August 10,

2016

SERIOUS BUSINESS

Bob Greene wrote an article a while back about an impromptu meeting that he witnessed between David Letterman and Jonathan Winters, two of

the most popular comedians that television ever produced. Letterman retired last year as the longest-serving late-night talk host in TV history; Winters was unsurpassed in his "inventive, seemingly free-form brilliance" that inspired a generation of comedians.

Letterman was preparing to tape his show (to be aired later that evening) and learned that Winters was in the building. Letterman, "with great deference and courtesy," greeted Winters and asked if he would like to appear on the program that day. Winters thought for a moment and politely declined. He told Mr. Letterman that he did not have prepared any material that would be up to the standards of the network or of Mr. Letterman's show. Letterman, Greene wrote, instantly understood.

There was a moment, Greene wrote, that these two masters of spontaneity and off-the-cuff humor looked each other in the eye and understood the seriousness of comedy. Both men understood that the impromptu comments came as the result of hard work, practice, and discipline. Dolly Parton once said, "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap." These men might have said, "It takes a lot of practice to look this spontaneous."

So we ask ourselves. For what do we prepare, for what moment do we discipline ourselves? We jolly well know that there are no "spontaneous" swimmers or runners or gymnasts in Rio this week. I like to think that my attorney has "read up" on the law, that my doctor has at least scanned my file before she makes a diagnosis, and that my mechanic has read the repair manual. Worlds of students have started school in the past few days, but you and I know that the teachers were far, far ahead of them and have lesson plans for most of the year.

But I'm not sure about faith and worship. I like to see people reading the morning's scripture in their pews before the worship service begins, but I'm uncertain about the time we spend in developing and understanding our faith. We know some Bible stories and we recognize a few names, but perhaps we've never spent much time in real study and discussion. I hope you've taken advantage of a good Sunday School class. I hope you've taken a good Bible study and are familiar with some of the tools that your church offers. Humility. Peace. Grace. Love. Kindness. Simple virtues, virtues to which we all aspire, but they take a lot of work. Your church will help you.
And I'll see you this Sunday.

News

Organ Concert, Sunday, August 28, 3 p.m. Organist and Music Associate Brian Parks will feature works from early Americana,

the European tradition and an improvisation on an audience-submitted theme. A reception will follow. (Brian Parks, ext. 7809)

Power 45 Kickoff. 4th and 5th graders invite your friends for a pool party and dinner on Sunday, August 21, from 4-6 p.m. Power 45 meets on the 3rd Sunday of the month from August through May. We will meet at the Garrett's home for the pool party. Contact Kelly Duncan for directions or for more information at ext. 7812.

Youth Choir singers and parents are invited to a kickoff rehearsal on Sunday, August 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the Choir Room (263). The choir (grades 6-12) offers music in Sunday worship throughout the year and makes an annual concert mission tour. (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)

Men's Low Country Boil, Thursday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Walt Davis. Learn more about how to serve our church and community as a man of MFUMC. For more information, visit www.mariettafumc.org/lowcountryboil. (Forrest Cate, ext. 7806)

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)

Third Grade Bible Presentation, Sunday, August 28, during worship. Third Graders will receive a Bible engraved with their name. Please let Kelly Duncan know your child's name for engraving and which service you'll be attending. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

Give blood Sunday, September 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Family Life Hall. Visit www.mariettafumc.org/giveblood for additional information and to sign up. (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 d�cor 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 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.

This Week

Promotion Pep Rally, Sunday, August 14, 10-11 a.m. All preschool and elementary children and parents are invited to kick off the school year with a Pep Rally! We'll start in the Family Life Hall with brunch and photo ops, then children will leave with their new teachers and parents will stay for an informational meeting. (Kelly Duncan, ext. 7812)

The Dementia Caregivers Support Group will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room. (Rev. Elaine Wilder, ext. 7826)

One Faith, Many Voices is an annual celebration of church music in worship. Sundays in August will feature: Classical (this week), African-American (August 21) and Old-Time Bluegrass (August 28). (Bryan Black, ext. 7815)