AS A GROUP

Paul McHugh is the former psychiatrist in chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital. A few years ago he authored Connected: The Surprising Power of our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives. He has written more extens Sam's Picture

ively on the same subject recently and revealed how most of us assume many of the characteristics of those with whom we spend time and are connected.

While we think we are independent thinkers, Dr. McHugh argues that such is not always the case. He cited an earlier study that "obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and even personal happiness and altruism spread as a kind of contagion" among the members of a social group.

When the behavior becomes unhealthy, sometimes severe and intentional steps are need to imbed a patient, he says, into a different community. He cited the popular concept of encouraging a newly admitted addict to attend ninety Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in ninety days not only to introduce them into that new community, but to take on sobriety as a norm in their future. It helps, he posits, to hang around with good people, people whose habits and actions we seek to emulate.

Such findings are not new to us in this church, are they? For the greater part of two centuries worshipers have gathered here, seeking the companionship of other travelers on the way to being the people whom God has called us to be. One of our core beliefs is that our best lives are lived in community, that we are mutually dependent upon the people around us.

So a couple of thoughts today. First, hang around with good people. Hang around in a group where dignity, integrity, honesty, generosity, faith, and altruism are the normal behaviors and are practiced on a regular basis. When the conversation turns in any other direction, one in which you are called to be less than God has called you to be, then find another group.

Second, remember that especially early in the new year, there are people around us who are seeking to improve their lives. We tease that in every new year, two places that are crowded are fitness centers and church pews. We make resolutions to be better people, both inside and out, and expressing and experiencing faith are major parts of that resolve. They come here looking for you and your group. Remember that. Someone is watching you and listening to what you say. McHugh makes the point in a recent article that quite often even a single person, "respected by the group," can move a group to a healthier, more acceptable behavior.

So remember that. In the new year, we are all evangelists, proclaiming and living the faith. We help make up a good group, a group that, in the name of our Christ, can make people better and can change the world.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Help prevent hunger in our community. Volunteer at the food pantry of our community development partner, the Center for Family Resources in the Mansour Building. Shifts are available on Thursdays and Fridays. To sign up or for more information, please contact Michelle Paracha at michelleparacha@mariettafumc.org or ext. 7803.

Youth parents and families are invited to our Winter Parent Meeting and Fusion Worship, Sunday, January 24 at 5:30 p.m. We will have dinner, release the 2016 calendar, worship together and Sam Halverson will be speaking! (Josh Sweeney, ext. 7808)

Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study begins a new 7-week series on Wednesday, February 3 at 9:30 a.m. in room 201-b. The group will discuss "Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story" by Angie Smith, All are welcome! (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Mark your calendars for the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance! On Friday, February 12, girls ages 3 years old to 5th grade dance the night away with their dad, or another special man in their lives. The dance will be in the Family Life Hall from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10 per person which includes music from a DJ, photo booth, light appetizers, punch and a candy buffet! (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Join the Senior Adults for lunch on Wednesday, January 20 at 11:30 a.m. with program speaker, Ray Buday, former Director of the Marietta Housing Authority, discussing affordable housing. The cost is $8. RSVP to Rev. Ethridge at ext. 7835.

Marietta Singles is a group of 55 and older seniors who gather for fun and fellowship. Join them for dinner and line dancing on Monday, January 25 at 6 p.m. in the Reception Hall. For more information contact Lou Gibson at 770-590-0388.

The AARP Safe Driving class will be offered at MFUMC on Thursday, February 4 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 322. The cost is $15 for AARP members, and $20 for non-members. Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835.

We invite you to serve with our Parking Ministry on Sunday mornings in half-hour and one-hour shifts from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Help members who have difficulty walking getting to and from worship and Sunday School. Training is provided. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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

2016 Women's Retreat registration closes this Friday. Join us Feb. 5-6, 2016 at Serenbe. Click here to download a form. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Join the Senior Adults this Sunday, January 17,

to attend the play On Golden Pond at the Elm Street Theater in Woodstock. Tickets are $10. We will depart from the Polk Street parking lot at 1:15 p.m. Please RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext. 7835.

The Church office will be closed Monday, January 18 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Connect Through Table Fellowship

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.

January 13
Country fried steak or grilled chicken, rice and gravy, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids- corn dog, tater rounds, apple sauce, and desserts

Save the Date

Thursday, January 14

-Young Women's Bible Study Begins
-Center for Family Resources
Food Pantry Training

January 15-17

Youth Choir Retreat

Sunday, January 17