Find out what's happening this month at Christ UMC!
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Christ United Methodist Church | christumcmobile.com | 251.342.0462 Living Out the Bible.................... front cover A Note from Pastor Jeff.............................. 2 Adult Opportunities .................................. 3 Youth Ministry........................................... 4 Children’s Ministry.....................................5 Recreation Ministry....................................6 Various Ministries.................................7-12 Pastoral Care...........................................13 Weekly Events/Library.............................14 Monthly Calendar.................................... 15 VBS 2015 ................................. back cover What’s Inside Worship Services Can’t make it to church? Watch services online at christumcmobile.com/sermons APRIL 2015 By Jeremy Steele, Next Generation Minister I love Holy Week. Not just because it ends with Easter but because of the ways we intentionally engage with it. All over our city there will be Holy Week lunches, Maundy Thursday services, choir concerts and my favorite of all: the Passover Meal. The reason we do so many special services and activities is that we want to spend the week leading up to Easter living out the Bible. We want to remember in very real ways what happened and how it impacts our life. We want to think about the way the Passover in Exodus helps us understand Jesus’ death and resurrection. We want to consider how we have participated in Judas’ betrayal. We want to look at death and resurrection in broader terms to find where we need that to happen in our own lives. The reality is that the pattern of life we offer at Easter time is an example of how we should be living and thinking throughout the year. The Bible is most true, it is most valuable, when it is being lived. Study is good but living is its purpose. That is what I want us to consider this month. After Easter there is an interesting thing that happens in the Bible. Rather than charging off the mountain and taking the world by storm, Jesus instructs the disciples to wait. I love this because it is very similar to what happens in our world after Easter. There isn’t another big holy festival a couple weeks away, there is not another over-the-top religious celebration on the horizon. There is just time. That has been my experience of faith. For every Easter week in my life, there has been at least ten weeks waiting in the upper room for Jesus to make good on His promise to send the Holy Spirit. The life of faith is not a string of overwhelming, supernatural moments; rather, it is filled with the hard work of living out the revelation we receive in the supernatural moments. It is filled with figuring out how the resurrection applies to credit card reconciliations and late nights with sick family members. The life of faith is the place we use the wonderful gifts we are given in the Easter moments. As we finish Holy Week, let us not feel a let-down that all of life is not a supernatural resurrection. Let us be filled with the excitement to use the gifts of Easter in our every day world. n The Bible is most true, it is most valuable, when it is being lived. Living Out the Bible Through Easter Celebrations
Transcript
Christ United Methodist Church | christumcmobile.com | 251.342.0462
Living Out the Bible.................... front cover
A Note from Pastor Jeff.............................. 2
VBS 2015 ................................. back cover
What’s Inside
Worship Services
Can’t make it to church? Watch services online at christumcmobile.com/sermons
APRIL 2015
By Jeremy Steele, Next Generation MinisterI love Holy Week. Not just because it ends with Easter but because of the ways we intentionally engage with it. All over our city there will be Holy Week lunches, Maundy Thursday services, choir concerts and my favorite of all: the Passover Meal.
The reason we do so many special services and activities is that we want to spend the week leading up to Easter living out the Bible. We want to remember in very real ways what happened and how it impacts our life. We want to think about the way the Passover in Exodus helps us understand Jesus’ death and resurrection. We want to consider how we have participated in Judas’ betrayal. We want to look at death and resurrection in broader terms to find where we need that to happen in our own lives.
The reality is that the pattern of life we offer at Easter time is an example of how we should be living and thinking throughout the year. The Bible is most true, it is most valuable, when it is being lived. Study is good but living is its purpose. That is what I want us to consider this month.
After Easter there is an interesting thing that happens in the Bible.
Rather than charging off the mountain and taking the world by storm, Jesus instructs the disciples to wait. I love this because it is very similar to what happens in our world after Easter. There isn’t another big holy festival a couple weeks away, there is not another over-the-top religious celebration on the horizon. There is just time.
That has been my experience of faith. For every Easter week in my life, there has been at least ten weeks waiting in the upper room for Jesus to make good on His promise to send the Holy Spirit. The life of faith is not a string of overwhelming, supernatural moments; rather, it is filled with the hard work of living out the revelation we receive in the supernatural moments. It is filled with figuring out how the resurrection applies to credit card reconciliations and late
nights with sick family members. The life of faith is the place we use the wonderful gifts we are given in the Easter moments.
As we finish Holy Week, let us not feel a let-down that all of life is not a supernatural resurrection. Let us be filled with the excitement to use the gifts of Easter in our every day world. n
The Bible is most true, it is most valuable,
when it is being lived.
