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THE EASTLAWN JOURNEY
AUGUST NEWSLETTER
THE STEEPLE STORY
“Known by our Connection”
by Brother Andy Collette
hy do we chose to spend Sundays in church
at Eastlawn UMC? This is a question I
continually ask myself as I ponder what to
preach and how to lead our congregation through daily
life. It is never easy to answer, and there is likely not
one answer. In fact there cannot be; each of us attend for
different purposes. But why?
I think the answer is found
in a word I use often and
pray you have heard from
me-- connection. What
we connect ourselves to
identifies who we are So
at Eastlawn, we are
Christian, we are South Mississippians (by address at
least) and we are influenced by Southern Charm, for
good and bad. We are United Methodist in our worship.
We are mostly traditional in our worship with a tendency
to High Worship (liturgically driven praise and worship).
It is who we are. Yes there are many of you who say
immediately, that’s not me, you’re right. This is a
general statement of who and where we find ourselves.
The thing is, however it happens, for the most part, we
are connected here at Eastlawn. We enjoy one another’s
company and worship together without too many
conflicts. Relax, the carpet color is not changing any
time soon. I am merely trying to point out what we all
see; we are connected.
August is about our connection. In our ongoing 75th
Anniversary Celebration, August is being declared a
month of Connection. I believe the greatest link to
connection for all of us is found in the new
commandment from Jesus. In John 13:34-35 Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one
another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love
one another. By this everyone will know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for one another.” You are
God’s Disciple. Your love for God, and others sets you
apart from the remainder of the world around you; it is
your mark from Christ’s Spirit and it identifies you as
his. This is our greatest place of connection; we are
brothers and sisters in Christ. We are connected.
It is up to us to extend the hand of connection to one
another. We are great at this when times are particularly
hard, as in the loss of a loved one, or when they are
particularly joyful, like the birth of a new child. The call
to connection through love is a daily call on all of us.
Our love never gets a day off. We must be loving
people, always. Christ has stated that it is our
identification. Is it yours? I pray so.
I have listened to many in our congregation who speak
with tears in their eyes about the love they feel from the
congregation. Most people who visit with us for more
than a week comment about how welcomed and loved
they feel when they are with us. We are doing pretty
well. Again in abnormal circumstances, it is easy to
shine. How are we doing day to day? The routines of
life cause us to relax, to let
our love guard down a little.
So this month let’s make an
effort to have our love
guard, our connectional
marks, active and alert for
ways to be loving. Make a
special effort to reach out to a new person--someone that
is new to you. Make an effort to go out of your way for
W
Volume 2 Issue 8 August 2018 A Publication of Eastlawn United Methodist Church www.eastlawnumc.org
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a ministry of the church you normally do not get
involved with. Go taste and see what our congregation
is excited about that is outside your normal connection
to us. Make an effort to invite a friend to worship,
maybe attend a worship time you normally avoid, you
never know how you might be blessed. Connect with a
cord that cannot be broken to the fullness of glory that is
the love of Eastlawn UMC. You will find the blessing in
that connection if you reach out and receive it as offered.
Preaching Series
August 2018
A Month of Connection
August 5, 2018
(Communion Sunday)
Scripture: II Corinthians 3:1-6
Message: “Connected by Spirit”
Reading: Psalm 139:1-7
August 12, 2018
(Baptism Riley Jean Culpepper,
Blessing of Student Backpacks)
Scripture: John 17:16-26
Message: “Connected by Love”
Reading: Psalm 136:1-9
August 19, 2018
Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. Presiding,
Fellowship Lunch follows service,
Service scheduled 11:00 – 12:30
Message: 75th
Anniversary Celebration:
“Celebrating Our Great Connection”
Reading: Psalm 18:1-6
August 26, 2018
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8
Message: “Connected by Remembrances”
Reading: Psalm 96:1-9
ANNIVERSARY!!BRICKS!!!ANNIVERSARY!!
!!BRICKS!!!! ANNIVERSARY BRICKS!!!!
