WHAT DID YOU HEAR?

I hope you were in worship Sunday to hear the youth of your church. They assisted n worship as greeters, ushers, acolytes, and the worship choir for both services. And did you hear what they said? Both Anders Hedrick and Corynne Payne reminded us that our prayer begins with " Sam's Picture thank you" to the God who "meets us daily."

In their sermons, Lauren Sutton, Ellie Storey, Anna Fisher, and Brad King were absolutely superb, offering, each one, a fine pulpit presence and great depth thought. Lauren reminded us that God is with us in the scariest moments of our lives, and some of us need to hear that often, don't we? She also said that we have purpose, that our lives are neither meaningless nor unscripted.

Ellie made a dynamic statement of her personal faith and in doing so took a great risk. She closed very simply by asking us what Christ has asked us to risk recently, and I imagine that most of us have to admit that we have not had that kind of conversation with Christ anytime lately. But Ellie has.

Anna assured us that God is with us in the deep, dark, "rock bottom" places of life, and I know that some of us needed to hear that again. She told us that by God's grace, we are worthy of the gospel and she challenged our desire for a "comfortable" life, insisting that such a life leaves no room for God to work with us.

Brad made us laugh a little, then squirm a little. He spoke of gaining confidence to meet our adversaries, confidence with which we can face the tough questions of the world around us. He reminded us that the schools today are like our own workplaces, and proclaiming our faith is not always a "cool," safe thing to do.

I have never heard greater depth from young people. You can take great joy in knowing that some good work has been done in our homes, in our church, at our youth retreats, and on our various mission trips. We are thankful for the faith of these young people.

And I'll see you this week.

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News

Our annual Blessing of the Animals service will be on Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m. in the Park on Polk. Join us as we celebrate God's creatures! (Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

FUMC and First Presbyterian are co-hosting Power 45! on Sunday, October 12 from 4-6 p.m. Our Park on Polk is a great location for fun with friends! (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Tailgate Treats is coming soon! Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 26 from 4-6 p.m. for our annual fall celebration. There will be hay rides, petting farm, cake walk, costume contests, and lots of candy! (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

The Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study meets in Room 201-B at 9:30 a.m. The study is Hebrews, The Nearness of King Jesus by Lisa Harper.

Power 45! retreat is October 3-5, and we have room for more 4th and 5th graders! Enjoy fellowship at the beautiful Woodlands Camp. All are welcome, so invite friends! RSVP by e-mail to Georgia Rambo or call her at ext. 7805.

Our A Closer Look class, a five-week series for new members, visitors, and those who want to know more, begins on Sunday, October 5 from 10-11 a.m. in the Parlor. Each Sunday will feature a distinct perspective from our ministers and staff. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

The United Methodist Women will host the annual UMW Café on Sunday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Eat in or take out soups, sandwiches and desserts. $8 per person with a $25 family cap. Proceeds will benefit UMW mission projects.

Save the date for the Beth Berman Mission Fund Dinner! Plan to join us for this annual event on Thursday, October 30. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

The Archives wants your history. Our Archives is looking for family stories and other items to add to its collection. Visit the Archives in Room 201A on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

This Sunday is Music in Ministry Sunday!

Join the Men of the Church for a cornhole tournament Thursday, September 25 at the home of Justin Gilland, 945 Mountain Brook Lane, Marietta 30064. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Compete for prizes or just enjoy food and fellowship. (E-mail James Tate)

The Boy Scouts will take on the Men of the Church at the annual softball game and cookout at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30 on the Activity Field at the Playground and in the Pavilion.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

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

September 24

Beef Lasagna or Baked chicken w/ garlic, onion, tomato, and caper sauce, with parmesan pasta, Italian roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, salad bar, garlic breadsticks and desserts. Kids-chicken strips, parmesan pasta, green beans, garlic breadsticks and desserts.

Save the Date

Men of the Church's

Cornhole Tournament

Thursday, September 25

Music in Ministry Sunday

Sunday, September 28

Senior Adult Ministry Luncheon

Wednesday, October 1

Power 45! Retreat

October 3-5

A Closer Look
Begins Sunday, October 5

Fuse Football/Cheer Starts
Sunday, October 5