THE CATCHER AND OUR BEST SELVES

The death of baseball great Yogi Berra was tough news for baseball fans across the country. I am one of those fortunate enough to have seen Berra play. In fact, he and I Sam's Picture

played the same position, were both diminutive in height, and I enjoyed the nickname "Yogi" when it was applied to me during Little League days. There, I'm afraid, the similarities end.

Berra's baseball credentials are the stuff of history and he holds his rightful place in baseball's Hall of Fame. All the numbers are there, along with the excellence-he played in (and won) more World Series games than anyone who ever played the game. But in an unusual twist, Berra was probably as good a person as he was an athlete. There was never a blemish on his record, nothing to blemish the sterling career of one of baseball's greatest. Such a thing today, sadly, is the exception about as often as it is the rule.

In Allan Barra's biography of Berra a few years ago (Yogi Berra, The Eternal Yankee) he references all the statistics that confirm Berra's status as one of the game's greatest players. But he also points out another fact, one not widely known. He cites the records of those who played with and pitched to Berra and makes the point that, time after time, those pitchers had their best years when they pitched to Berra. Not a few were stars when pitching to Berra, mediocre when not.

That's a refreshing thought in a "me first" world and I wonder if the same could be said about you and me. Do others do their best work when they work with you? Do most of your friends think that both the workplace and the world are better when you are there? Do you bring about thoughts of generosity, involvement, and participation in others? How about thoughts of grace, peace, forgiveness, and hope? Do most of the people around you complain a great deal, find fault with others and with the world? Do you find most of your friends resentful and angry? Have they found in you a receptive ear to gossip, pessimism, and despair?

Around the church we speak a great deal about our third core value, that there is a "true self" made in the image of God within each of us. Like Paul in Romans 7, we know who that person is, and we know what to do, but we battle with our lesser selves. Apparently Yogi Berra found it and he helped some other athletes find it. We talk about that best self here each week, and there is a place for you.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Please join us in praying for those affected by the torrential rains and heavy flooding in the wake of Hurricane Joaquin. As the waters recede, assessments will be made regarding what type of recovery work will be required. The MFUMC Early Response Team will be working with the North Georgia Conference and the Southeastern Jurisdiction to find ways to help in the days and weeks ahead. You may also help with a donation. Please make checks payable to MFUMC and indicate #4390-SC Flooding on the notes line. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

A team from Marietta First will travel to Chimbote, Peru on a mission trip October 10-18. One of the main goals of the trip is to provide medical assistance and supplies for our partners there. Please keep the team members in your prayers. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Tailgate Treats. Trunk or treating, cake walk, a petting zoo, games, costume parade and candy! Sunday, October 25 from 4-6 p.m. (Kelly Duncan, 7812)

Join the Men of the Church for dinner on Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Golden Corral, located at 700 Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw, 30144. Enjoy food and fellowship and learn about how to get connected with the Men of the Church. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Join us for a service day at the Women's Extension on Saturday, October 24, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will be painting and doing minor flooring work. No experience necessary. Sign up at www.mariettafumc.org. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Created by God. Created by God is a study of human sexuality with a Christian foundation and is open to 5th and 6th graders. The program will be held November 12-14 and offer both you and your child an opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate the fact that we have each been wonderfully created by God and are called to responsible living as sexual beings. Registration is required. (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

Don't let your smart phone outsmart you! Learn how to de-mystify your device at a series of four 90-minute interactive classes to assist you in making the most of your smart phone. Classes will meet at 10 a.m. on the first four Mondays in November. Cost is $48. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835 )

The Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet next Wednesday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

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)

Power 45! for 4th and 5th graders is next Sunday, October 18 from 4-6 p.m. Fellowship, games, missions, and prayer with peers prepares our older children for their years in youth group. All are welcome, so invite friends! Parents: we are always looking for assistants (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

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.

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)

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

UMW Café will be this 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 UMW will host the crafters of Red Bird Mission for a sale this Saturday, October 10 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and this 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.

A Closer Look is a class for visitors and new members who want to discover more about the mission and ministry of First United Methodist. The class continues today at 10:10 a.m. in the Parlor with Rev. Elaine Wilder. Pre-registration not required. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840).

Our Working Moms Bible Study begins next Monday! Join us at 7:30 p.m. in the Reception Hall. No registration required. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The MFUMC Senior Adult Ministry has two events planned for next week. On Tuesday evening, October 13, our senior adults will attend a concert by Dr. Oral Moses at KSU, and on Wednesday, October 14, we will attend the Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee and hear Ricky Skaggs in concert. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

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.

October 7
Beef tips or grilled chicken, rice, broccoli, corn, salad bar, rolls and desserts
Kids- Chicken nuggets, rice, broccoli, , salad bar, rolls and desserts

Save the Date

Saturday, October 10

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 10

Red Bird Craft Sale

Sunday, October 11
Closer Look class

Sunday, October 11

Red Bird Craft Sale
and UMW Café

Tuesday, October 13

Oral Moses Concert

Wednesday, October 14

Georgia Mountain Fair Hiawassee

Wednesday, October 14
Dementia Caregivers Support Group

Sunday, October 18
Closer Look class

Wednesday, October 21