We are celebrating our 75th Anniversary at Eastlawn. What a great way to celebrate our anniversary by purchasing a brick in honor or memory of a family member, friend, former pastor or former member. A brick honoring your family with the date you became a part of the Eastlawn family would be a great way to celebrate our anniversary. BRICKS are $50.00 for two engraved lines $75.00 for three engraved lines $100.00 for five engraved lines. Bricks being purchased now will be engraved onsite.We will need at least ten orders for the engraver to come onsite. We currently have some bricks purchased waiting to be engraved. Forms are available in foyer of church or the office. There is no deadline for purchasing bricks. Our plans were for the garden to be finished at this time, but we had to order additional blank bricks and there is a delay in them being shipped. As soon as the bricks are delivered, a plan is in place to complete the garden. We thank each of you that have already purchased bricks or made donations.
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Aug 1 6:00 Adult Bible Study
6:00 Youth Activities
Aug 4 9:00a-Our Daily Bread Ministry
Aug 5 8:15a-UMM Breakfast & Mtg @IHOP
9:45a-Sunday School
11:00- Morning Worship
2:00p-Baby Shower for Alicia Miller in
The Parlor
5:00p-Adult Bible Study
6:00p-Youth
Aug 7 7:30a-Men’s Bible Study @
The Menagerie Cafe
9:00a-Hilltoppers Coffee/Fellowship
Aug 8 6:00p-NO Bible Study this week
6:00p-Youth Activities
Aug 12 8:30a-Early Service-Communion
9:45a-Sunday School
11:00a- Morning Worship
Blessing of Backpacks
Baptism of Riley Jean Culpepper
6:00p-Youth
Aug 13 6:00p-NOW Meeting
Aug 14 7:30a-Men’s Bible Study @
The Menagerie Cafe
9:00a-Hilltoppers Coffee/Fellowship
Aug 15 5:00p-DINNERS RESUME
6:00p-Bible Study
6:00p-Youth & Children’s Activities
Aug 16 6:00p-UMM County-Wide Mtg at EUMC
Aug 19 9:45a-Sunday School
11:00a-75th
Anniversary Celebration with
Bishop Swanson presiding
12:30p Covered Dish Luncheon
3:15p-Listening session w Bishop Swanson
at Wiggins UMC
Aug 21 7:30a-Men’s Bible Study @
The Menagerie Cafe
9:00a-Hilltoppers Coffee/Fellowship
Aug 22 5:00p-Dinner
6:00p-Bible Study
6:00p-Youth & Children’s Activities
Aug 26 8:30a-Early Service-Communion
9:45a-Sunday School
11:00a-Morning Worship
5:00p-Bible Study
6:00p-Youth
Aug 27 6:00p-Dolores Engel Circle in the parlor
Aug 28 7:30a-Men’s Bible Study @
The Menagerie Café
9:00a-Hilltoppers Coffee/Fellowship
Aug 29 9:00a-Thursday Bible Study
5:00p-Dinner
6:00p-Bible Study
6:00p-Youth & Children’s Activities
Aug 1 ............... Karen Ritter
Aug 3 ............... Emma Ballas
Aug 4 ............... Patricia Holder
Aug 5 ............... Erin George
Aug 6 ............... Sandy Overby
Chris Wiggins
Aug 8 ............... Kim Crocker
Brice Wiggins
Aug 9 ............... Van Riley
Aug 11 ............. Jamie Brister
Delores Carter
Kendall Dammen
Aug 14 ............. Judy Ros
Aug 16 ............. Brenda Divine
Jeffrey Eiland
Payton Hardy
Steve Haygood
Tim Ritter
Aug 18 ............. Wayne Currie
Shea Wilkerson
Aug 19 ............. Wesley Smith
Aug 20 ............. Jim Halbrook
CALENDAR
OF
EVENTS
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Aug 24 .............. Avery Chapuis
Angela May
Aug 25 .............. Mark Ros
Doug Wall
Alicia Wilkerson
Aug 27 .............. Jackie Morie
Aug 29 .............. Mike Overby
Aug 31 .............. Kaylynn Dammen
Mallory Green
SUNDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
5-6 P.M. IN CONFERENCE ROOM “Genesis to Revelations—The Books of 1 & 2
Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians”
This study is led by Brother Andy. Everyone is
welcomed to be part of this study.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Tuesday Mornings 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at The Menagerie
Cafe
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY
The Miracles of Jesus Bible Study – 6 Studies
Begins August 15 at 6:00 pm
Find out fascinating facts as you
get a solid overview of the
miracles of Jesus. Enjoy learning
important background
information, cultural context, key
Scripture, and incredible insight
that will help you establish a
strong understanding of the
wonders and nature of God.
