News from Marietta FUMC for September 3, 2014

JUST THIS WORD

During college football's first weekend, when my television watching was at its peak for the year, I was Sam's Picture struck by back-to-back commercials, each of which emphasized just a single word. First was a bank that advertised itself as the bank of "here" and the ad repeated the word over and over. The second was for an airline and featured the word "up." Again, one word, repeated over and over.

I know what they meant with "here." We want our money close, we want our friends close. Most of our lives are lived within twenty or thirty miles of home and we want an emphasis on "here." Here is where I live, where I earn my living. Here is where I hurt and find relief for my hurt. Here is where the medical people care for me, where my church is, and where my children play. My home is here and I like for my bank to be here. I understand the insight of the copywriter.

The same is true for "up." Up is what airlines and airplanes do. They get us up over the hills and valleys, up over the rivers and lakes, up over the clouds and rain. They get us up over the expressways and the traffic, to work, to our vacation, to our family. I understand the airline using "up."

Now what about your church? Is there a single word you would use in speaking about your church? I like "home," as in my spiritual home, but the church is more. "Grace" describes us, and "challenge" is often in the lesson for the day. I like "community," especially when I look at these with whom I live my spiritual journey. "Justice" and "reconciliation" are often in the church's vocabulary, as are "worship" and "prayer" and "peace." We have to be careful, I think, that we don't emphasize "sin" and "retribution," but they pop up from time to time.

What about "covenant?" We have, you know, made a covenant with one another that we will be a church together, that we will forgive one another, worship together, speak with one another, support one another, and hold one another accountable for what we do and what we are. I like "covenant."

The church, of course, is an assortment of words and no single word will suffice. We read those words in scripture every week here. We pray them together, we speak them, and we sing them. Good words. Wonderful words. Wonderful words of life. And you're invited to be here.

I'll see you this Sunday.

News

The Children's department is seeking assistance in the development of a special needs program. We are looking for teachers with a background in special education to give us guidance, volunteers to assist with the program and students to participate. If you have an interest in this area, please contact Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805, or send her an e-mail.

Lil' Lambs Children's Consignment Sale is September 11-13. This is a chance to take advantage of great prices on gently used children's clothes, toys and other items while benefitting church ministries at the same time. There is a $5 fee to shop on Thursday. Admission Friday and Saturday is free with many items 50 percent off on Saturday. (Beverly McCrary, ext. 7835)

Our Dementia Caregivers Group meets next Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room.

Our Disaster Response Team will host training on Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Wesley Dining Room. Learn how to put your heart and skills to work for people in their time of dire need. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Needs for Christian care. Every day there are people who are hurting: Those who have lost a loved one, have gone through a divorce, are battling a serious illness, lost a job. Stephen Ministers bring God's love to those who are hurting in a very personal way. Applications are due September 8 for our next training class to prepare Stephen Ministers to care. Applications are available on the church Web site. Call Pam Bohlander 770-977-2516 for more information. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

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

The Red Cross needs your help with blood donations.

A Bloodmobile will be here this Sunday, September 7 for a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., so roll up your sleeve and donate a pint! (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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.

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.

This 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)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Family Church Suppers return tomorrow, September 3 at 5:15 p.m. in the Reception Hall. Come by for this annual cookout and time of fellowship.

Menu for both adult and kids: BBQ pork sandwich or Grilled chicken, corn salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, and desserts.

Church Family 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

Senior Adult Ministry
Covered Dish Luncheon

Wednesday, September 3

Church Family Supper Returns

Wednesday, September 3

United Methodist Women's Kickoff Luncheon

Thursday, September 4

Blanket and Shawl Ministry Thursday, September 4

Mutt Strutt

Saturday, September 6

Blood Drive

Sunday, September 7