News from Marietta FUMC for November 18, 2014

THANK YOU, MISS BEVERLY

Back in the late 60's, before Jimmy Carter had been elected Governor of Georgia, before the nation's bi- Sam's Picture centennial, and before Watergate; while Governor Lester Maddox rode his bicycle backwards around the state capital, when only James Bond had a "mobile telephone," and when Hank Aaron still needed 245 home runs to pass Babe Ruth's record; before we had heard of MTV, HDTV, the Internet, Herschel Walker, or Hope, Arkansas; before Chipper Jones or any other current Brave or Falcon was born, Beverly McCrary joined the staff of the First United Methodist Church of Marietta.

And in the ensuing years here, Beverly has done every job in this church. Really, almost every single one. She has been the director of the nursery guild, director of children's ministries, and the director of youth ministries. More recently, she has been the director of senior adult ministries! She was the creator of our in-house nursery and helped bring the idea of our annual consignment sale, Lil' Lambs, here. She has directed the Nursery Guild and at one time, I understand, was a key member of the ladies' track team. She has served as our Church Hostess and helped us welcome people from all over the world to this place. To my knowledge she has never preached here and never sung a solo, but she is yet a young woman and I would advise not betting against either one happening.

The children and grandchildren of Beverly and Fred have been reared in this church. In fact, this Sunday we will baptize the fourth generation of the McCrary family at the 11:15 service.

There is simply no way, of course, we can know how far Beverly's ministry has reached. There are parents who felt free to worship because their infants and toddlers were cared for. Young people heard about God's love from her and senior citizens brought their grandchildren here. These good works are spread now to the third and fourth generations and, while those people now far removed from Marietta might have no idea who Beverly McCrary is, we in the church know that Heaven keeps a record of such things.

I am a newcomer to Beverly's ministry. I've worked with her only a little more than eleven years. In that time, I have never had reason to doubt her affection for and devotion to her church. I have never heard her speak an unkind word about anyone nor delight in the pain or struggle of another person. Working with her has been a great gift for me, and I am grateful.

Beverly, on behalf of the church, thank you. Thank you. You are ours and will always be ours. Continue to worship with us and continue to be around us. And if at any time you want to complete your resume with a sermon or a solo, remember that I'm just a phone call away.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

samsignature

News

Be a Christmas Angel! This Christmas, help bring joy to local family. Information is on the bridge, in the nursery and outside the Family Life Hall. (Forrest Cate, ext.7806)

The Men of the Church are holding a pre-sale Christmas Tree and Wreath Fundraiser. All trees will be first quality Fraser firs and can be delivered anywhere in Cobb County. Proceeds will support MFUMC's Weekday Ministry, Boy Scout Troop 277 and the MFUMC Youth. Orders must be placed and paid for by Monday, November 23. Trees will be available for delivery and pickup on Friday and Saturday, November 28-29. Checks should be made payable to Marietta FUMC and dropped off at the church office with your order form. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)

The Church Office will be closed next Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Young Adults Sunday School class meets today in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building at 10:10 a.m. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Worship for our Homebound Members: On Sunday, December 7th at 5:00 pm we will have a dinner and short worship service in the Reception Hall. This gathering is intended for those who are unable to attend regular Sunday morning worship. We will sing familiar Christmas hymns and receive communion. Our gathering should last approximately one hour. Transportation and mobility assistance can be provided or a family member is welcome to attend. Minimum walking required. No cost; please RSVP to Erin Kimbrel by December 1 at ext. 7813. Questions? Contact Rev. Elaine Wilder.

Senior Adult Shop and Lunch. Join us for a morning of shopping at the Woodstock Outlet mall and then lunch at Beverly McCrary's house. Wednesday, December 3rd; meet at church at 9:30 am. RSVP to Milli Robinson, Church Receptionist.

Advent's First Wednesday. Join us in the Family Life Hall on Wednesday, December 3, from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Family Advent wreath making ($10), songs from the Cherub Choir, and carols led by the older children's choirs. There will also be a special Church Family Supper meal ($6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 10 with a $20 family cap).

Would you like to follow John Wesley's footsteps in England with the Youth Choir next year? The all-inclusive tour (June 1-10) is open to church members, family and friends. Enrollment is open for a limited time. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

College Care Packages will be going out soon. Please send the name and mailing address of your college student to Erin Kimbrel. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

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

Reception for Beverly McCrary. Beverly McCrary is retiring after 43 years of serving our church. Join us for a reception in her honor on Sunday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Hall.

Operation Christmas Child. Fill a shoebox with toys and goodies for children around the world. Boxes are due at the Reception Desk by November 19th. Sponsored by The United Methodist Women; more information can be found on the Bridge. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

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.

November 19: Smothered chicken or apricot glazed pork, rice, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts. Kids- chicken nuggets, rice, corn, salad bar, rolls and dessert

Save the Date

Beverly McCrary's
Retirement Reception

Sunday, November 23

Senior High Youth Night Out

Sunday, November 23

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 27

Church Office Closed

in Observance of Thanksgiving

November 27-28

Men With Trees

Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale begins