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FELLOWSHIP UNITED METHODIST CHURCH |
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NOVEMBER 2009 THE
FELLOWSHIP FLAME A WORD FROM THE PASTOR (Johnny Liles) Y2K!
It is difficult to believe that ten years (!) ago some folks were sure
computers would crash, airplanes would fall from the sky, and maybe even the
world would come to an end at the stroke of mid-night December 31, 1999.
The gloom and doom folks did not say whether it would be at the end of
the day at the International Date Line in the middle of the Pacific Ocean or
Eastern Standard Time. The next
day dawned like most any other day. I did not hear of anyone who had a problem with a computer.
We are still here. It sure seemed some folks were about to get ulcers worrying
about Y2K. My point is that we
often make problem for ourselves when we try to determine what God will do and
how God will do it. It is better
if we heed the words of a Gospel Song, “We’ll work ‘til Jesus comes and
we’ll be gathered home.” There is work for all of us by
sharing what we know and have experienced with Jesus Christ. You need not be an “in your face” like a street-corner
evangelist. I have always doubted
the value of that kind of witnessing. You
will probably get better results by just letting people know you go to church
and where the church is and inviting them to attend. Be prepared for people to ask more in-depth questions.
I believe there is a spiritual hunger at this time in our history.
You do not need to be a theologian to share what you know and what you
have experienced. Most of you who read this have
seen or will see the painting the trustees hired a man to do. What none of you have seen is the tender loving care he and
his crew put into the work they did for us.
In addition to the painting he replace bulbs (some of them at his own
expense) and re-aimed the spotlights to my suggestions.
It is very satisfying to have a person like that working for the
church. He is active in his
church and very trust worthy. On
two occasions I have given him a key to my house with the instructions I want
it painted when I come back from vacation.
Some things can be delegated
to a committee or individuals and the work will be done. On the other hand, once each year the entire church must come
together in a “business meeting.” That
meeting is calling the Church Conference.
It will happen at Fellowship in early November.
It is my hope and prayer that most of us will be there. In this month of November we
will celebrate Thanksgiving (26) and begin the Advent Season (29).
On Thanksgiving we give thanks for the material blessings of God for
the past year. Advent is a time
of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ our Lord.
Some stores had their “Christmas stuff” on display well before
Halloween. So it is difficult to get our hearts and minds in the real
spirit of Christmas after having been bombarded with the commercials and music
for so long. I do pray you and I
will try very hard this Advent Season to get that spirit, the Spirit of God.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (Liz Travis) Ladies, mark November 10 on
your calendar for our next meeting at 11 am at church. Bring a sandwich and
ideas of what you would like to see as programs, especially our December
meeting. Do you have a special program that you would like to present? The
December meeting is Tuesday, December 8. Elected Leadership training is
at Waterford Central on Saturday, November 14 at 1 pm to 3 pm. We
need to register all officers. Even though you may have been an officer
before, there are always new ideas and thoughts from which we can all benefit.
Not a current officer in our local unit?
There are places we can use your expertise and energy.
Areas of interest: Education and Interpretation, Spiritual Life,
Program Resources (like to read – this is good), and Nurture and Outreach. We have available Mission
cards for all occasions. Thinking of You, Thank You, Congratulations and Your
Special Day. These cards are $5 each. This money goes directly to Missions.
We also have available Gift To Mission Memorial Cards. You fill out the
bottom portion of the card; give it and a check to our treasurer, Carolyn
Jones (there is a sample card on the UMW board in the hall). I have sent these
to relatives and the response has been very positive, knowing that a gift to
Mission has been given in their loved one’s name. No charge for these cards. In the September/October issue
of World Outlook (Mission magazine of the United Methodist Church), there are
several interesting articles, but one that stood out. It is one on Facebook.
Apparently there are 2 online games that members can play. They are Farm Town
and African Safari. When you play African Safari, the site will contribute
something toward “Nothing But Nets”. Nothing But Nets provides bed nets to
protect people in tropical climates from mosquito-borne disease, especially
malaria. This will be one of our Churches Advances Mission Giving for 2010.
There are many more interesting articles in this magazine. I will put my copy
on the table in the lounge. Computers and THE WEB have changed the way
missionaries are able to tell about their work.
WORSHIP (Jeff
Walker and James Sawyer) We
discussed the new way that we did communion at the beginning of the month –
with the tray of bread and the little cups. The congregation seemed to like it
so we will continue to serve communion this way, at least through the winter.
It is a little more sanitary.
Sunday,
November 22 – “Hanging of the Greens” will take place following the
worship service. There will be a potluck lunch and then we’ll decorate the
church. Worship Committee will furnish the main course with a sign-up sheet
for your choice of whatever you’d like to donate to the meal. Sunday,
January 3, 2010 – “Unhanging of the Greens” will take place following
worship. We
will receive envelopes (and information) about the Six Special Sundays of
United Methodists. The education and information are more important than the
monies that we collect, but both are good! EDUCATION (Maxine
McClure) Education
will meet on Thursday, November 20 at 10 am. This is an important meeting and
I hope that all members will be able to attend. Thanks. STAFF-PARISH
RELATIONS
(John Hart) We
have a new member of the staff at Fellowship: a familiar face with a new
responsibility. Lana Boehm is now providing childcare on Sunday mornings. She
reports to the Education Committee. TRUSTEES
(Steve Payer) The
Trustees have been shifting into high gear over the past couple of months, and
October in particular has been a very busy time for the committee. We started
several weeks ago with the removal of diseased trees and stumps and some heavy
weeding around the church property. Some of the larger projects where we
contracted help included painting the exterior of the sanctuary. We didn’t
shop there; we moved indoors to heave sanctuary west wall painted and the wood
paneling cleaned and coated with polyurethane. Since the tall ladders were in
place, we had a number of light bulbs replaced. While we were at it, new
“vandal” covers for our church sign were ordered and installed in addition
to a number of our traditional fall workday interior and exterior projects.
Thank you to all who participated and supported these important maintenance
and improvement projects. Of
course, we’re not done yet. The Trustees are planning on other projects
clear through 2010, so stay tuned! Like
to travel? Beginning July 27, 2010, the United Methodist Michigan Conference
in offering a 5-day trip to the world-famous 400-year-old Passion Play in
Oberammergau, Germany, and to other Alpine Wonders.
WORDS OF WISDOM FOR NOVEMBER God is like Bounty: He is
the quicker picker-upper! He can
handle the tough jobs! And: He won’t fall apart on you!
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