ANNUAL CONFERENCE
AND ADVENTURE SUNDAY

The North Georgia Annual Conference is in session this week at the Classic Center in Athens. The Conference Sam's Picture will hear the reports of the various agencies and committees of the church, remember the deceased ministers and spouses, say goodbye to a number of retirees, ordain a new class of ministers for service in the church, and on the last day, the Bishop will "fix" the appointments of the ministers.

As I remind you so often, United Methodist ministers are appointed for one year at a time and each year the church, the minister, and the Bishop review those appointments. On Thursday, pursuant to our requests, Rev. Elaine Wilder (fifth year) and I (twelfth year) will be reappointed to Marietta First. Rev. Claudette Farmer will be appointed to the St. James UMC in Alpharetta. The Rev. Brian Smith will be appointed here as an Associate Minister for his first year.

Among the ministers being memorialized this year is Dr. Bill Ruff who served this church as Senior Minister from 1968-1971.

Our church is well represented in Athens. In addition to our three ministers, we are represented by Ben and Joyce Hines, Joyce and Robbie Robertson, Sara Worden, Anne and Lawson Thigpen, Buddy and Lillian Darden, Nancy Hodges, and Linda Newiger. And on Wednesday, our ministers to youth, Josh Sweeney and Emily Kirby, will be present for a youth rally.

I hope you will keep your church, your ministers and delegates, and the greater church in your prayers. Our United Methodist Church is a connectional church and each year there is an exhilaration when we delegates meet our sisters and brothers and affirm once again the closeness of this church family.

I will say more about Brian Smith later, but we will certainly welcome him appropriately in a few days.

AND REMEMBER THAT THIS IS ADVENTURE SUNDAY AT MFUMC. THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING IN THE SANCTUARY SO DRESS COMFORTABLY. WE HAVE A GOOD SUPPLY OF FANS TO BE HANDED OUT. IT WILL BE A WONDERFUL DAY!

I'll see you this Sunday.

Restore to Glory!

Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Web site, which includes the latest news about projects with photos to show our progress. There, you will also find information about how to donate or make your pledge.

News

Boys and girls love Legos and they will love the Lego Movie too! Bring your children to the Fuse Box (Room 316) on Friday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for pizza and a movie. This is the day after VBS ends, so get some errands done or have lunch with friends while your kids are entertained!

You're needed at the Back To School backpack and school supplies event! You may volunteer to help with registration on Thursdays, July 10 and 17 from 12:30-4 p.m. or Saturday, July 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Your help is also needed when we pass out backpacks on Saturday, July 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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

The Youth Ministry will take its annual trip to Lake Junaluska for Young People In Missions camp June 28-July 3. Registration is required. Visit www.mariettafumc.org/youthcamp to signup online. (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 Great American Family Picnic is your chance for the best seats for Marietta's fireworks show and to support MUST Ministries. Volunteers are needed! Volunteers receive free admission and dinner. Visit www.mariettafumc.org/volunteer or contact Forrest Cate at ext. 7806. To register to attend the event, visit www.greatamericanfamilypicnic.com.

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.

Summer camp registration remains 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)

Sunday Night Fusion continues throughout the summer from 6-8 p.m. (no snack supper). Join us in the Lower Room for theme nights, worship, devotions, fun and special outings. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

This Week

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

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)

The Ruby Cooper Circle will meet on Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. in the Park on Polk Pavilion.

The Youth Ministry's Summer Lunches/Tuesday Lunch Crew continue on most Tuesdays throughout the summer from 1-3 p.m. For more information and where to meet, contact Josh Sweeney at ext. 7808.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers are on hiatus until after Labor Day.

Save the Date

2014 Annual Conference

June 10-12

Dementia Caregivers Support Group

Wednesday, June 11

Vacation Bible School

June 16-19

Ruby Cooper Circle

June 17

Early Response Training