Come Sit with Me

It's not uncommon in the Wilder household. When Elliott is wide-awake at 6:30 a.m. and I'm still trying to get ready for the day, I pop a movie in and settle him on the couch. He is entertained and I can get things done. But it never fails that just as I am walking out of the room, Elliott pats his hand on the couch and calls out, "Come sit with me!" I turn around and see the goofy grin of a two year old who wants some quiet company. And so I go and sit. He puts his hand on my leg and pats me gently.

Come sit with me. It's such a simple invitation. But it stops me in my tracks. The shower can wait; breakfast can wait; emails can wait. In the blink of an eye my to-do list suddenly takes the back burner to a bed-headed toddler in his jammies. And it's hands down my favorite part of the day.

Every day, our lives are full of work and play and family and chores. We are surrounded by lots of people, but do we take the time to stop and sit with anyone in particular? Do we step away from our busyness to share a conversation or simply be near someone we love?

It can take many forms: a drink on the patio before dinner, an ice cream cone on the bench at the park, a phone call to a friend or family member who lives far away. Some days 5 minutes is all we can spare, while other times we have hours to give. But the sheer act of stopping and taking the time to be with someone we love is a holy thing.

Come sit with me. As we settle into summer, I hope to spend more time with my family and friends and the people I love. I'll invite some people to come and sit and I hope some people will return the invitation to me. Sitting together in worship is a wonderful way to start.

I'll see you on 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

MFUMC will host early response training on Saturday, June 21 at 9 a.m. in the Wesley Dining Room.

Youth Mission Fridays begin next Friday, 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 Family 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.

Youth Camp is June 28 through July 3. The Youth ministry will take its annual trip to Lake Junaluska for Youth In Missions camp. For rising 7th through 12th graders. Sign-up required.

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 pre-registration ends Sunday, summer camps remain 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. Please e-mail our volunteer coordinators, Karen Baudet and Christine Foster or indicate your interest in volunteering at the VBS registration link.

This Week

Our Dementia Caregivers support group will meet on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The Blanket and Shawl Ministry will meet on Thursday, June 5 at 4 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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

Blanket and Shawl Ministry

June 5

Youth Choir Homecoming

June 8