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ON TELLING THE STORY
Earlier in the week I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for a large construction company. These folks, renowned in their industry, have moved into a newly-renovated facility and invited the public in for the celebration. This company has quite a portfolio of projects from all over the country--large office buildings, performing arts buildings, hospitals, and schools, among others. It's really quite impressive.
I met some of the employees and, while I realize that a company operating on this level has a good supply of architects and engineers of every persuasion, the first three people whom I met identified themselves with Public Relations. Public Relations! And therein is our lesson for the day.
Of great importance, of course, is quality work and the company appears to build good buildings. They have a number of repeat customers, which is always a good measuring tool, and I'm sure they live by the great construction adage, "on time and under budget." But they also invest in relating to the world around them. They want to be certain that the world hears the correct story, the positive story, the hopeful story of the company. And I met three of the people who do that.
And the church is no different. We present a product to the world every day, too. We present the hope of the gospel, the assurance that even though we "...walk through the valley of the shadow of death...," our Lord is with us. And we tell our story in a variety of ways--in worship, in music, in missions (both local and foreign), in our physical plant, and in the variety of programs for children, youth, and families old and young. We tell our story in our relationships with each other and with the world around us. We tell our story in kindness and patience, in grace and hospitality.
And we need good people in Public Relations! We need people who tell the healing story of our faith and who live it day to day, and that's where you and I come in. I assure you that the people around you are looking for some hope, some contentment, and some direction in their lives. They are looking for something beyond what they can see and touch and own. They are looking for peace, the peace that passes all understanding. And you and I have a story to tell.
Tell it this week. There are people around you who are willing to give the church a chance. They need only to hear from you and me.
And I'll see you this Sunday.
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Allen Krivsky, Chairperson of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, announced to the Church Council on Monday evening that Arie Motschman has tendered her resignation effective March 1. For twenty-five years (!) Arie has served with us as Associate Director of Music and Organist. Of course Arie will stay a part of the church's life and will be involved as her new schedule allows. We will celebrate her time with us in a reception in her honor on March 1.
You are invited to an information session about our 2015 mission trip to the Republic of Georgia. Join us Sunday, February 8 at 12:30 p.m. for a light lunch in the Reception Hall and learn how you can serve as a prayer partner or team member. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)
Fuse Soccer Registration is Open. Ages 3 (by 9/1/14) thru 5th grade love our soccer program! The season begins March 8, and ends with a big party catered by the Varsity on April 19. We follow Georgia Soccer/SSA guidelines and the KINS youth soccer program. Register at www.mariettafumc.org. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)
Mark your calendars now for the next Power 45! next Sunday, February 8 from 4-6 p.m. Fourth and fifth graders enjoy this monthly event of fun and fellowship, as they prepare to move onto youth. RSVP to [email protected].
Registration for Weekday Preschool and Kindergarten 2015-16 begins Thursday, February 5 at 8 a.m. Tours are available. For more information, visit www.weekdayministry.com. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)
Ash Wednesday Worship Services will be held on February 18 at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Dance. It's almost time for one of the most beloved children's events! Girls ages 3 years old to 5th grade, and a special man in her life, enjoy dancing, music from a DJ, candy bar, and appetizers. New this year...a photo booth! Online ticket purchasing will be available soon. The event is Friday, February 6 from 6-8 p.m. in the Family Life Hall.
Scout Sunday. Boys from Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop 277 will serve in worship on Sunday, February 8. There will also be outdoor activities, so come check out what scouting is all about! Boys are invited to visit scouts anytime, the Pack (1st-5th grade) meets in the Fuse Box on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. The Troop (boys age 11-18) meets on Tuesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Lower Room.
Summer Sneak Peek! Glisson's Grow Day Camp returns June 1st - 5th, and VBS is June 8th - 11th. Keep these dates in mind when you plan summer vacations
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) |
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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Guys Night Out this Thursday, January 29 at 6:30 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)
Save the date for the next MFUMC Blood Drive this Sunday, February 1, 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the Family Life Hall (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)
This Sunday is the Souper Bowl of Caring. The youth are collecting donations for our 3 Mission trips to St. Simons, New Orleans and North Carolina. At the end of the service we will holding baskets to accept your donation.
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 for a class that meets Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in Room 305. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)
Young Adult Sunday School class meets Sundays in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building at 10:10 a.m. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)
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Connect Through Table Fellowship
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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.
January 28 Country fried steak or baked tilapia, mashed potatoes, white gravy, country green beans, black eyed peas, salad bar, rolls and dessert Kids- Grilled cheese, tater rounds, fresh fruit, and dessert
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Guy's Night Out
Thursday, January 29
Souper Bowl of Caring
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
Republic of Georgia
Mission Trip Information Meeting
Sunday, February 8
Power 45!
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
Art from the Heart
Saturday, February 28
Reception Honoring
Arie Motschman
Sunday, March 1
Little Lambs Sale
March 5-7
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