ONE LOOK SAYS IT ALL

Paul and I took our son Elliott to the Circus last weekend, and the Ringling Brothers did not disappoint. There were camels and tigers and elephants. There were

tightrope walkers and trapeze artists. They even shot a sequin-clad woman out of a cannon and across the arena.

There was so much to see that it was hard to figure out where to look at any given moment. Elliott sat amazed throughout the show. But, as you can imagine, in addition to the circus itself, there was an entire sideshow of things to purchase. Sales booths were everywhere. A snow cone for $22. A stuffed elephant for $30. Paul and I felt like victorious warriors when we made it to our seats only having purchased one bag of cotton candy.

Elliott was happy and settled, eating his sugar and taking it all in when I spotted him. A roaming salesman covered from head to toe in flashing, strobing, light-up circus memorabilia walking straight towards us. Elliott took one look and literally jumped out of his seat with glee, waving the man over. My face, however, must have offered this glowing salesman another message. Because after glancing at me, he waved kindly at Elliott and walked the other way.

One look was all it took and that man knew better than to approach us. Believe me; I was grateful and relieved. But even I wondered what my face had spoken. Was it desperation? Or disdain? Did I roll my eyes? Or did I simply laugh and shake my head no? It happened so quickly that I have no idea. But one look said it all and he walked away.

I wonder how often we turn people away with a simple look. We worry so much about our words, but do we pay enough attention to our expressions? A frown or a raised eyebrow, folded arms or a look of complete disinterest. People watch us and sometimes we never earn the opportunity to speak.

But a smile or a warm nod of approval can also speak volumes. We can welcome people and make them feel noticed. We can invite further conversation. We hear often that we are the hands and feet of Christ. But we are also the face of Christ. May our faces reflect the love that lives within us.

News

Lenten Lecture Series. Join us as we continue our Lenten series led by our four ministers on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 256. Pre-registration not required (Erin Kimbrel, ext. 7813).

Our Blanket and Shawl Ministry meets the first Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. This group knits prayer shawls for our church and community. All are welcome. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

Registration for Glisson Grow Day Camp at FUMC is open! Dates are June 6-10 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The camp is for children who have completed K-5th grade. Register at www.growdaycamps.org. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The senior adults will take a trip to Gibb Gardens in Ball Ground, Ga., on Thursday March 10. We will depart at 11 a.m. and pause for lunch on-site at the garden. The cost of the trip is $22 plus lunch. Please RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext. 7835.

On Sunday, February 28, the director of Camp Glisson will visit our church to provide information about summer camps. Children ages rising 2nd through 12th grade may attend overnight camp at Glisson. Lightseekers will host the presentation at 10 a.m. in Room 252, and Kindred Spirits will host at 11 a.m. in Room 251. There will also be a table with brochures on the bridge.

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.

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)

Help restock the MFUMC food pantry during the month of February. Collection bins are 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. (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

Learn more about our 2016 Global Mission Trips this 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)

4th and 5th graders invite your friends for hamster ball races, basketball, boy vs. girl food drive, and Zaxby's for dinner! Power 45 will meet this Sunday, February 21 from 4-6 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Cost is $15/person. Parent chaperones are welcome and needed! Please RSVP to Kelly Duncan at ext. 7812.

A new Bereavement Support Group begins tomorrow, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. 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)

We are updating our Ecare prayer list of military members. A new list will be released next Tuesday, February 23. To submit a new name for the list or to ensure that your loved one remains on the list, 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 tomorrow, 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.

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 17

Beef tips or grilled chicken, rice, vegetables, salad bar, rolls and desserts

Kids-Chicken Sandwich, tater rounds, salad bar, and desserts vegetables

Save the Date

Wednesday, February 17