WELCOME, BRIAN SMITH

This week we welcome to our staff the Rev. Brian Smith. Brian is a native of Gwinnett County and the Berkmar UMC. He graduated from Brookwood High School (in his senior year his football team went undefeated until the state championship game in the Georgia Dome). He graduated from Birmingham Southern College, then the Duke University seminary (perhaps he and Elaine Wilder will teach us the secret Duke handshake). While at Duke, Brian interned at the Peachtree Road UMC and receives high marks for his tenure there. Included in Brian's pastoral duties here are a focus on evangelism and a concentration on young adults.

This week he will be joined here by his mother Chris (his father is deceased) and his fiancé Jordan Via. He will participate in worship the next two weeks and then preach on July 6 and 13.

Please join us for a reception to honor Brian in the Family Life Hall between the worship services and after the 11:15 service.

Also a part of the service at this time of year is the ritual of appointment and reappointment of our ministers. Again, our ministers are appointed for one year at a time and this week begins Elaine Wilder's fifth year here and my twelfth. The Chairperson of our Staff-parish Relations Committee, Allen Krivsky, will lead us in that litany.

I speak for all of your ministers when I tell you that it is a great honor to be in ministry with you, and we are deeply grateful for the honor.

And all of us will 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

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)

The Youth Ministry will take its annual trip to Lake Junaluska for Young People In Missions camp June 28-July 3. 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

Meet Our New Minister! There will be a reception to welcome Rev. Brian Smith on Sunday following both worship services in the Family Life Hall.

Join the Music Ministry for a One Rehearsal Choir on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. The choir will lead worship on Patriotic Sunday, June 29. All voices and ages are welcome for this festive morning which includes the Armed Forces salute and a musical setting of Lincoln's second inaugural address. (Bryan Black, ext 7815)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers will return after Labor Day.

Save the Date

Meet Brian Smith

MFUMC's New Associate Minister

Sunday, June 22

Glisson Grow Camp

June 23-27

Princess Dance Camp

June 23-27

Jungle Tumble Camp

June 23-27