CHANGES.... AND NO CHANGES

From time to time I am asked by young ministers about their move to a new church, sometimes to their very first church, and I always give the same advice. First, I tell Sam's Picture

them, don't change everything. Remember that you yourself are new and the congregation will need some time to get accustomed to you. I have known ministers who changed the order of worship, changed the altar furniture, and even changed the time of the service on the very first Sunday! Don't, I tell them, change everything too quickly.

On the other hand, I say, you are, in fact, the new minister and the congregation will want and need to see some evidence of change. Choose wisely. Ask for advice. Let the congregation know that you have ideas, that you intend to be present, and that you are willing to assume leadership.

It's a delicate balance. Don't change everything, but allow the church to grow and move forward.

Next week we move into our refurbished sanctuary and I commend our Board of Trustees and other leaders for understanding so very wisely what is required in such a refurbishing. First, they did not change everything. The basic footprint of the sanctuary remains the same. We will sit in the same places, receive the elements of communion in the same places, and hear the word of God delivered from the same places. So very much is the same.

But this is a refurbishing. Fifty years have passed since our sanctuary was decorated the first time and newness was required. You'll notice some of those changes. There are new pews and a new hardwood floor. (Are the chandeliers the same? I'll leave that question for you to figure out.) There are new sconces, new narthex flooring, and new carpet on the sanctuary floor. There are some new things.

The Trustees very wisely presented the proposed changes a few months ago at an open meeting of the Church Council. You'll remember that we invited the entire congregation to a couple of meetings and many of you accepted the invitation. Our architect showed all the changes, we heard a number of good questions, and we received a unanimous vote to go forward!

I look forward to September 20. We are just a few days away. We are a grateful people, grateful to God and grateful for our leaders. WE haven't changed everything, but we have, in fact, changed some things.
And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Mark your calendars for our re-entry into the Sanctuary on Sunday, September 20! Join us for worship and a congregational luncheon in the Family Life Hall.

Our Senior Adult Ministry will travel to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, September 19 to see the play Calendar Girls. Depart from the church at 3 p.m. The cost is $25. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

Auditions for Amahl and the Night Visitors will be held Tuesday, September 22 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 27 at 1 p.m. The show will be performed on December 18 and 19 in the Family Life Hall. Contact the music office for audition materials and scheduling details. (Brian Parks ext. 7809)

A Closer Look is a class for visitors and new members who want to discover more about the mission and ministry of Marietta First United Methodist. The class begins Sunday, September 20 at 10:10 a.m. in the Parlor and runs for five weeks. Register online or through the church office. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

The next Power 45 is September 20 from 4-6 p.m. Fourth and fifth graders tell your friends and get it on your calendars! (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Fall Studies beginning soon! Classes will be taught by Dr. Sam R. Matthews, Rev. Elaine Wilder, Rev. Brian Smith, Rev. Lori Ethridge and others. There are also opportunities for children and youth to get involved. Click here for more information and to register. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

Third through fifth grade Bible study. All 3rd through 5th graders are invited to join our new Bible study on Wednesday nights, 6:30-7:30 p.m., from September 16 - November 18. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Flag football and cheerleading registration is open.

The season begins October 4. Kristy Carder, owner of Prima Ballet School and former Falcons cheerleader, will be helping us design a great cheer program. Our football coaches are the best too, so everyone will have a great experience. Fuse Sports are open to preschool and elementary age children. Click here to sign up or for more information. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The Senior Adult Ministry will visit the Leo Frank Exhibit at the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History in Kennesaw on Monday, September 21 at 9:30 a.m. We will depart from the Polk Street parking area. The cost of the trip is $8 plus lunch at Doug's Place in Emerson following the museum visit. (Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835).

Senior Adult Ministry Catered Luncheons resume on September 16 and continue through May 2016 on the third Wednesday of each month in the Reception Hall. The dates and speakers are:

September 16: Reverend Kent Burel on "Theology in The Wizard of Oz"
October 21: Mrs. Phyllis Wright, Professor of Nursing at Emory University on healthy aging
November 18: Mrs. Susan McDonald sharing her faith story in song

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

Volunteer to help with the Great Day of Service: Local on Saturday, September 12. You can be the difference in our community through a variety of service projects at MFUMC and throughout the community. Click here for a listing of projects and online sign up. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Youth Choir begins its 51st year of ministry
this Sunday, September 13 in Room 263.

Snacks at 4 p.m. and rehearsal at 4:30 p.m. All young people grades 6-12 are warmly invited. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

GED classes through Project Light will begin September 15 and run through May 26 in Room 104 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-3 p.m. Click here to e-mail Janet Peeler with questions. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Our next Dementia Caregiver Support Group is tonight, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Registration remains open for Children's Choirs and Family Music Classes. Rehearsals for ages 3 through 5th grade are on Wednesday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. Classes for infants begin Monday, September 14. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Church Family Supper is back on Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. in the Reception Hall (until the Sanctuary re-opens). Cost is $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11) with a $20 family cap. (Susan McElwain, ext. 7853)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Join us for Church Family Supper!

Until construction is completed in the Sanctuary, Church Family Supper will be served in the Reception Hall at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. $6 (adults) and $4 (children from 3 to 11). $20 family cap.

September 9

Roast beef with gravy, rice, country green beans, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids-Chicken nuggets, rice, country green beans, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Save the Date

Wednesday, September 9
Dementia Caregivers Support Group

Thursday, September 10

Senior Adult Ministry

AARP Safe Driving Course

Saturday, September 12

Great Day of Service: Local

Sunday, September 13

Youth Choir Resumes