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Speak LORD, For Your Servant is Listening
We have many biblical examples highlighting the importance of hearing and listening. In Romans, we read that faith comes from hearing. And in  James, we are admonished to be quick to listen and slow to speak. I fondly recall my grandmother explaining to me that because I had two ears and one mouth, I should listen twice as much as I spoke! That same grandmother taught me not to believe everything I heard. In other words, we should not necessarily listen to just anyone. In the Gospel of Mark, on the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples heard a voice speaking from a cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him."
In Deuteronomy 6:4, Moses proclaims, "Hear O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one." This short passage is known as the shema. Jesus includes it (Mark 12:29) when he answers the scribe who asks, "Which is the greatest commandment?" According to Jesus, the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and secondly, to love your neighbor as yourself. Listening is an act of love, and it involves paying attention to another with your entire being; with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. One of the ways we express our love to God is to listen and to heed what God says.
Noted author, educator and motivational speaker, Stephen R. Covey said, "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." There are so many talking heads these days, especially during a presidential election year. Yet, it seems that listening is a lost art. What would it take for us as individuals, or as a congregation, to improve our ability to listen? One way to hone our listening skills might be to allow more time in our day for prayer; listening as God speaks to us in that still, small voice. I am sure you can think of other ways, and I hope you will share them with me... I'm all ears!
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2 Become 1 Workshop: Join us for a premarital workshop for engaged couples led by professional counselors on Saturday, September 10. Visit www.mariettafumc.org/2become1
for additional information and to register. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)
Youth Sharptop Retreat. Join us August 12-14 as we gather with surrounding Marietta churches for fellowship, games, and worship. This year's theme at Sharptop is "Identity." For more information and to register, visit www.mariettafumc.org/sharptop.
Blessing of the Backpacks is next Sunday, August 7 at both worship services. Children can bring their backpacks to worship and will receive a special pin to remind them of God's love as they start a new school year. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)
One Faith, Many Voices is an annual celebration of church music in worship. Sundays in August will feature: Campmeeting/Revival (August 7), Classical (August 14), African-American (August 21) and Old-Time Bluegrass (August 28). (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)
Power 45 Retreat Registration is open for all 4th and 5th grade students. We will spend time growing closer to God and each other at beautiful Camp Glisson from September 16-18. The theme is Rock On! Stay. Pray. Grow. Go. Cost is $110 by July 31 or $130 beginning August 1. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7815).
Save the date for our next blood drive. Sunday, September 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)
Calling all card crafters! There will be a cardmaking workshop on Thursday, September 8 from 6:30- 8:30 p.m. at Rubber Stamp Fantasy on the Square (115 Church Street). The cost is $20. Please RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext.7835.
Join the Senior Adults for a trip to see the musical Forever Plaid at the Rome Little Theater on Sunday, August 21. We will depart immediately after the 11:15 a.m. worship service. Cost is $25 which includes a box lunch from Jason's Deli. RSVP to Rev Ethridge at ext. 7835.
Congregational Care volunteers needed! Are you willing to visit a homebound member of our congregation once a month? We provide flowers and you provide friendly conversation. Our list of members needing care keeps growing. Join us in this important ministry. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)
Cornerstone, a gathering of Young Adults in their mid-20s to mid-30s, meets Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in room 255 in the Discipleship Building. (Rev. Brian Smith, ext. 7840)
Support Groups are available here at the church for a variety of concerns: grief, caring for a loved one with dementia, addiction, or other needs. Visit www.mariettafumc.org/support for meeting times and details. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)
Interested in MFUMC's history? Helping in our Archives is a great way to learn (and help preserve our past). Please contact Milli Robinson at millirobinson@mariettafumc.org or ext. 7857 to volunteer.
Help restore lives impacted by human trafficking in our area. Volunteer at the Marietta Treasure Store, a consignment store which benefits Wellspring Living located at 800 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta 30064. Wellspring Living helps victims of Human Trafficking move forward with their lives through group resident and independent living programs. For more information, contact Forrest Cate. To sign up to volunteer, click here.
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 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)
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 Want more information about Restore To Glory! and its progress?
Visit its Web site, 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.
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Learn more about our mission trip to Peru this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in the library. Trip dates are September 17-25. (Forrest Cate ext. 7806)
Join the Senior Adults' visit to the Marietta History Museum
on Monday, August 1. We will meet in the Welcome Center lobby at 10:15 a.m. and walk over as a group. Those unable to walk may ride in the church van. Lunch to follow on the Square at Taqueria Tsunami. Trip is free for museum members and $5 for non-members. RSVP to Rev. Lori Ethridge at ext. 7835.
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Connect Through Table Fellowship
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Church Family Supper
takes a break during the late Spring
and early Summer.
Check back in August for menus and upcoming events!
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For more information about events
at First United Methodist Church of Marietta,
Pack Lunches for MUST Summer Lunch
Thursday, July 28
10 a.m.
Lower Room
Forrest Cate, ext. 7806 forrestcate@mariettafumc.orgSenior Adult Visit to the Marietta History MuseumMonday, August 1 10:15 a.m. Welcome Center Lobby Rev. Lori Ethridge, ext. 7835 loriethridge@mariettafumc.orgServe Supper at the Women's ExtensionThursday, August 4 6:30 p.m. Away Forrest Cate, ext. 7806 forrestcate@mariettafumc.orgBlessing of the BackpacksSunday, August 7 Both Worship Services Youth Fall Parent MeetingSunday, August 7 6 p.m. Jessica Ferguson, ext. 7822 jessicaferguson@mariettafumc.orgChildren's Parent MeetingSunday, August 14 10 a.m. Family Life Hall Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812 kellyduncan@mariettafumc.orgFUSE Children's Lacrosse BeginsSunday, August 14 2 p.m. Park on Polk Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812 kellyduncan@mariettafumc.org
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