News from Marietta FUMC for November 10, 2015

WHAT ISN'T TRUE AT ALL

As we prepare to make our financial commitment to the church for 2016, I think it appropriate that we take a look at a handful of facts about stewardship that really Sam's Picture

aren't facts at all. Think about them and perhaps you can add another one or two.

1. THE CHURCH NEEDS OUR MONEY. False, absolutely false. In truth, the church needs nothing at all from us. If God decrees that a church should be here, then a church will be here. Someone will sing, someone will light candles, someone will read scripture, someone will preach. Someone will visit the sick and bury the dead. The church will survive. What is true is that we give to the church because we need to give. God has given to us and we need to give to others. There is within us a need to give something of significance. Tell the truth now. Is there any greater feeling than knowing that we have given a significant gift? We need to give.

2. WE NEED TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH'S PROGRAMS. Any announcement like this in a church bulletin is among my pet peeves. Except for the work of children and of our youth, we don't support programs! We create programs that support people! When a program no longer supports people, it should be re-evaluated, reconfigured, or simply ended. We don't support programs, our programs support people!

3. WE PLEDGE TO SUPPORT THE BUDGET. Again, false. In fact, I know every single member of the Finance Committee and I can promise you that there is no budget for 2016! We will make our commitments and, when the estimates are totaled and evaluated by those who know the trends of this church, a budget for 2016 will be set. If we pledge $100,000, then we will budget in accordance. If we pledge $4,000,000, then we will, again, budget in accordance. The budget reflects our willingness to give, not the other way around.

4. GIVING TO THE CHURCH IS PRIMARILY AN ECONOMIC ISSUE. Again, nothing could be further from the truth. The economics of giving are simple: figure the income and the outgo, spend a moment contemplating the IRS, then make a commitment. No, giving is not an economic one but a spiritual one. Jesus talked more about how we spend the resources trusted to us than about any other issue at all. God watches and cares how we spend our money. And, as I said in the sermon Sunday, Jesus did not mention an amount as much as he mentioned a measure. "She gave more." "...all that you own..." "....more will be given..." "I will put you in charge of many things." And finally, "All that is mine is yours."

This week we will have the opportunity to put our commitment cards on the altar of the church. If you have committed online, like Bobbi and me, come forward anyway and lay down the card with, perhaps, the notation that you have committed online.

Pray for your church, and be here on Sunday. This will be a great Sunday.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

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News

Our annual CHARGE CONFERENCE will be on Monday evening, November 23, at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. This is the annual business session of the church, led by our District Superintendent. All members of the Church Council are members of the Charge Conference. Anyone else is welcome to this opportunity to learn more about our church. Dinner ($10) will be available at 6:30 p.m. by reservation to Erin Kimbrel, ext. 7813.

Advent Sunday School. If you are not currently
in a Sunday school, we invite you to join us for a
5-week Advent Study during the Sunday school hour beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, November 29. The class will be led by Forrest Cate, Director of Program, and will meet in the Hospitality Room.
(Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)

The Men of the Church are holding a pre-sale Christmas Tree and Wreath Fundraiser. Proceeds will benefit the Weekday Preschool, Boy Scout Troop 277 and the MFUMC Youth. Order forms and more information is available through the church office or by clicking here. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Join the senior adults for our Thanksgiving Feast on Wednesday, November 18 at 11:30 in the Reception Hall. We will be entertained by Susan McDonald sharing her faith story in song. The cost is $10. Please RSVP (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835).

Be a Christmas Angel! This Christmas, help bring
joy to local family. Information is on the Bridge,
in the nursery and outside the Family Life Hall. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Save the date! Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti will be presented by the Jubilation Drama Ministry on December 18 and 19. This fully staged musical with orchestra follows the Three Kings on their journey to the Christ child and their encounter with Amahl and his mother. Tickets (Seniors $18/Adults $22) will be available on the Bridge on Sundays and through the Church Office. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Marietta Singles is a group of 55 and older singles who gather for fun and fellowship every Monday. Dinner and a program begin at 6 p.m. in Room 327, and all are welcome! For more info, contact Lou Gibson at 770-590-0388.

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

This Sunday is COMMITMENT SUNDAY. This is the
time when we are asked to make an estimate of our financial support of the church in 2016. Commitment cards are available in the pews or you can make
your commitment through the church web site www.mariettafumc.org. Thank you for your support of your church and its ministries. Together, we have great impact on the community and on the world.

Our Thanksgiving Feast is this Sunday in the Family
Life Hall. There will be turkey and other treats from the season. $10 (adults) and $7 (kids 3-10) at the door.

Operation Christmas Child boxes are due next Monday, November 16! You may pick yours up at the Reception Desk. Contact Karen Edris, president of the United Methodist Women, at karen.edris@gmail.com for more information.

Power 45! Fourth and fifth graders are invited and encouraged to bring their friends! This Sunday from 4-6 p.m. Meet in the Family Life Hall Lobby. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Our Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet tomorrow evening, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Join the Senior Adults in attending Brad Sherrill's production of Exodus this Sunday evening, November 15 at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta. Sherrill is an actor/photographer and will portray Moses against a backdrop of his photographs. We will depart at 5 p.m. from the Polk Street parking lot. (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.

November 11
Baked spaghetti pie with meat sauce or tilapia with tomato and garlic sauce (served with pesto spaghetti), mixed vegetables, roasted Brussel sprouts, rolls, salad bar, and desserts

Kids- Corn dogs, tater rounds, salad bar, and desserts

Save the Date

Sunday, November 15
Commitment Sunday

-Church-wide Thanksgiving Feast

-Power 45

-Senior Adult Ministry Trip to See Exodus

Wednesday, November 18

-Senior Adult Ministry Catered Luncheon

-Children's Bible Study

Monday, November 23

-Charge Conference

-Senior High Road Trip