ARIE

I wrote most of this five years ago on Arie Motschman's twentieth anniversary with us, and I share it with you again.

For twenty-five years now Arie Motschman has sat at Sam's Picture the organ of this great church and led us in worship, interpreting and presenting the music of the day and of the season: the anticipatory and joyous hymns of Advent and Christmas, the reflective ones of Lent, the celebratory ones of Easter, the patriotic ones, the shiny (and sometimes difficult) new ones, and the favorite old ones. She has played them all with dignity and grace, and we are better for her work.

She has had the challenging tasks of adorning the sermons of three different Senior Ministers. She has accompanied our guests, from the accomplished ones from the most celebrated musical groups in the city to the untrained cousin from Toledo who can almost carry a tune and who insists in singing at the wedding. She has taught us the music of Broadway, the music of Europe's great cathedrals, and the music of the sawdust trail. She has helped us choose appropriate music for both weddings and funerals with equal grace and aplomb.

She has taught us at every stage of our lives: the little ones still in their mothers' arms; the recalcitrant little boys who think choirs are sissy and the little girls who are more interested in showing off their pretty new underwear and waving to Daddy than in following Miss Arie's instructions; the youth who are there primarily because there is an attractive boy/girl in the row behind; and the adults, some of whom are of sophisticated training and others who think a bass clef is something to be avoided as surely as a head cold. They have stood beside her and in front of her for these years; sung and played and rung with her, and heard that music is important; that our performance is important, that the delivery of this piece to the congregation is an act of worship and is to be taken seriously.

But she has not merely "sat" at the organ. She has driven to our children's schools and performances to accompany them. She has led the drama groups and summer camps. She has traveled around the country with our youth choirs. And perhaps you don't know that she is a child advocate in the juvenile courtrooms in Cobb County.

Arie, however, might be the third most talented person in her family! Husband Mike often shares his marvelous baritone voice with us and her daughter Mary Melissa is a talented violist, studying now in Europe.

This week I have asked her to present some specially selected music for us and we have prepared a reception for her in the Family Life Hall between services. You'll want to join us.

Of course, Arie is not leaving the area and will still be among us, including moments on the very familiar organ bench.

Arie, you are ours and we are yours. Thank you for what you have given and for who you are. We look forward to a continued and growing friendship with you. We love you. And Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

News

Cornerstone Sunday School, the new Young Adults group, is a gathering of couples and singles in their mid-20s to mid-30s. Join us on Sundays at 10:10 a.m. for fellowship, discussion and breakfast in Room 255 in the Discipleship Building. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

A Closer Look is a class for visitors and new members who want to discover more about the mission and ministry of Marietta First United Methodist. The class begins Sunday, March 8 at 10:10 a.m. in the Parlor. Register online or through the church office. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

On Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. the "Atlanta 17 Big Band" returns for Swing Out!-a night of dancing, singing and nostalgia in the Family Life Hall. Reserved tickets ($18-adult / $15-seniors) are available through the church office. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

The Youth Choir will host an old-fashioned Smorgasbord luncheon on Sunday, March 22 after morning worship. Proceeds will support the summer concert tour to England. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Information meeting about the mission trip to the Republic of Georgia. Join us for a light lunch in the Reception Hall at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 8 (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

VBS and summer camp registration begins March 2.

VBS for ages 3 (by 9/1/14) through 5th grade is June 8-11, from 6-8:30 p.m. Summer camps kick-off June 1-5 with Glisson Grow Camp for completed K-5th grades and is a full day camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with one away day at Camp Glisson. Preschool camps kick-off June 1st with Beach Week for ages 18 months through 5 years. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Need to go for a run, to the store, or just hang out with friends? We are pleased to offer Parent's Day Out on the nursery hall! Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday and the cost is $5 per hour. Ages 6 weeks to 5 years are welcome. To make a reservation, call 770-429-7850, ext. 7860.

Lil' Lambs Consignment Sale. It's time for spring shopping and selling! Lil' Lambs consignment sale returns March 5-7, and we do have seller spots available. More information about the sale can be found at www.lil-lambs.org. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Power 45! is Sunday, March 8, from 4-6 p.m.. MFUMC and First Presbyterian are joining forces at Escalade Rock Climbing in Kennesaw! The cost is $12 for rock climbing, and all are welcome to eat dinner at the Town Center Varsity after climbing (dinner not included in price.) Click here to RSVP. (Georgia Rambo, ext 7805).

Fuse Soccer. 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, and teams are divided by age group. Click here for more information.

Restore to Glory!

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.

This Week

This Sunday is Arie Motschman's last Sunday as a member of our church staff. For twenty-five years she has been our organist (as well as filling many other roles). We will honor her at a reception in the Family Life Hall between worship services and after the 11:15 a.m. service.

All Men of the Church are invited to Monday Night Dinner on March 2 at Sam's BBQ 1 West Cobb located at the Kroger Shopping Center, 3600 Dallas Highway 30064 for an evening of fellowship and barbecue. No reservation required. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

2015 Habitat Build continuess. We need volunteers for our latest house! For more information or to volunteer, sign up at www.mariettafumc.org. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Registration for Weekday Preschool and Kindergarten 2015-16 is underway. For more information, visit www.weekdayministry.com. (Nancy Tatnall, ext. 7842)

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.

Due to inclement weather, Church Family Supper will not be held on February 25.

Save the Date

Art from the Heart

Saturday, February 28

Reception Honoring

Arie Motschman

Sunday, March 1

Youth Night Out

Sunday, March 1

VBS & Summer Camp