EASTER PEOPLE

This Sunday, we celebrate and honor our church ushers for what they do every Sunday and at all the special services that occur during the year. Without fail, at every worship service the ushers greet and serve us with warmth, kindness and a sense of family. Week after week, whether it is Christmas Eve or a Sunday in the middle of summer, whether it is pouring down rain or a beautiful spring day, the ushers welcome us into our sanctuary for the worship of Almighty God. They are consistent and dependable because ushering is part of who they are and how they live out their calling. We are grateful for their work and ministry.

The consistent presence of the ushers every time we walk into the sanctuary reminds me of what it means for us to be Easter people. We are not Easter people only on that one day a year when we don seersucker suits and coral colored dresses. We are called to be Easter people throughout the whole year. Day after day, whether it is a sunny Saturday or a gloomy Tuesday, whether it is a day of celebration or a day of grieving, we can cling to the promise and the hope of the resurrection. The entirety of our lives as disciples should live into the reality of the resurrection, of what it means to be a community shaped by the dying and rising of Christ, by the expectation-shattering reality of life victorious over death. William M. James beautifully articulates this idea in the final verse of his hymn "Easter People, Raise Your Voices" that we sang together this past Easter Sunday.

Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song.

When in trouble move the faster to our God
who rights the wrong.

Alleluia! Alleluia! See the power of heavenly throngs.

I hope to see you this Sunday as we honor our ushers, and as we continue to live as Easter people.

News

Gene DeJarnett is retiring after 15 years of faithful service to our Wedding Ministry. Join us at a reception in his honor, next Sunday, April 19 at 12:15 p.m. in the Parlor.

The MFUMC Early Response Team will have representatives on the bridge Sunday, April 19 to offer resources on how to be a disaster-prepared household. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Membership Sunday is April 19. If you would like to make Marietta FUMC your church home, consider joining the church with others on Membership Sunday. Contact Rev. Brian Smith at briansmith@mariettafumc.org or at at ext. 7840.

Come hear The Messiah (Parts II & III) on Sunday, May 3 at 7 p.m. The Music Ministry will present Parts Two and Three of Handel's Messiah with orchestra, choir and soloists. No tickets are required. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Youth Summer Kickoff Party! Sunday, May 17, 5:30-8 p.m. We'll kick off the summer and release the summer calendar with a great night of fun and fellowship. Food, inflatable games, water games and more. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Save the date for the Global Great Day of Service:

Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m., in the Family Life Hall. Help pack 60,000 meals to be shared with communities served by the Global Mission Ministry Team. This family friendly service opportunity is geared for all ages and abilities! Click here to sign up. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

On May 1, join us for the 2014 MFUMC Sporting Clays Tournament to support Men's Missions. Enjoy a day with friends at historic Burge Plantation shooting clays while supporting a great cause. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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)

Vacation Bible School and Summer Camp registration is open! VBS is June 8-11 from 6-8:30 p.m., and summer camps begin June 1. Click here to visit our Web site for registration details. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

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.

2015 Habitat Build continues. We need volunteers for our latest house! Click here to sign up for more information or to volunteer. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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

Power 45! meets this Sunday, April 12. 4th and 5th graders, join us from 4-6:30 p.m. in the FLH for two important service projects. We'll assemble kits for two local ministries and then end the night with dinner at Taqueria Tsunami. Please bring money for dinner. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805).

Thank an Usher This Sunday. To honor the work of these faithful servants, we will recognize our ushers with Usher Appreciation Sunday this week.

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.

April 8
No Church family supper. Happy Spring break!

Church Family Supper returns April 15.

Save the Date

Wednesday, April 8

No Church Family Supper

(Spring Break)

Through April 10

Spring Break (Cobb & Marietta)

Through April 11

Senior High Mission Trip