Living Out the Bible Through Easter Celebrations
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HE LIVESBy Jeff Spiller, Senior Pastor
“You ask me how I know He lives—He lives within my heart.” The greatest proof that Jesus rose from the dead is not to be found in a 2,000 year-old empty tomb! It is to be found in the transforming and loving presence of a living Christ in us!
What, you ask, does a life being transformed by the living Christ look like? It’s a life that serves, worships and honors Jesus in words and deeds:
† Developing the “mind of Christ” as we continue to grow through prayer, worship and study of scripture.
† Imitating the actions of Jesus as we reach out to others in helpful and encouraging ways.
† Keeping Jesus first in our lives by being faithful in our stewardship of time, talent and financial resources.
† By having an attitude of graciousness, joy and thanksgiving.
† By sharing what Jesus means to me and inviting others to worship and group life.
† And, finally, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”(Oscar Wilde). Be the special creation God created you to become!
He’s alive! May He live in us!
In Christ,
Easter Sunday, April 5Sunrise Easter Worship | 7:00 a.m. Sanctuary | Child care not available
Traditional Easter Worship | 8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m. & 10:40 a.m. Sanctuary | Child care available
NewSong Contemporary Worship | 9:15 a.m. & 10:40 a.m.Christ Center | Child care available
Youth Worship for Middle and High School | 9:16 a.m. Christ Center - upstairs in Youth Area
1st Grade - 5th Grade Worship | 9:15 a.m. & 10:40 a.m.Christ Center Assembly Area
Evening Worship | 5:00 p.m.Christ Center | Child care available
“Together” is one of my favorite words. It brings up so many images. Two people walking hand in hand, a team pushing a ball across a goal line, a construction crew completing a new structure, a church accomplishing what once seemed impossible.
Christ UMC and St. John UMC have joined together to radically impact the village of Gnangoussou in the Ivory Coast. We believe that everyone should have access to clean water and most importantly, to Living Water. So, we have taken up the Water for Life Challenge to build a well and a church in this village—a challenge we can only accomplish together.
Over the past five weeks, we have been involved in the first phase of this challenge. Specifically, we have laid the groundwork for this project with 40 days of focused prayer and giving. Our goal is to raise a minimum of $25,000 to build a well and a church.
Easter Sunday, we will bring our Water for Life bottles back to the church filled with our offerings for this project. It will be an incredible day of celebration!
The next phase of the project will be completing our missionary team
and continuing prayer support. The team will go through some intensive training over the next few months as we prepare for the trip, and prayers will be needed!
The third phase will begin September 4th as the team travels to the Ivory Coast. This team will spend a week partnering with the Methodist Church of Cote d’Ivoire doing ministry in the local area. We will present the Gospel through the Jesus Video and open the church and the well during our time there. All of this will take place on September 12th and 13th. We are praying that many people will begin their journey with Christ during these days!
The fourth phase will be celebration for what God is doing in the Ivory Coast and in our own church! As the church takes root in Gnangoussou, the pastors, elders, and members of the church will need our support and prayers. As the well is used, the women of the village and their families will need our support and prayers as their lives are radically changed. The people of the village who are ill from water-borne illnesses will need our prayers as they find healing! The fourth phase will be a wonderful time of prayer and partnering with these wonderful people!
Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor…” Let us all celebrate the reward of working together!
TOGETHERBy Jim Kinder, NewSong Pastor
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Adult Bible Study
opportunitiesSUNDAY MORNING STUDIES BEGINNING APRIL 12n 8:00 a.m. | I & II Thessalonians | Rm A-201 | A letter about persecution, Christ’s return and Christian living written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica. These are relevant topics for us today. A class for men only.
n 9:15 a.m. | Engaging God’s Word: A Study of Acts Rm A-204 | Even though the Book of Acts is called the Acts of the Apostles, it could easily be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. It is a page turner with signs and wonders, danger and intrigue, conflicts and confrontations. In this study you will engage with ordinary people who do extraordinary things as God empowers them. A class for for anyone.
n 9:15 a.m. | What’s So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey | Rm A-206 | Are you ready to discover grace as more than a fluffy concept? Then get ready to encounter radical, life-changing grace. Grace can be more than you ever imagined, both in the receiving and in the giving. A class for couples and singles, mostly 50 plus.
n 9:15 a.m. | Five Things God Uses to Grow Your Faith by Andy Stanley | Rm A-201 | What adjective would you use to describe your faith? Would it be dynamic, genuine, flourishing or might it be elusive, stalled or ineffective? Imagine how different your life could be if you had a strong, fully developed faith.
n 9:15 a.m. | Genesis | Rm C-221 | Beginning with creation, the setting moves through history to the settling of the nation of Israel in the small fertile Nile Delta region of Egypt. It is a story of love, creation, failure, and redemption. A great foundation for future Bible studies. A class specifically designed for single adults.
n 10:40 a.m. | Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright | Rm A-204 Through this Bible study, the author brings you inside the Scriptures to grasp the full, breathtaking hope Jesus offers the world and its implications for your life today. A class of mostly 50 plus adults.