Jesus used his miracles not only to demonstrate
God's power, but the Kingdom of Heaven on
earth as well as God's character.
One third of the Gospel of Mark is dedicated
solely to the miracles of Jesus.
The illustration of a banquet in Jewish culture is
symbolic for the coming Kingdom of God
(wedding banquet at Cana).
The cursing of the fig tree was the only time
Jesus used his power to destroy something this
miracle is part of the teaching of Jesus' turning
of the tables in the Temple.
and much more!
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
The Thursday morning Bible study group has changed to
the Wednesday morning Bible study group. We will
begin meeting on Wednesday, August 29, at 9:00 a.m. in
the conference room. The study is Dr. Sandra Richter’s,
“The Epic of Eden: Isaiah”, which takes participants
back to the eighth century BCE. This eight-week study
explains Israel’s religion and economy, explores the
definition and role of the prophets, and helps us to apply
the message of this great champion of the faith to our
lives today. Please contact Opal Currie (228.623.1666) if
you plan to attend.
Aug 4 Bob & Betty Burns Aug 17 Anthony & Chelsea White Aug 21 Glen & Sidney Carol Murphey Aug 22 Chris & Linda Wiggins Aug 29 Bobby & Jonnie Rayborn, Sr.
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G.I.F.T.E.D. YOUNG ADULT CLASS
This class usually meets from 9:45 until about 10:35 each Sunday morning upstairs. So, please, feel welcome to come join us. Robin and Carl
Weihing
FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
The Friendship Sunday School Class meets in the conference room by 9:45. New members, old members and visitors are welcomed each Sunday.
JOYCE GARRETT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
The Joyce Garrett Class meets at 9:45 a.m. upstairs. Please come join us!
BABY BOY SHOWER
The Mamie Kimbrough
Circle will host a Baby Boy
Shower for Alicia and
Brandon Miller on Sunday,
August 5th
, in the Ministry
Center from 2:00-4:00.
Please join us in celebrating the upcoming arrival of
this new Eastlawn family member.
Items they have on their “wish list” include: clothes,
socks, blankets, diapers, wipes, diaper bag, baby
bath, bouncer, bottles and other baby necessities.
SUMMER DRAMA SEMINAR
For six weeks this summer, we met and had a great
time. We learned to read out loud, stand up straight,
act right and have fun learning about the bible in a
new way. Michelle Collette and Amanda Green
conducted a very well planned study for children in
fourth grade and lower. The young people and
adults who attended the drama seminar all seemed
to enjoy their time together. For a first year event, I
believe we were quite successful. Throughout our
time together, thirty individuals spent at least one
week with us studying and having fun. We
averaged twenty per week for the six weeks we had
class. We even had a fun day at the movies together
where we celebrated all we had accomplished.
Special thanks go out to Michelle Collette, Brandon
and Alicia Miller, Doug and Amanda Green, Robert
Weathersby and Lashunda Taulbee for all the hard
work each of them did to help facilitate this event. I
would also like to thank the congregation at large
for allowing this unplanned new expression of
Christ at Eastlawn UMC.
My hope is that the troupe will be seen in the
congregation in the future
fulfilling the
roles for which
they have
practiced; only
time will tell.
Two of our
participants,
Gracie and
Maya Miller
have already
graced us with their skills during the Fourth of July
Celebration as they led, properly, the pledges to the
flags. Great work all! Watch for new and exciting
ways to encounter the living Lord as we live out
ministry together at Eastlawn UMC.
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Wednesday Night Dinner
Resumes!!
Aug 15—Taco Bar, tea & dessert
Aug 22—Red beans & rice w/sausage,
cornbread, salad, tea & dessert
Aug 29—Hamburgers, tater tots, tea &
dessert
FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Would you like to put flowers in the
church for Sunday Morning Worship
in memory or honor of someone? If
you are interested:
1. Please sign your name and
phone number with the
date on the flower calendar located in the
ministry center hall.
2. Contact the flower committee person for
June, Susan McCormick, at 228-327-8052 to
coordinate the details of your flowers.
USHERS
The USHERS FOR AUGUST are
Jerry Clement, Homer Wales, Bruce Cole, Jerry McPhail. If
you are willing to be an Usher,
please contact Carl Weihing.
