JOINING YOUR CHURCH FAMILY

It is with great joy and excitement that I join this church family here at Marietta First United Methodist. I cannot thank you enough for the incredibly warm welcome that my family and I have received over these past two weeks.

When I finally received that long awaited phone call from the District Superintendent informing me of the church I would be moving to, there were a variety of questions that immediately began running through my mind. What is the congregation like? How is God working in and through this church? What ministries will I be working with? Is the parsonage going to be nice? Will Dr. Matthews and Rev. Wilder simultaneously take time off within my third week on the job?

While I have only been with you for a short time, I have already begun to learn the answers to some of these questions. I am learning that this church truly knows how to show hospitality and love. I am learning that this church is deeply invested in its children and youth. I am learning that this church understands the importance of missions and outreach in the local community and the world. Most importantly, I am learning that the heart of this church is serving and worshiping our Almighty God. What an honor and a blessing it is to join this place.

If you are a member of Marietta FUMC, the commitment that you made when you joined this congregation was to be faithful to this church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. As one of your ministers and one of the newest members of this church family, I make that very same commitment to you. I will strive to be faithful to God, this church, and to you with my prayers, my presence, my gifts, my service, and my witness.

I look forward to being in ministry with you and your family over the coming years, and if there is anything that I can do, my office door is always open.
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

The Global Mission Ministry Team will meet on Sunday, July 13 at 12:30 p.m. in the Reception Hall. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

The Middle High Youth plans to travel to Epworth for a mission trip July 20-23. Rising 5th grade youth are invited to attend. (Emily Kirby, ext. 7822)

College Lake Weekend-All college-age students are invited to join us for the annual weekend at Lake Hartwell. Friday-Saturday, July 11-12. For details, follow us on Facebook at MFUMC College & Young Adults.

Help with the Back To School backpack event! We need 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 distribute backpacks on Saturday, July 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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.

Middle schoolers are invited to Café 4:12 on Wednesdays at 7:45 a.m. at the Starbuck's across the street from the church. (Emily Kirby, ext. 7822)

Summer camp registration remains open. Visit the MFUMC Web site for details about the Summer of Wonders! There are many great camps for 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

The church office will be closed Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.

The Dementia/Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group will meet on Wednesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers will return after Labor Day.

Save the Date

Great American Family Picnic

July 4

Dementia/Alzheimer's

Caregiver Support Group

July 9

Back To School Backpack