Adult Sunday School classes will not meet on Easter Sunday, April 5.
NEW STUDIES BEGINNING THIS MONTH n Soul Keeping by John Ortberg | Wednesdays beginning April 156:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Hospitality Room | Led by John Sellers | Anxiety, depression, fear, loneliness: These are all symptoms of a soul that has lost touch with its source of life. Like a flower snipped from the vine, the soul that is not turned toward God can only wither away. In Soul Keeping, bestselling author John Ortberg sheds light on the most overlooked, underrated and least understood part of your being. With a workable and relevant approach, he shows how living the “with God” life isn’t just a good idea—it’s the only way to find lasting peace and satisfaction. The textbook and workbook are both recommended. The cost of the set is $20 if purchased through Christ UMC (Several websites offer the books new and used as well as audio and e-book).
n Gideon by Priscilla Shirer | Wednesdays beginning April 15 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Rm A-204 | Led by Suzanne Guy | When we hear the name Gideon, most of us think about his 300 soldiers or the fleece he laid out under the evening sky. But Gideon’s story is so much bigger than that—bigger than any one man and his mark on Israel’s history. Like everything else in the Bible, this is a story about God and His people. His love for them, as well as His strength operating in spite of their weakness—even through their weakness. And because God’s people includes you and me, Gideon’s story is also about us. A study for ladies only. The cost of the book is $13.
n Staying in Love - A study for those married three years or lessThursdays, beginning April 16 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | Hospitality Room Led by Pastor Jim and Kari Ann Kinder | Falling in love is easy. Staying in love takes effort. It takes commitment and communication. Staying in love for a lifetime is possible and worth it. Through teaching and discussion, you will learn ways to keep the flame alive and grow more in love with your spouse. This is a 6-week study.
n SHATTERED! by Dyann Munoz and Sharon Steinman | Wednesdays beginning April 29 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Christ Center Assembly AreaAuthor Dyann Munoz will be here to lead a study from her book, Shattered. This is a Bible study that addresses hope and healing from the loss of a spouse either to death or divorce. The topics she will address are joy, justice, trust, victory and doing good while you heal. If you are suffering with this kind of loss or know someone who is, this is a rare opportunity to have the author lead us through this study. Books will be available to purchase at the first class meeting.
To register and order resources for the classes above, contact Sonya Carson at [email protected] or 251.706.3365. You may also register on online at christumcmobile.com/adults.
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APRIL ACTIVITIESn 17-19 | Middle School Spring Mystery TripWhat do you get when you combine 3 Parts Fun + 2 Parts Mission + 1 Part Worship? You get an AMAZING weekend away from the ordinary. Join us as we embark on Mystery Trip 2015! Cost is $100. Register at christumcyouth.com/mystery.
n 24-26 | High School Atlanta Trip | Take a trip with us to the New York City of the South! We will spend Saturday in Six Flags and the evening at the Skyzone indoor trampoline park! Add the roller coasters and trampolines to a trip to The Varsity for dinner, and you’ve got an awesome trip that you will hate to miss. Cost is just $100, not including the price for three meals. Register at christumcyouth.com/highschool.
COMING IN MAYn 3 | High School Senior Sunday | We will celebrate with our high school seniors and their families with a special brunch at 9:15 a.m. in the Hospitality Room in the Christ Center. Seniors will be recognized during the 10:40 a.m. Sanctuary and NewSong services.
YOUTH MINISTRY STAFFTyler Vittetoe, High School MinisterEmail - [email protected]
WEEKLY PROGRAMSVisit christumcyouth.com for more details. n SUNDAY MORNINGS: Breakfast is provided starting at 8:00 a.m.9:16 Worship | Youth Area | 9:16 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. A great worship venue for middle and high school students.
