FROM YOUR PASTOR…

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT - IT IS THE BEST OF TIMES! Last week I sent every member of Lakewood United Methodist Church a most difficult letter concerning our finances. I began it with the words from the "Tale of Two Cities" - "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." I am happy to report that in less than a week, through your efforts, we have changed the last line to read also, "It is the best of times."

YOU have responded! As of the printing of the paper, I can only give you partial figures for more continues to come in. We have received a total of $54,000 in gifts. This includes two gifts totaling $19,825 - one stock gift of $9,825 and another gift of $10,000 coming in late October.
What is even more encouraging is the fact that $14,700 of the total (including the stock given last week from a relatively new member) came from those who joined the church in the two years, showing their love and devotion to Lakewood. We can celebrate Thanksgiving early this year!

Once a New York paper devoted many pages over several weeks to printing letters of children to Santa Claus concerning their wants and needs. Several weeks after Christmas, an editorial was printed stating that of the thousands of letters of requests, only one writer followed up with a letter of thanks to Santa Claus for Christmas.

Let me thank you on behalf of your church. I know, especially in these difficult financial days with the Stock Market going sour, that every gift was a sacrificial gift, whether small or large, and was given in love. I feel confident we can and will finish this year with flying colors. But, I also must thank God for his love and grace that moved through each one of you in considering what to give.

More good news:

Thank you again for your response and encouragement. For those
who have not responded, let me urge you to do so. There are many projects that we have not done because of lack of funds. Lakewood is a good church and with your dedication and God's grace, it will become a great church. See you in worship Sunday.

THIS SUNDAY AT LAKEWOOD

October 6, 2002

World Communion Sunday

"Being the Salt of the Earth"
Rev. Larry D. Ravert

Scripture
Matthew 5:13-16

Words from Wally

This coming Sunday, October 6, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday, marking the 66th year this global event will have taken place. Our Bishop, William Oden, once said of this celebration, "World Communion Sunday is a day to affirm that the abundant life Jesus referred to is through him and connected to all life everywhere."

One of the earliest lessons we learn, as human beings, is that there is "us" and there is "them." There is "we" and "they" - "ours" and "theirs" - "mine" and "yours." We learn early and learn well how to create barriers around ourselves and between ourselves and others. We identify quickly when we meet someone whether they are "one of us" and the descriptive labels we use for people automatically imply whether they are "one of us" or not.

Think about how we openly separate people into one of two groups: young or old - white or black - straight or gay - rich or poor - Americans or foreigners - attractive or unattractive - thin or fat - smart or dumb - Christians or non-Christians - friend or enemy. Think further about the unspoken separations our labels imply: insider or outsider - cool or uncool - haves or have-nots - right or wrong - blessed or cursed - worthy or unworthy - beloved or unlovable.

Ephesians 4:3-6 reads, "Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all."

On October 6, churches throughout the world - the Body of Christ - will share in the sacred supper once again, and this body will join itself to the church in all ages - from the disciples who sat with Jesus that first night, to those generations yet to be born who will join in the table, too. The Bread and the Cup will be shared by people of all kinds, from all nations, from all races, from all cultures. However we narrowly try to label "us" and "them," we are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord. Come, let us celebrate the goodness of the Lord together!

If you would like to serve your church and have fun at the same time, the bell choir might just be the group you have been looking for.

No experience necessary. However, a commitment to the group and to the task is necessary. If you feel you are unable to make a commitment to attend all rehearsals (or at least most of them), please consider placing your name on the substitute list.

Rehearsals will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings beginning this Sunday, October 6th.
This is open to church members and non-members. For more information, please contact Carol Ann Ravert at 214-328-6723.

Larry Ravert is planning a bus trip to Granbury and the Granbury Opera House to see Neil Simon’s comedy, “I Ought to be in Pictures.” More information will be available this Sunday.

Sign-up sheets and more information will be available at the back of the church . Members of the Congregational Care Committee will be available to answer any questions. Or you can call the Church Office (214-823-9623) if you are unable to sign up after church.

New Member

We are so proud to have you with us.

You've heard different times and dates for the church picnic, but this one is really it! We promise! The picnic will be Saturday, October 19, at Lakewood Park on Williamson beginning at 3 p.m. We had planned to start earlier in the day, but some other group had already reserved the park. (The nerve!) So, instead of eating and then playing, we will play first. We will be set up to play volleyball, badminton, and - for those who prefer style to speed - croquet. There will also be a horseshoe tournament. And if you'd rather just be a spectator, pull up a chair and cheer on your favorite contenders. It will be just as exciting as watching Tiger Woods on the green.

Here are the top 5 reasons to go:

5. Everyone should enjoy this beautiful weather.
4. The new members need to know they're in the company of great cooks.
3. Where else could you have this much fun for free?
2. You might win big prizes. (Depending on your idea of "big.")

And the #1 reason to go to the picnic:

Have you ever seen Larry play volleyball?

This Sunday, October 6, is the deadline to sign-up for our Yam Jam mission outing on Saturday, October 12. During Yam Jam, we will be collecting leftover crops to be donated to area food banks. So far, we have 29 people who have signed up but there is no limit to the number of people who can come. All ages are invited, as there is something for everyone to participate in.

We will carpool from the church (with the church van as well), and will depart at 7:30 a.m. on the 12th for a designated farm near Canton. We will glean sweet potatoes from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, go out for a brief lunch, and plan to return by 2:30 p.m.

UMW II will meet Tuesday, October 15, at 10 a.m. in the green house. Those who wish will go out for lunch afterwards. Visitors are welcome!

Several people called the church office to advise they had either not received the last issue of the church newsletter or received it several days later than normal. We haven't an answer for you as it was mailed at the regular time. If you did not receive your copy and would like to receive one, please call the church office. We apologize for the inconvenience - it was nice to be missed though! ?

Enter at your own risk!!!!  
Just kidding...there are tons of fun pictures from youth activities as well as the latest news.

Wesleyan Guild will meet on Tuesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the green house.  Following the potluck dinner, Margerie Bickle from the Mental Health Association, will be speaking to the group.

Friday, October 11, is when it is happening! Grab your cards and games and come to the green house from 7 - 10 p.m. The hosts for the desserts and refreshments are those people whose last names begin with "Mo" through "W". If you are joining us for the first time, you are our guests and do not need to bring any food.

This is a time for fellowship for our members and our visits. We divide into groups for the games of choice. Some play bridge, some play "Spinner", or "Hand and Foot", or "Forty Two". Maybe you have a game you would like to teach to the group. It is a good time for all.

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