THIS GRACE OF GIVING

This week our thoughts turn toward stewardship and the ways in which we give in and through our church. In Sam's Picture

the next few weeks you will hear thoughts from others who are members of our church and you will hear some sermon thoughts directed toward the theme of stewardship.

The Stewardship Committee this year chose a stimulating verse from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians (II Corinthians 8:7, NIV) in which he speaks of "this grace of giving." As any good leader would do, Paul praises the Corinthian church for its good work and its excellence in spiritual matters, including faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in love. Then he challenges the church to do something more tangible, to be excellent in its giving.

A couple of thoughts come to mind. He identifies giving as a "grace," and I don't know that I would have thought of that. Grace, as we know, is unmerited kindness, unmerited good will. I think of hospitality, of warmth, generosity, and patience as expressions of grace. By including giving, perhaps Paul is thinking of the joy we feel when we are able to give a gift. Maybe you've waited at a birthday party or a Christmas gathering to see your gift opened. You spent some time in choosing it and in getting just the right size and color. She mentioned it back in August and you remembered and now she will open it on her birthday. We know that joy. Obviously Paul wants us to have that same joy when we give to and through the church. I hope we do!

He also reminds the Corinthians that this particular giving of which he speaks is a response to their earlier promise concerning an offering for the poor in Jerusalem. It is important, Paul thinks, to keep one's promises and to fulfill the obligations that have been made. When our new members join the church this week on Membership Sunday, each will make the same commitment that we made, that we will support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. It is important that we keep those vows.

As always, thank you for what you do in and through your church. You make a difference and your gifts make a difference. Hopefully each of us gives generously, prayerfully, and now, gracefully.
And I'll see you this Sunday.

samsignature

News

A Grief Support Group offers help and healing to those experiencing loss. Our next group will begin on Wednesday, October 28. It will run for 6 weeks from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Parlor. For more information or to register, contact 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 is Mr. Shane Claiborne. Shane is a founder of The Simple Way, a faith community in inner city Philadelphia that has helped birth and connect faith communities around the world. Tickets are available through the church office. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Learn how to de-mystify your smart phone at a series of four 90-minute interactive classes to assist you in making the most of your iPhone. Classes will meet at 10 a.m. on the first four Mondays in November. Cost is $48. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

The Children's Department will offer Sunday School teacher training on Sunday November 1. The class will take place in room 306, at either the 9:00 or 11:15 service time. This training is open to anyone who might have an interest in teaching and will cover the curriculum, faith development of children, procedures, and classroom management. Experience the joy of helping children on their faith journey! (Georgia Rambo, ext. 7805)

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 13-14 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)

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

Membership Sunday is October 25. If you would like to make First United Methodist of Marietta your church home, you are invited to join the church with others on Membership Sunday. Contact Rev. Brian Smith at briansmith@mariettafumc.org or ext. 7840 to join the church that morning.

Tailgate Treats is this Sunday from 4-6 p.m. Trunk or treating, cake walk, a petting zoo, costume parade, and candy! Parents, please have your tailgating vehicle set by 3:45 p.m. (Kelly Duncan, 7812)

The Men of the Church will meet for dinner next 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)

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

Join the Senior Adults at our monthly luncheon

tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21 at 11:30 a.m. in the Reception Hall. The speaker is Phyllis Wright, Professor of Nursing at Emory University. Cost is $8 (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

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 21
Breaded pork chop or grilled lemon pepper chicken, potato casserole, sautéed kale, salad bar, rolls and desserts
Kids- Corndog, tater rounds, salad bar, and desserts

Save the Date

Wednesday, October 21

SAM Catered Luncheon

Saturday, October 24
Service Day
at Women's Extension

Sunday, October 25

Membership Sunday

Sunday, October 25

Tailgate Treats

Monday, October 26
Men of the Church dinner

Sunday, November 1

All Saints Sunday

Thursday, November 5

Beth Berman Memorial Fundraiser Dinner

November 8-15
Mission Trip to Albania

November 9-16
Mission Trip to Ecuador

Thursday, November 12