LEAVETAKING--FOR A WHILE

The time has come, now, for us to exit the sanctuary for a short while. As you know, our "Restore to Glory!" plans Sam's Picture are for it, too, to be restored. Those who came before us here a half century ago provided us with a beautiful arena for worship and contemplation and now it falls to us, this generation, to continue the wonderful work of our church and provide a place equally conducive to worship, weddings, funerals, contemplation, and the general work of the church.

The work begins this Monday morning, June 1. The pews, carpet, flooring, and lighting will be removed and the new enhancements installed. Our current plan is to worship in the restored sanctuary on September 13, the Sunday after Labor Day.

You will notice a few changes. The mahogany pews and flooring will be a bit different, as will the carpet. The chancel area will be enlarged and you might notice that, too. The plans were presented to the Church Council to rousing enthusiasm and the Board of Trustees has received nothing but enthusiastic comments.

The sanctuary is important. Place is always important to believers. We know about where the Garden of Eden was, the place where civilization began. We know where Jacob slept and dreamed at the mouth of the Jabbok River. We know where David tended sheep in Hebron and we know where Jesus was born. We know that a traveler between Jerusalem and Jericho was set upon by thieves and cared for by a Samaritan.

And we know this place. We have sung God's praises here. We have heard and read the Word here. We have rejoiced at weddings and baptisms and grieved as we said farewell to dear friends. Many of us have lived so very much of our lives connected to this place.

Indeed, it is a sacred place.

And now we move forward. I hope you will join us in worship this week, especially if you were one of those present fifty years ago when we began to worship here.

I'll see you this Sunday.

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News

On Wednesday, June 10, MFUMC's Senior Adult Ministry will visit the Carter Presidential Library and Museum to hear authors Martin Frost and Tom Davis discussing their new release entitled, The Partisan Divide: Congress in Crisis. The event is free and begins at 7 p.m. We will depart the church at 4 p.m. and stop at Mary Mac's Tea Room for an early supper. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

The UMW is hosting food trucks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, our first Sunday with worship services in the Family Life Hall. Proceeds from the event benefit UMW missions. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

All men of the church are invited to a cookout at the home of Brian McNair, 20 Adair Drive Marietta 30066, on Thursday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy food and fellowship and learn about upcoming events for Men of the Church.

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.

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 meets 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

Please remember in prayer our college-aged mission trip to Peru. The team will return on Wednesday, June 3.

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

May 26- June 3

College-aged Mission trip to Peru

Sunday, June 7

Worship Services
Move to Family Life Hall

Sunday, June 7

UMW Food Truck Event

June 7-12

Mission Trip to Guatemala

June 8-11