MOST VALUABLE

Stephen Curry plays basketball for the Golden State Warriors and apparently plays it better than anyone else in Sam's Picture the league. Golden State won its division, led the National Basketball Association in victories, and Stephen Curry is the best player on the team (LeBron fans, please don't email me). In fact, he was named the league's Most Valuable Player at season's end. During the season, among other things, he set a league record for the most three-point baskets made in a season.

But there is some minor controversy whether Curry is really the most valuable player. He is, to be certain, the best player on the best team, but is he the most valuable? The league calculates a "Win Share" statistic, a metric that determines the number of wins that a particular player contributes to his team. And while Curry's number is high, there is a handful of players whose "Win Share" number is greater than Curry's. So the conversation continues.

Now think with me a moment about the church. Is there a metric by which we can measure the "best" member of the church? How about the "most valuable?" To be sure, you and I have experienced a lot of really wonderful church members. You can name a few and so can I. But most valuable? That is a distinction to which we all can aspire. But what are the characteristics of a "most valuable" church member?

She is faithful in her attendance. Among other things, she shows up! And she shows up with an open and teachable spirit. She is willing to learn the Word as it is prayed, read, preached, and sung. She is willing to connect to her brothers and sisters in the church, her faith community. She gives, and gives sacrificially. (In short, she misses what she gives.) She prays daily for her church and its leaders, both lay and clergy. She finds a way to serve, and she is a teacher.

She is among the "most valuable."

And I'll see you this Sunday.

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News

The Guatemala mission team is preparing for its next trip. The team, which leaves June 7, is one of many that has traveled to Guatemala over the years. Click here to learn more.

Join Rev. Lori Ethridge and the senior adults for a visit to the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville on Tuesday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to view the current Smithsonian exhibit, "The President's Photographer: 50 Years Inside the Oval Office." Cost is $8 plus the price of lunch. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

Epworth Mid-High Mission Trip. Rising 7th-9th graders are invited to join us for mission projects, worship and fun at the beach from July 19-22. Early Bird Registration is $150 and ends May 31. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

The College Sunday School Class is meeting in the Parlor throughout the Summer. All are welcome. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Young People in Mission. Rising 7th graders through College Freshman are invited to join us for whitewater rafting, paintball, mission projects, and worship at Youth Camp from June 22-July 2. Early Bird Registration is $225 and ends May 31. (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Donate items for our mission trip to Guatemala. Items needed: toiletry items, dollar-type items for teenagers, soccer balls, instant soup packages, muffin mixes, athlete foot cream, NyQuil and DayQuil tablets. Look for collection bins throughout the church. (Martha Lee Sanders, trsanders@mindspring.com)

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. Click here to e-mail Kelly Duncan to sign up. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Summer Camp registration is open! MFUMC offers a variety of summer day camps for children.Programs begin June 1. Click here for information or to register. (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

Registration for Vacation Bible School, June 8-11, ends Monday! Click here for more information or to register. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

All Senior Adults are invited to a catered picnic in the park on tomorrow, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. in the Pavilion. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet our new Director of Senior Adult Ministry, Rev. Lori Etheridge. No reservations necessary. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)

Learn about our global mission trips and the communities we visit while you sample cuisine from around the world at the Taste of Nations this Sunday, May 24 on the Bridge following worship. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)

Give blood this Sunday, May 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Click here to sign up. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

The Church office will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

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)

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 takes a vacation during
the summer and will return Wednesday, August 26.

We hope to see you then!

Save the Date

Wednesday, May 20

Senior Adult Catered Picnic

Thursday, May 21

Cobb last day of school

Friday, May 22

Marietta last day of school

Sunday, May 24

Taste of Nations