GREETINGS

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Please allow me to introduce myself to those I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting. My name is Lori Ethridge, and I am delighted to be serving among you at Marietta First UMC as your newest clergy person.

At the risk of boring you, perhaps I should share some of my background. I am a life-long United Methodist, and grew up in the Calhoun First UMC in Calhoun, GA. I served as a student pastor at Rome First UMC before my commissioning in 2010 as pastor-in-charge at Williamstown UMC in Mineral Bluff, GA. My husband, Tom Hall, is a retired businessman, and we have five children between us (and one granddaughter, Ruby, who lives in Athens.)

Prior to attending Candler School of Theology, I was a French teacher at Rome High School. I attended Vanderbilt University as an undergraduate, and I have a Masters in Secondary Education from Berry College, and a Masters of Divinity from Emory University. I have been trained in clinical pastoral education at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, TN.

My primary area of ministry here at Marietta First UMC is to senior adults, many of whom have already made me feel most welcome!

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of you on our recent outings to the Booth Museum, to the Carter Presidential Library, to Mary Mac's and the Krog Street Market, as well as to Callanwolde for Jazz on the Lawn. I have many more outings and events planned, and am eager to hear from each of you regarding your particular interests so that I, with the help of the senior adult ministry team, may craft an enriching program that not only meets your needs, but also exceeds your expectations.

Thank you for your sweet spirits and warm welcome of me into your midst. It is a joy and an honor to serve Christ by serving you!

See you Sunday,

News

There will be an information session on the MFUMC mission trip to Ecuador on Sunday, July 12 at 12:30 p.m. in room 201-b (The library conference room). Learn how you can join the team or be a prayer partner for the trip. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Mission Mondays for Children. Completed third through fifth graders are invited to join us for service projects. Meet in the Family Life Hall lobby at 10 a.m., returning around 1 p.m. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Join the Men of the Church for dinner and fellowship on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Whistlestop Café, 1200 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy., NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and connect with some new ones. Find out about upcoming opportunities to serve and grow in discipleship. Dinner is Dutch treat. (Stanley Wrinkle, srwrinkle@bellsouth.net)

Donate to the Back To School Backpack Event! We need donations of filled backpacks and school supplies. Supply lists and volunteer signup are available through the church office and at www.mariettafumc.org. Please bring your supplies to the church office by Thursday, July 23. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Book Drive to help support the Back To School Backpack event. We are collecting new and gently used books for children and teens. There will be a table set up at the event so students can choose a book that they would enjoy. Support summer reading! Please bring books to the children's area, or the church office, by July 20. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Join the senior adults for two upcoming overnight trips. In Chattanooga, TN we will see the live theatrical production, Nine to Five, The Musical and tour the Hunter Museum, viewing the exhibit, Monet and the American Impressionists on July 7-18. In Rome, GA we will attend the play Drinking Habits at the historic De Soto Theater and visit the Oak Hill House, home of Martha Berry on August 21-22. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

Don't let boredom creep in this summer! In June and July, preschool and elementary age children have a variety of camps such as "I Spy," "A Bug's Life," cooking, martial arts, dance, and tumbling. Older children enjoy fellowship and community service on Mission Mondays. Parent's Day Out is available for nursery age children, so they can have fun with friends too! Click here for more information or contact kellyduncan@mariettafumc.org.

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)

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

The church office will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

Three of our Adult Sunday School classes will move to new locations this Sunday: