ext. 7826) for more information or to begin receiving care.

If you knit, crochet or sew, join our Blanket and Shawl Ministry, which provides blankets and shawls to help comfort those dealing with health issues. The group will meet Thursday, April 3 at 4:00 p.m. in room 220. (Susie Moore, 770-429-1915)

A mission trip to Guatemala is forming to work with LaSenda children's home and school on improvement projects and teaching and ministering to students and residents. The trip is June 1-6. (Martha Lee Sanders, 770-428-8115)

Save the Date for MFUMC's Great Day of Service on Saturday, April 26. Help with projects including Stop Hunger Now, a Road Race, hygiene kits, and sewing projects. Contact: Beth Gilland. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

VBS and Summer Camp online registration is open! Visit the MFUMC Web site for details about the Summer of Wonders! There are a variety of camps for ages nursery through 5th grade. Contact Kelly Duncan with any questions. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

This Week

You're invited to a town hall meeting about our Restore to Glory! Campaign. Join us for an information meeting tomorrow night, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Bring your questions!

An Early Response Team has formed at Marietta FUMC. While this team is not a first response team or a recovery rebuild team, it does perform specific assigned tasks while establishing the presence of the church after a disaster. Our team will have a table set up on the Bridge this Sunday, March 30 and next Sunday, April 6. Come by to receive information on how you can prepare your family in the event of a disaster or to obtain more information on getting involved with this ministry. Contact Janice Staton. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Night Supper is served at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

March 26: Taco beef casserole with cheese enchilada or grilled tilapia, Mexican rice, seasoned black beans, salsa with chips, cheese nachos, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, toppings and desserts. Kids: Soft beef taco, Mexican rice, cheese nachos and desserts.

Save the Date

Restore To Glory!

Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, March 26

Chorister Choir Musical
Thursday, March 27

Disaster Recovery Team

Table on the Bridge

Sundays, March 30 and April 6

Arizona Mission Planning Meeting

Sunday, March 30

Widows and Widowers

Tuesday, April 1

Blanket and Shawl Ministry

Thursday, April 3