News from Marietta FUMC for February 9, 2016

"THE THRILL OF VICTORY,
THE AGONY OF DEFEAT"

Success and defeat come to mind this week. I watched the Super Bowl (along with 70% of you) and was alternately elated by the victory of Peyton and the whole

Manning family (the family was shown prominently on screen) and troubled by the struggle of Cam Newton to react to defeat (the Carolina quarterback abruptly left a press conference when asked to elaborate on the painful loss).

It was the great basketball coach John Wooden of UCLA who told his players, "I hope no one can tell by your attitude whether you outscored or were outscored by the other team." Professional football speaks for itself on that matter with the proliferation of end zone celebrations, fancy dances, a degree of taunting, and quarterbacks whose attitude speaks volumes about whether they outscored or were outscored. (I really do not intend to beat down Mr. Newton with my words. He is a great athlete and he is young. He will learn, I am certain.)

But more about Wooden comes to mind today. He was a fine player in his day and was the first person inducted into the Hall of Fame both as a player and as a coach. In 1947 his (now) Indiana State team won its conference title and was invited to the national tournament. Wooden declined the invitation because his team included a black player and the national association banned black players. Wooden and the team stayed home.

His great desire was to coach the University of Minnesota basketball team. He interviewed there and, as a back-up, just-in-case move, interviewed with UCLA. The
Minnesota board decided to offer Wooden the job, but a winter storm knocked out all communication in the area and the board was unable to reach Wooden before the agreed-upon deadline. Believing he had been turned down by Minnesota, Wooden took the UCLA job. Minnesota was able to reach Wooden shortly thereafter with its good news, but Wooden replied that he had given his word to UCLA. He would not rescind it, even knowing that both UCLA and Minnesota would understand. He was a man of his word, even if being so cost him his dream job.

Wooden went to UCLA and in his twenty-seven years there won 665 games, an average of over twenty-four wins each year. His teams won ten NCAA championships including seven consecutive titles (1967- 1973) and ten in twelve years (1964- 1975). He was known for staying in contact with his players even after they left his program and for investing as much time and effort in building character as in building championship teams.

He said once, "Talent will take you to the top. Integrity will keep you there." The news is full of athletes, politicians, and a whole assortment of other people who rose to the top but lacked the integrity to stay there. In these days of Super Bowl champions, presidential
primaries, and the everyday course of living, let's watch as integrity prevails.

And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Lenten Lecture Series. Join us on Wednesdays, beginning on February 17, at 6:30 pm during Lent as our four ministers offer conversation on the questions people bring to Jesus in Scripture. Register online here or contact Erin Kimbrel at ext. 7813.

A new Bereavement Support Group begins Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 pm in the Parlor and will meet the third Wednesday of each month. This group will provide ongoing support and care to those grieving the loss of a loved one. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Join the senior adults in visiting the Atlanta Botanical Gardens on Thursday, February 25 to view the vast array of orchids. We will depart at 10:15 a.m. from the Polk Street lot. Cost is $21 plus lunch. RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext. 7835.

We are updating our Ecare prayer list of military members. A new list will be released on February 23, 2016. To submit a new name for the list or to ensure that your loved one remains on the list, please email or call Erin Kimbrel (erinkimbrel@mariettafumc.org or
770-429-7800, ext. 7813). Thank you for helping us to keep our prayer lists accurate and up to date.

Join the Senior Adults for lunch on Wednesday, February 17 in the Reception Hall. We will hear jointly from eldercare attorney, Cindy Nelson, home health business owner, Lou Ann Thombley, and asset manager, Steve Norris. The cost is $8. Please RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext. 7835.

All men of the church are invited to an oyster roast on Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Justin and Beth Gilland, 945 Mountain Brook Lane, Marietta GA 30064. Enjoy food and fellowship and find ways to get connected. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

Learn more about our 2016 Global Mission Trips on Sunday February 21 at 12:30 p.m. in the Reception Hall. Find out how you can be a part of trips to the Republic of Georgia, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Africa and the United States as a team member, prayer partner, or through project support. Hear stories of transformation from our trip leaders and find out how MFUMC shares in God's love for the world. A light lunch will be served. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)

Help restock the MFUMC food pantry during the month of February. Collection bins will be located at each elevator. (Forrest Cate, ext. 8906)

Little Lambs Children's Consignment Sale returns March 10-12 here at MFUMC. Volunteers are needed, and consignor registration is open. For more information, visit www.li-lambs.org for more information. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Fuse Soccer. Registration for our most popular sport is open. The season for ages 3K through 5th grade begins March 13 and ends on May 15. Click here to register. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Handel's Messiah Study: Lent, Easter and Beyond. Fred Finzer will be leading a 4-week class beginning March 7 that looks at the music, themes, and use of scripture in Handel's Messiah. Contact the church office to register for the class. The class meets each Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840).

The 3rd-5th grade Bible study continues on Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Room 324. Fellowship with friends and explore the books of the Bible. For more information or to sign up, contact Kelly Duncan at ext. 7812. All are welcome, so invite friends!

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.

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

Ash Wednesday Worship Services will be held tomorrow, February 10 at noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This service marks the beginning of the season of Lent, and we mark ourselves with the sign of a cross as an outward sign of our repentance and mortality. Join us for Church Family Supper in the Family Life Hall at 5:15 p.m. before the evening service.

Our Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. (please note time change) in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

The annual Daddy/Daughter Dance is this Friday, February 12. Girls ages 3 years old to 5th grade will 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)

Celebration of the Negro Spiritual, directed by Dr. Oral Moses, will be performed at the Marietta Performing Arts Center at Marietta High School today at 3 p.m. This is free and open to the public. To utilize the church transportation please RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge. We will depart at 2:20 p.m. from the Polk Street lot. (Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835)

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.

February 10

Breaded pork chop or baked tilapia, sweet potatoes, broccoli, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids- Chicken Nuggets, parmesan pasta, broccoli, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Save the Date

Wednesday, February 10