REFRESHED

Since I live in the parsonage that is two doors down from the church, I am able to walk to work almost every morning. However, I must admit to you that when it is pouring down rain or the temperature gets down into the low teens, you might catch me driving to the church. Now that spring has arrived in full bloom, I anticipated that my walks to work would be rather enjoyable.

However, last week as I was walking up to the church, I watched a truck barrel down Whitlock Avenue with a swelling cloud of pollen in tow. There was nowhere for me to run or hide from this yellow cloud of allergy-inducing dust; all I could do was hold my breath and close my eyes. Once the truck had passed and I exhaled, I realized that I was no longer wearing a white dress shirt, but one with a distinct yellow hue. Even though I had showered just thirty minutes earlier, all I
wanted to do was go home, clean myself off and be refreshed.

Since then I have been thinking about some of the places that we go to when we find ourselves needing to be refreshed spiritually.

The first place that comes to mind is worship. When we gather together for worship in the sanctuary, we sense the presence of God in our midst through song, word and prayer. Not only do we sense the presence of God, but we also are able to sense the grace and the love of God that is extended to us. When we walk into the sanctuary we can take a deep breath knowing that God is meeting us in this place.

Second, we are refreshed spiritually when we spend time in community with one another. As we live our lives together as disciples of Jesus Christ we discover salvation, healing, forgiveness, call, mission and discipleship.

Finally, we can find our spirits refreshed when we spend time in prayer. Whether we use a devotional, a prayer book or we craft our own prayers to God, we can be sure that God's attentive ear is always listening. Through prayer, our spirits are drawn closer God, and we can sense the peace of God. I pray that during this Easter season that your spirit will be refreshed through
worship, community and prayer.

I'll see you this Sunday,

News

College Scholarships are available through the MFUMC Scholarship Program, designed to provide financial assistance to students who have been active members in our missions and ministries. Click here to download the application at the MFUMC Web site. Applications and all documents are due on Monday, May 11. (Becky Sawyer, ext. 7824)

Join us to learn more about upcoming mission trips:

On Sunday, April 26, The Peru team (traveling October 11-19) will meet at 12:30 p.m. in room 201-B.
On Sunday, May 3, the Arizona team (traveling June 14-18) will meet at 12:30 p.m. in room 201-B.
On Sunday, May 3, the Albania team (traveling July 18-26) will meet at 12:30 p.m. in room 224. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

The United Methodist Women will host its annual Mission Banquet and Dinner on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. This year's theme is "A Fresh Wind Blowing" from John 3:8. Tickets are $12 and available through the Church Office. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Vacation Bible School Needs You! We need volunteers of all ages to make VBS a success! Volunteer for one night or all week. Nursery age children of volunteers get a special VBS on the nights you help! VBS is June 8-11 from 6-8:30 p.m. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Angels Among Us. UMW's Beth Berman Circle will sell Angel charms to support the Beth Berman Memorial Fund on the bridge next Sunday and Sunday, May 3. Charms can be purchased in honor or memory of a loved one to be honored in the bulletin on Mother's Day. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812).

Graduate Recognition Sunday is May 2. We will honor high school graduates at both worship services and at a luncheon following 11:15 a.m. worship. Please submit a senior photo to Dolly Purvis, Director of Communications by April 24. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

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)

On May 1, join us for the 2015 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.

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

Global Great Day of Service is this 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)

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

This Sunday is Membership Sunday. If you would like to make Marietta FUMC your church home, contact Rev. Brian Smith at briansmith@mariettafumc.org or at at ext. 7840.

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

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 15
Breaded pork chop or Grilled chicken, pineapple cheese casserole, roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, salad bar, rolls and desserts. Kids- Grilled cheese, tater rounds, grapes, salad bar and desserts

Save the Date

Saturday, April 18

Great Day of Service: Global

Sunday, April 19

Membership Sunday

Saturday, April 25

Confirmation Dinner

Sunday, April 26

Confirmation Sunday

Sunday, May 3

Graduation Sunday

Wednesday, May 6

Church Family Supper concludes