REMEMBRANCE AND ANTICIPATION

As they are in every worship service and in every rite of the church, the themes of Remembrance and Anticipation were present in worship last week Sam's Picture

when we reconsecrated our sanctuary. We read Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple in Jerusalem from I Kings and remembered God's covenants with God's people-through Abraham, Moses, and then David. We did some remembering of our own, recalling those citizens who first established a Methodist presence in Marietta almost two centuries ago, those who had the vision of locating to our present site over a half century ago, and those who have worshiped with us here in the sacred space of our sanctuary. We remembered some dear friends.

And with Solomon we anticipated. Solomon prayed for the well-being of his people and for their faithfulness in days ahead, almost as if he could predict the economic and social upheaval, division, and exile that were to follow. We, too, prayed that we would be faithful in days to come, that we would be worthy of the sacred space and that all the world around us would know that it can find solace here. Remembrance and Anticipation.

Now a couple of housekeeping notes. New Bibles and hymnals are in the sanctuary and the former ones will be used in a different way. Remember that we replace Bibles and hymnals on a regular basis as they are worn, torn, spilled on (those Starbucks people!) and, believe it or not, magically walk out the door. If at some time in the past you gave a hymnal or Bible in honor or memory of a loved one and want it now, it will be made available if it is still in use. In the next couple of weeks the remaining ones will be alphabetized and placed in a room where they can be picked up.

At the same time, I encourage you to leave them here. They will still be used, but in a different setting. Already groups have spoken up for them to use in classes, in specific study groups, in the various choirs, and in other settings. In addition, some will be made available to other churches who are in need. Indeed, they will still have usefulness.

Sunday was a good day, and we pray with Solomon that more good days lie ahead. Thank you for what you do here and elsewhere for the Kingdom of God.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Join the Men of the Church for a Braves game on October 1st as they take on the Washington Nationals. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the church office or the church website. Transportation from the church is available. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

The Hospitality Ministry is looking for friendly, creative and energetic volunteers to help greet on Sundays, provide special event setup and décor and be helpers at Church Family Supper on Wednesdays. (Beth Dawson, ext. 7829)

The UMW will host the crafters of Red Bird Mission for a sale on Saturday, October 10 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Sunday, October 11 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) in the Family Life Hall. Come shop the wonderful selection of artisan and hand-made crafts and gifts. (Rev. Elaine Wilder)

Red Bird Craft Fair.

Mission teams are forming now for travel to Ecuador November 9-16 and for travel to Albania November 8-15. You can be a part of life changing community development as a team member or prayer partner. To learn more, click here.

Global Mission will send a team to Chimbote, Peru, October 10-18. You can be a part of this important team without leaving Marietta! Here's a list of items we need:

Reading glasses (all strengths)
Vitamins, mainly children's and prenatal
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Sun visors
Unexpired over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and Tylenol (children's and adult)
Anti-itch medicine
Band-Aids
Small bottles of hand sanitizer
Disposable Gloves
Small Sandwich bags

You may dropoff your donations in baskets placed around the church. For more information, click here. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

The Music Ministry will host an Open House on Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. in Room 263. Join members of the Adult Choir, Handbell Choir and Orchestra to make new connections, enjoy a snack and participate in a typical rehearsal. Childcare is provided. Musicians of all skill levels are needed. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Flag football and cheerleading registration is open.

The season begins October 4. Kristy Carder, a 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)

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 regular meeting of the Church Council will be held on Monday, September 28. We will begin with dinner in the Family Life Hall at 6:30 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Dinner is by reservation only ($10 payable at the door). (Becky Sawyer, ext. 7824)

Join our Senior Adult Ministry as we return to St. Luke's Episcopal Church to hear a concert by organist Charles Higgs on Tuesday, September 29. We will depart at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will follow the concert in the St. Luke's parish hall. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

All men of the church are invited to join the MFUMC Men's Softball Team and play against the Boy Scout Team on Tuesday, September 29 beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the activity field. A cookout will follow in the park pavilion. (Forrest Cate 7806)

Auditions for Amahl and the Night Visitors will be held 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)

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)

Connect Through Table Fellowship

Join us for Church Family Supper!

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.

September 23

Grilled lemon chicken or spinach and cheese ravioli lasagna, mixed veggies, squash and onions roasted, salad bar, garlic bread sticks and desserts

Kids-Hotdogs, tater rounds, and fresh fruit

Save the Date

Auditions for Amahl
and the Night Visitors
Sunday, September 27

Church Council Meeting

Monday, September 28

Men of the Church v. Scouts

Softball Game
Tuesday, September 29

Senior Adult Ministry