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New Year
The lady in the restaurant was reading and said that in the new year she has resolved to read a new book each week.
 Newspapers print work-out regimens (and advertise the necessary "gear") and some restaurants feature their "healthy" menus. This morning I asked Bobbi to toss out any remaining Christmas candy. There is greater hope, I believe, in a new year than in new year's resolutions.
I suppose there is little credibility in thinking that we can turn around a lifetime of dietary, spiritual, and economical habits in a matter of a few hours. We gained this weight, our credit card balances, our inactivity, and our spiritual ennui over a significant period of time. So are we to throw up our hands and declare in the new year that this is the way we are and the way we always will be? Are we simply to live with those extra pounds and debt? What about the gnawing in our spirits, realizing that we have ended up quite far from the God whom we once knew and even farther from that whole person we feel that we were called to be?
I think not! No, this is exactly the time to begin to be the person we think we can be. But there are some things to remember.
First, we have to be honest We are in some ruts and we want to change, but this journey is not easy. There will be challenges and there will be some backsliding. There always are and we need to admit it.
Second, we probably need help with accountability. A spouse or a good friend can help "keep us honest." They can hear our accomplishments and our failures and offer a great deal of encouragement.
Third, we have to make an honest beginning. First steps, small steps, intentional steps. An honest beginning.
And we need to pray. I think that the God who made us is not finished with us and truly desires for us to be the people we were created to be. With all my heart, I believe that.
There are books and advisors out there to help us with the economics, activity, and diet. And the church can help us in that spiritual journey toward wholeness. I encourage you to be in touch with your church. Show up for worship and participate. Seek out a Sunday School. Find a place to volunteer. Give some time to those who will benefit. Give a staff member a call and get connected.
I encourage you. I dare you!
And I'll see you this Sunday.
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The Church Council meeting on January 26 will begin with a short, called Charge Conference to hear a report from the Staff-Parish Relations Committee regarding compensation for our ministers in 2015.
The Music Ministry presents Ken Medema in concert on Friday, January 24 at 6:30 p.m. Ken will celebrate the Youth Choir's 50th Anniversary and the DeJarnetts' legacy with unforgettable songs and stories. Tickets are $30 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres (available from the church office); all proceeds support the Choir's mission tour to England. (Bryan Black ext. 7815)
A New Sunday School Class for Parents of Youth: Do you find yourself dropping your youth off for Sunday school and not getting plugged into a class yourself? Join others on January 18th at 10:00 A.M for a class that will dive into topics relevant to parenting, understanding today's youth, and our faith. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)
Registration for Weekday Preschool and Kindergarten 2015-16 begins Thursday, February 5 at 8:00 a.m. Tours are available. For more information, visit www.weekdayministry.com.
(Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)
Save the date! February 6 is the annual Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Dance from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Watch for the weekly Fuse News for more information. Not receiving the Fuse News? Contact kellyduncan@mariettafumc.org to sign up!
Women's Retreat. Our 2015 Women's Retreat is Friday and Saturday, February 6-7. Registration is open. Brochures are available or you may download one at www.mariettafumc.org. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)
Guys Night Out on Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. All men of the church are invited for an oyster roast at the home of Bill and Sarah Allred, 807 Colston Road, SW, Marietta 30064-3321. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)
Young Adult Sunday School class meets Sundays in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building at 10:10 a.m. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)
2015 Women's Bible Studies:
- Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life, 10 weeks, beginning Wednesday, January 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Younger Women's Study, ongoing, beginning Thursday, January 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Agents of the Apocalypse, 10 weeks, beginning Thursday, January 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- Lenten Study: Practicing Joy, 9 weeks, beginning Tuesday, February 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
(Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)
A Grief Support Group offers help and healing to those experiencing loss. Our next group will begin on Monday, January 26. It will run for 6 weeks from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Registration requested. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)
2015 Habitat Build. We need volunteers for our next house! Building begins on Saturday, February 14. To volunteer, sign up at www.mariettafumc.org. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)
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Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress? Visit its Website, 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.
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If you knit, crochet or sew, join our Blanket and Shawl Ministry, which provides blankets and shawls to help comfort those dealing with health issues. The group will meet Thursday, January 8 at 4:00 p.m. in room 220. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)
Join us in service on Friday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. at MUST Ministry Elizabeth Inn, located at 55 Elizabeth Church Road, Marietta 30060. MFUMC volunteers will prepare and serve lunch to the community. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)
Fuse Basketball. Practice and games take place on Sunday afternoons from January 11 to February 22, skipping February 15. Visit www.mariettafumc.org for more information. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)
Power 45! meets on Sunday, January 11, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This group, just for 4th and 5th graders, is a time of fun and fellowship and a great way to form lasting relationships before entering the youth program.
The Annual Youth Bonfire will be this Sunday, January 11 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. We will be gathering at the Lower Room and then heading to the Stebbins' House. Bring $5 for dinner. Feel free to invite friends! (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)
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Connect Through Table Fellowship
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Church Family Supper returns January 7!
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.
Menu: Meatloaf or grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, green peas, pintos, salad bar, rolls and dessert
Kids- Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, peas, salad bar, rolls and dessert
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Youth Senior High Ski Trip
January 16-19
Youth Choir Retreat
Saturday, January 17
Ken Medema in Concert
Saturday, January 24
Guy's Night Out
Thursday, January 29
Blood Drive
Sunday, February 1
Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance
Friday, February 6
Women's Retreat
Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7
Scout Sunday
Sunday, February 8
Youth Rock the Park at First Presbyterian
Sunday, February 8
Habitat for Humanity Build Begins
Saturday, February 14
Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, February 18
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