WHERE WE ARE

Maybe you've heard me say that in my eleven years as your minister, the address of our church has changed three times. For a while, we were "on the Loop, across the Sam's Picture street from Krystal." Then we were "on the loop, across the street from where Krystal used to be." And now we are "on the loop, across the street from Starbucks."

I suppose it's appropriate to designate addresses according to familiar sites. After all, there are several churches on and around the Square, but there was only one Krystal, only one Starbucks, and only one abandoned building where Krystal once stood. Most of the churches have the same brick exterior, but the logos of Krystal and Starbucks are very, very familiar to us. They are distinctive.

I think the Church has always placed itself in relation to the world around us. For
generations church planters have found the places where people lived and were planning to live and, anticipating the challenges that would follow, decided to place a church there.

The Church is never very far from its environs. In fact, it is a response to the world in which it exists. Perhaps you remember the last few verses of the ninth chapter of Matthew's gospel. He relates that Jesus went all about the "cities and villages" healing, teaching, and proclaiming. Yet the crowds were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." The response of Jesus at the beginning of the tenth chapter is to call the disciples and send them out into the world. "When he saw the crowds" is the phrase Matthew uses.

The Church continues to view the hurts and concerns of the world, and we are at work meeting those challenges every day. There are still people who are hungry and alone. There are those without voice and without place. There are those who chase empty goals of popularity and possessions. People are still harassed and helpless, still like sheep without a shepherd.

And in the name of Jesus, we are there. The people are there, so we are there.

I'll see you this Sunday.

Restore to Glory!

Restore To Glory! is off and running with its own Web site. Click here to find out more information about the campaign, including this month's update, photos of the project's progress and how to donate or pledge to the campaign.

News

Youth Mission Fridays begin June 13 and continue weekly throughout the summer from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As a part of the ministry, our youth will participate in service projects around the community. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Plan now for the Great American Picnic on July 4th in the Park on Polk! Hosted by the Phileo Sunday School class, the GAFP is your chance for the best seats in the house for Marietta's fireworks show and to support MUST Ministries.

Visit www.greatamericanfamilypicnic.com for more information or to register.

The Lake Junaluska Singers will perform at MFUMC on Sunday, July 13 at 7 p.m. Admission is free. An ice cream social will follow the concert. For more information about the group, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/singers.

Marietta FUMC will be sending a mission team to Arizona, to work with the Tohono O'odham Native American tribe from June 11-18. Light repairs, block parties for the youth, and VBS will be the focus of the trip. Cost is $500. For more information contact Sarah Bentley at sbentley292@gmail.com or Forrest Cate at ext. 7806.

The College Sunday School class has begun for the summer and meets weekly in Room 255. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Join a mission team without traveling! International students in Marietta are looking for English practice, mentoring and friendship. The Global Mission Ministry Team is seeking volunteers to participate in casual English conversational round tables, offer English homework help, and give support and encouragement. (Sam Casto, 770-826-8650, samxcasto@gmail.com.

VBS and Summer Camp online registration is open! Visit the MFUMC Web site for details about the Summer of Wonders! There are many great camps for nursery, preschool, and elementary ages that will keep your kids entertained and growing in faith all summer long! Contact Kelly Duncan with any questions. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Volunteer registration for Vacation Bible School is now open. More than 300 children ages 3K to 5th grade (completed grades) will come together for "Workshop of Wonders: Imagine and Build with God" June 16-19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
As a counselor, you will play a critical role in helping children experience the power of God's love! There are many fun opportunities for involvement, and no teaching experience is necessary. If you enjoy working with children and have any time to spare (even just one day), the VBS staff will tailor a schedule that works with your availability and interests. The nursery is also available to care for younger siblings free-of-charge and is reserved only for counselors.
Please e-mail our volunteer coordinators, Karen Baudet and Christine Foster, by May 15th or indicate your interest in volunteering at the VBS registration link.

This Week

The Senior High Youth ministry plays ultimate Frisbee on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. on the activity field by the playground. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

The College Sunday School class has begun for the summer and meets weekly in Room 255. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers are on hiatus until after Labor Day.

Save the Date

Summer Sunday School starts

Sunday, June 1

Youth Choir Homecoming

June 8

Mad Scientists Camp

June 9-13