GRATITUDE

As a child I always enjoyed receiving birthday cards. It seemed as if there was always a three or four-day period in which I would be giddy with anticipation and check the mailbox every day, hoping that the mailman had delivered a colorful Hallmark card with my name on the front. But if I am honest with you, I was not as concerned about what the card said or looked like as I was with the crisp 10-dollar bill that it held. After receiving the gift, I would spend the rest of the afternoon contemplating how I might spend this birthday money. But without a doubt this selfish pondering would be interrupted as my mother called up to my room and asked, "Have you called and thanked your grandmother yet?"

Of course, I had not.

Saying thank you-whether it is to a family member, a friend or God-is not always the first thing rolling off our tongues.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals a group of ten lepers who were suffering from a terrible skin disease. After realizing that they had just been healed, nine of the men run off in a moment of celebration. Like a little child who forgets to call and thank their grandmother after they have been given money on their birthday, these nine men forget to give thanks for the life-changing gift they have just been given. But there was one who stayed. Scripture says, "Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him." What an image of gratitude...he throws himself at the feet of Christ. This is a portrait of what faith driven by gratitude looks like. In a similar way, our faith should be lived out in gratitude towards God. Offering thanksgiving should be at the heart of our spiritual lives. It is our gratitude that moves us to worship. It is our gratitude that moves us to give. It is our gratitude that moves us to serve the church and the community.

No longer do we come to worship just to get something out of it, but we come to praise and thank the God who offers us grace and forgiveness. No longer do we approach Scripture with feelings of obligation, but we approach it with an eagerness to read of God's work in the past and the present. No longer do we approach missions and outreach as merely fulfilling our ethical duties as Christians, but we approach them as ways to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Faith is embodying a life of gratitude towards the great physician.

I'll see you this Sunday as we give thanks to our merciful God,

News

A Charge Conference is called for Monday, September 8 at 7 p.m. in the Reception Hall for the purpose of recommending a candidate for ordained ministry. The regular Church Council meeting will follow.

The Nobia Frey Circle of the United Methodist Women will host Kristen Vincent, author of A Bead and a Prayer, followed by a prayer bead workshop on Wednesday, September 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the Reception Hall. Please RSVP to Martha Freden by Friday, September 5 at sunnyout@bellsouth.net or call her at 770-579-3618.

Family Music for Babies begins Monday, September 8. The 10-week class is for children 6-12 months (non-walkers), accompanied by a caregiver. The half-hour class meets on Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. A nominal fee is charged and the class fills quickly. Online registration is available through the church Web site under "Music and the Arts." (Arie Motschman, ext. 7818)

Don't Miss the United Methodist Women's Fall kick-off meeting on Thursday, September 4, at 11:30 a.m. in the Reception Hall. Ellyce Payne will talk about her mission in Tanzania. She is a young adult who has been a member of Marietta FUMC all of her life. Please make reservations through circle chairs or by e-mailing Karen Edris at karen.edris@gmail.com by Monday, September 1. Cost of the luncheon is $9. Everyone is welcome.

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 for dogs in 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)

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.

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

One Faith, Many Voices is a series of worship services which celebrates sacred music traditions. This Sunday is the final installment with Bluegrass music, featuring the Whitlock Ramblers. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

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.

Traffic and Safety Alert. Weekday Ministry Preschool and Kindergarten is back in session. 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.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers return Wednesday, September 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Park on Polk. Come by for this annual cookout and time of fellowship.

Family Night Supper is served at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

Save the Date

Children's Choir Orientation

Wednesday, August 27

Beverly McCrary Circle Meeting
Thursday, August 28

Labor Day

Church Office Closed

Monday, September 1

Senior Adult Ministry
Covered Dish Luncheon

Wednesday, September 3

Marietta Mutt Strutt

Saturday, September 6

Blood Drive