IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME

During seminary a few years ago, I was serving at a small church in North Carolina where I often led

the children's sermon in worship. On one Communion Sunday, I brought some raw dough as a visual aid to show the kids at the start of the children's sermon. The children, being full of excitement, quickly informed me of how the dough could become bread, donuts or biscuits. But their excitement and willingness to talk in front of the congregation quickly came to a halt when I asked them, "Why do we eat bread and celebrate communion in the church?" The children stared up at me nervously while silence filled the sanctuary. Finally, one young girl piped up and said, "Because Jesus told us to do this in remembrance of him."

Exactly!

How did the young girl know this? Where did she learn this response? She knew it because she had heard it many times in the liturgy of Communion. She knew it because the church claims those words. Every time this young girl came down to kneel at the altar with her hands in the shape of a cross, she had heard the words, "Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." Those words of the Communion liturgy had taken hold in her heart and they were becoming a part of who she was.

What is the primary liturgy that is at work in your life? Is it a liturgy based on the world around you? Is it a liturgy based on greed, hate or discrimination? Is it a liturgy based on a website you regularly visit or a show you always watch? Or is the primary liturgy at work in your life one of grace, love and the words of Christ?

This Sunday, we will gather at the table to celebrate World Communion Sunday, and we will hear Jesus' words from the Last Supper once again. One of the things that makes this Communion Sunday particularly special for our church is that we will come down and kneel on new altar rail kneelers. The Needlepoint Kneelers Committee in our church has been carefully crafting these kneelers for 14 years, and these beautiful works of art will serve as a place where we will encounter God for decades to come. It is my prayer that every time we gather around the Communion table and kneel on the new altar rail kneelers, we will allow the words of Christ to take hold in our hearts and become a part of who we are.

News

Join us for the Beth Berman Memorial Fund Dinner and Silent Auction on Thursday, November 5 in the Family Life Hall. Our guest speaker, Mr. Shane Claiborne, will share stories from his life journey including working with Mother Teresa in Calcutta. Tickets are available through the church office. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

UMW Café will be Sunday, October 11

in the Family Life hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in or take out. Come enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts. $8/person with a $25 family cap; proceeds benefit UMW missions. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

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.

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 Music Ministry will host an Open House tomorrow night, 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)

Join the Men of the Church for a Braves game

on October 1 as they take on the Washington Nationals. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through the church office or at the church Web site. Transportation from the church is available. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

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 30

Country Fried Steak or Parmesan crusted cod, mashed potatoes, white gravy, quick green beans, pintos, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids-Hamburger or cheeseburger, tater rounds, salad bar, and desserts

Save the Date

Music Ministry Open House

Wednesday, September 30

Men of the Church
Braves Game

Thursday, October 1

Saturday, October 10