I'LL SEE YOU THIS SUNDAY AS WE GATHER TOGETHER TO LISTEN FOR THE LORD

You may know that I have moved into the church parsonage that is two doors down from our church building. Over the past few weeks I have realized that this home is referred to by a variety of different names: the white house...the parsonage...that house next to the rock house. One of the things that makes the parsonage truly special is its location. It is adjacent to the church and within walking distance of the Marietta Square. I am blessed to be able to live in this house. If you have never been to the parsonage or would just like to come over, consider this your invitation.

But there is one thing about the parsonage that is not so endearing...the trains. With such close proximity to the Marietta Square, I am continually reminded that there is a train crossing only two blocks away. My first night sleeping in the parsonage I was startled awake by the multiple trains that passed throughout the evening and into the early morning. For the first two weeks of living in the home, I would wake up every night and ask, "Am I ever going to get used to this?

Thankfully, my body has begun to adjust. With every passing night, I am becoming more accustomed to the trains, and I am better able to sleep. Slowly, I am noticing the sounds of the horns less and less. Our minds and bodies have an incredible ability to adapt and to drown out things we do not want to hear.

This made me wonder, are there other sounds in my life that I have begun to notice less and less? As Disciples of Christ, there are some sounds that we cannot allow ourselves to ignore. We need to listen and be attentive to the Scriptures. We need to listen for the cries of those in need. We need to listen for those who are suffering or grieving. And we need to listen for the voice of God. This week, my prayer is that you and I might become more attentive to the variety of ways that God speaks to us.

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

All third graders will receive an engraved Bible on Sunday, August 17 during both worship services. Please send third graders' full name and service he/she will be attending to Kelly Duncan by July 18.

We have plenty of camps left to keep your children entertained this summer! Martial arts, dance, world travel, author adventures, and more in July. For more details, visit the summer camp page on the MFUMC Web site.. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

There will be a meeting of those interested in going to Chimbote, Peru in November on Sunday, July 27 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 201B. There is a need for medical personnel to work in the health clinic, and also workers with basic carpentry or electrical skills. (Kathy Cadle, reesecadle@bellsouth.net)

Weekday Ministry invites you to join our preschool family. We have room in our hearts and classrooms for a few more children ages 12 months (as of September 1) to five years old (as of September 1). Call or come by for a visit this summer and see what Weekday has to offer you and your child. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)

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)

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)

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 communion offering this Sunday will go to support Murphy-Harpst Children's Home. For nearly a century, Murphy-Harpst has successfully treated thousands of children by building the environment necessary to reverse the cycle of a lifetime of cruelty and neglect.

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

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.

Fuse Lacrosse registration begins July 14! Children who turn 3 by September 1, 2014 through 5th grade are eligible to play, and the games will be from 2-3 p.m. August 10 through September 21 (except August 31). This is a fast-paced, fun sport for beginners or players who are looking for a way to improve their skills in a casual setting. For more information, visit the Fuse Sports page on the MFUMC Web site or contact kellyduncan@mariettafumc.org.

Help with the Back To School backpack event! We need help with registration on Thursdays, July 10 (tomorrow) and July 17 from 12:30-4 p.m. or this 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)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers will return after Labor Day.

Save the Date

Back To School Backpack

Event Registration

Thursday, July 10 and Saturday, July 12

College Lake Weekend

July 11-12

Lake Junaluska Singers

in Concert

July 13

Fuse Lacrosse