MAMIE KIMBROUGH CIRCLE
A First Responders'
luncheon was held in
the Ministry Center on
July 19th. The Mamie
Kimbrough Circle
along with many
Church volunteers
served 93 First
Responders from the Fire Department, Sheriff's
Department, Police Department, and the Acadian
Ambulance Service.
Robert Weathersby,
Sarah Smith, and
Kelly Thibault
provided musical
entertainment for
the luncheon which
was enjoyed by all.
WLOX News was
also present to observe and report the festivities. MANY
THANKS to every one for making the event a huge
success!
COUNTERS FOR AUGUST
Lashunda Taulbee &
Amanda Merrill
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MAMIE KIMBROUGH PROJECT
Eastlawn’s 75th
Anniversary mementos will be
available after the worship service Sunday, August
19 in the ministry center. The price is $10 and the
size is 3 inch round. Both sides are shown below.
These ceramic mementos are sure to become a
cherished keepsake and heirloom. Since they are
being produced in a limited quantity, they will be
sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. To purchase
your “limited edition” memento, please plan to stop by
the Mamie Kimbrough Circle display in the ministry
center on August 19th or contact Opal Currie, Sidney
Carol Murphey, or any other MK Circle member.
DOLORES ENGEL CIRCLE The Dolores Engel Circle will meet on Monday, August 27, 6 PM in the Church Parlor. We are looking forward to seeing everyone. Robin Weihing will present our program.
LAKE JUNALUSKA YOUTH TRIP Our 2018 youth trip to Lake Junaluska was a resounding success.. Perseverance and patience were our first lessons learned during a slow start before dark on Sunday, June 24. After urs) to replace three bus tires, we were happy to be on our way. On arriving at Lake J at 8:15 pm, we attended the first of four inspirational and spirit-filled worship services during our stay. Our
17 youth filled the 2 front rows during each session attended by over 200 youth from all over the southeast. Our worship-leader, worship-band, and camp leaders were outstanding!! Each day our youth were assigned to small group sessions with kids from other churches for team-building, study, and faith-sharing. During free time on Monday, our group went to Waynesville, a nearby mountain town, to visit and sing at a local nursing home, eat lunch, and shop at some unique stores. On our last night after worship and holy communion, our youth along with 200 others walked in silence half a mile up the mountain to the large cross to sing and share what the week had
meant. After rising and attending final worship on our last morning, we drove to the cross for pictures and started our long, sleepy ride home. A huge THANK YOU to Carolyn, our “trip mom”, and Andy, our pastor and inspiration, for making this trip the greatest youth trip ever. And again to you, the church members, Thank you for your never-ending support!
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EASTLAWN UMC STAFF
2502 Ingalls Ave. Pascagoula, MS
228-762-2364
Rev. Andy Collette Pastor
Robert Weathersby Lay Pastor
Lashunda Taulbee Administrative Assistant
Doug Wall Choir/Handbell Director
Susie Riley Children’s/Family Minister
Rachael Goff Children’s Music Director
David Westfaul Organist
Brenda McCormick Day Care Director Charlene Gibson Nursery
Amy Davis Nursery
FINANCIALLY FAITHFUL
BUDGET FOR 2018
$363,294.00
TITHES 2018 (YTD)
$219,687.00
OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS
$525.00
BENEVOLENCE FUND
$3,684.00
If you are interested in having your tithes or
building fund commitment automatically withdrawn
from your checking account, you will find forms in
the church foyer to aid in this. If you need
assistance, please call the church office or Beth
Chapuis (424-4333)
BACK TO SCHOOL
Teachers (Aug 3) and kids (Aug 8) go back to
school soon. Please be in Prayer for all of them as
they begin another year of learning and adventure!!
Blessing of Backpacks is August 12!!
VBS REVIEW
This year at Rolling River Rampage, our rafters learned
how to have a active life with God. We challenged the
boys against the girls this year to see who could bring in
the most offering. The winning group would be able to
pie Bro Andy. After all the offering was counted, the
two groups were so close we decided to let both groups
pie Bro Andy! We raised over $200 that went to the
Ronald McDo nald House. We had a great time and look
forward to next year.
If you are interested in joining the Eastlawn
Family or just have questions about the
church, please talk with Brother Andy. Call
him at 228-219-3898. His email is
pastorandyumc@gmail.com.
The Eastlawn Journey is a monthly publication
of Eastlawn United Methodist Church. Send
inquiries, pictures, and info to
Eastlawnjourney@gmail.com.