TROUBLED WATERS, redux

The sermon title on Sunday morning ("Troubled Waters") was a harbinger of how a number of us Sam's Picture would spend the worship time and the hours following that morning. Perhaps you know by now that a pipe burst during the Sunday School hour in a restroom on the third floor. In just a few moments there was a sea of water all the way down to the first floor and to parts unknown. A number of our people jumped in to forestall damage, an emergency crew was called in, and we are open for business on Monday morning.

A quick glance this morning reveals that quick thinking and hard work by Bryan Black and others saved catastrophic damage to the pipe organ. The console at which Arie Motschman sits each week is just a small part of the organ. The actual pipes (3500 or so) and wiring are on the third floor and are an intricate and delicate mechanism (and at about $2.5 million, an expensive one as well). We think we are out of the woods on any significant damage, but say your prayers and keep your fingers crossed.

Epic Response was called in and apparently these folks do this kind of work every day. We are being dried out, plumbers have been on the scene, and, again, we are open for the business of the church.

I was asked a few times on Sunday and Monday, "How's your church?" (People in town had heard about the burst pipe.) My answer was and is the same: our building got wet and is under repair, but the church is well and going strong.

And it is. A good number of Confirmation parents met here on Sunday afternoon, as did youth group members and their parents. We ate and laughed and prayed together. We were at work on Monday, continuing our ministry of "availability and introduction." As always, we are available to the world around us and we will introduce that world to each other, to God, and to its best self.

The repairs are being done. The Trustees might have to talk to us about plumbing repairs and Restore to Glory!. But the church is fine. We are fine. We are available and about the business of introduction.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

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News

Save the Date: The Lil' Lambs Consignment Sale is set for Thursday through Saturday, September 11-13. At the sale, you'll find gently used children's clothes, toys, furniture, books and more. Visit the Lil' Lambs Web site to register as a consignor. (Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)

On Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, MFUMC will host the Marietta Mutt Strutt, an event centered around dogs with a costume (the winner will be the grand marshal of the parade!), a bone bar, Dachshund races and activities for people, big and small. In conjunction with the event, our Pet Ministry will collect dog food, leashes and collars for our furry friends. Look for drop-off locations around the church on Sundays, August 24 and August 31. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Weekday Ministry Preschool and Kindergarten will host an Open House for parents of enrolled students on Monday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

All children's choirs will meet together for a parent/singer orientation and teacher meet and greet in Rooms 261 and 262 on Wednesday, August 27 at 4:30 p.m. Choirs are offered for ages 3 through fifth grade. Register online now. The children's choir calendar is also on the church's Web site, All children rehearse at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

There will be a meeting for anyone interested in joining our Liberia mission team on Sunday, August 17 at 12:30 p.m. in room 201-B. The team will travel to Liberia in early December 2014 and work in the areas of water purification, education, and community building. Cost is dependent on airfare and financial assistance is available. (Brian McNair, brianmcnair@yahoo.com)

Join our Peru Mission Team. The group will work in Chimbote, Peru November 8-15. There is a need for medical personnel to work in the health clinic, and also workers with basic carpentry or electrical skills. Send an e-mail to Kathy Cadle for more information.

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 and see what Weekday has to offer you and your child. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)

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.

This Week

Traffic and Safety Alert. Weekday Ministry Preschool and Kindergarten will resume on Thursday, August 21. If you are driving on campus, please be aware that young children could be outside from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on weekdays. Also, traffic will increase during dropoff/pickup.

Parlor and Prayer Room Open Houses on Sunday. Come visit the newly renovated Parlor and Prayer Room. Both have been completely redecorated and are open for use. The Parlor (Room 213) is next to the chapel, and the Prayer Room is now located in Room 207.

Senior Adult Ministry Month continues today with "History of Senior Adult Ministry" from 9 a.m. to noon in the Library Media Center. Next week, August 24, the ministry will feature "Oh, the Places We Will Go!," and on Sunday, August 31, the month will conclude with its Grande Finale. (Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)

Fall Kickoff Event on the Bridge that connects Buildings B & C is today. Learn about ministries, classes and groups in which you and your family can participate this fall. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

One Faith, Many Voices is a series of worship services which celebrates sacred music traditions: Classical (today), African-American (August 24) and Bluegrass (August 31). The next adult choir rehearsal is Wednesday, August 20. All singers are invited. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers will return after Labor Day.

Save the Date

Fall Ministry Opportunities

on the Bridge

Sunday, August 17

Senior Adult Ministry Month

History of the Senior Adult Ministry

Sunday, August 17

Third Grade Bible Presentation

Sunday, August 17

One Faith, Many Voices