Middle & High School Bible Study | Youth Lounge | 10:40 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
n SUNDAY NIGHTSMiddle & High School | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Hang out and get to know new friends as we break into small groups.
n WEDNESDAY HANGOUT AND WORSHIP Re:Fuel | Youth Area | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Wednesday Night Bible study for middle and high school students. Eat and hang out with us | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Bible Study | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
STAY CONNECTED WITH USCheck in with us at Want to get text updates? MS text @CUMC to 475.252.2857HS text @HSGR to 475.252.2857Visit christumcyouth.com for all our events
By Mike Rollins, Middle School Minister I am extremely excited to be a part of this awesome ministry at Christ United Methodist and to be a part of the Next Generation team. I have known some of the staff for a while and I am excited to be able to work with them to plan awesome, meaningful events for this student ministry. I also can’t wait to meet each of the students and build relationships with them as we walk through this life together.
Just to let you know a little about me, I was born in Virginia but spent my middle school and high school years in Panama City, Florida. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. I enjoy movies, trivia, coffee, comic books, reading a good book and did I mention coffee? As I am sure you guys know, we have some great trips coming up this summer from Camp Lee to mission trips to water parks and beach trips. Each of these trips will be a blast in a different way and I want to encourage you to sign up so you can experience what each trip has to offer.
Christ UMC Youth Ministry
Meet Mike...
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STAY CONNECTED WITH US CUMChildren CUMCKidz
WEEKLY PROGRAMSVisit christumcchildren.com for more details. n Sunday Mornings | All Sunday School classes are located in Building E. Visit the Next Generation booth for location of classes. 8:00 a.m.: 3K – 4K | E-146 K5 – 5th | E-248
9:15 a.m.: 3K – 4K | Bldg E | Sunday School K5 – 2nd | Bldg F | Elementary Worship 3rd – 5th | Bldg E | Sunday School
10:40 a.m.: 3K – 4K | Bldg F | Preschool Worship K5 – 2nd | Bldg E | Sunday School 3rd – 5th | CCAA | Tween Worship
n WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER AND WORSHIPDinner: 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Fellowship HallPreschool Worship: Bldg. E, Rm 149 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.K5 - 5th Grade Worship: Fellowship Hall | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
APRIL ACTIVITIES n 1 | Preschool Fun Day: Easter Egg Decorating | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | For Preschool Aged Children | Fellowship Hall | Come and celebrate with us as we decorate Easter eggs. Be sure to bring your boiled eggs and we will supply the decorations. Register at christumcchildren.com/register. n 17 | Elementary Fun Night | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | K5 – 5th Grade | Christ Center Assembly Area (Tween Worship Area) | Drop your kids off for an evening of video games, karaoke, live music and dancing. Pizza and drinks will be available. Cost is $5 per child.
n 17 | Parent’s Night Out | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | For 6 weeks – K5 | Nursery | Drop the kids off for a night of fun activities! They will watch movies and enjoy spring activities and games. Please send a snack/dinner and drinks as food will not be provided. Register at christumcchildren.com/register by Monday, April 13. Cost is $10 per child.
n 25 | Family Service Day at 5 Rivers Delta | 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | We will help set up for the Delta Woods and Water Expo Family Day, an annual event that celebrates the beauty of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. There will be fun and exciting hands-on demonstrations and activities for the entire family. For more details and to register, visit christumcchildren.com/register.
Upcoming Eventsn May 6 – Preschool Fun Day
n May 10 – Muffins with Mom
n May 29 – Elementary Fun Night
n May 31 – VBS Volunteer Meeting
Want to get text updates? Text @kidscumc to 251.272.8856
By Jon Seale, Elementary Minister As parents of three, my wife and I have always loved the Easter. Don’t get me wrong, Christmas is great, but there is something special about Easter. I’m not talking about the “not having to carry numerous boxes of decorations from the attic and several hours sorting and hanging lights on a ladder” type special. It is the special time as parents telling our children about Jesus. Sometimes it seems like it can be a challenge. Really, how do you use eggs in a basket delivered or hidden by a giant rabbit that sneaks into your house at night and leaves candy, to teach your child about a cross, an empty tomb, and a Savior who brings life? What we do is we make little strips of paper and encircle the eggs (or stuff inside plastic ones) that tells one part of the Easter story. Some of the eggs tell them something about Jesus and about His love for us. If you dye eggs, use a crayon to write on them before you dye them. The message will be visible when it drys. When the eggs are all collected, the kids can unscramble the story. Now, instead of just discovering eggs, the kids learn the amazing things that make Jesus so special. The candy just reminds us of how sweet the love of Jesus really is.
or visit: christumcsports.com. Visit /cumc.recreationministry to stay up-to-date with the Recreation Ministry.
CSPORTS REGISTRATIONn FLAG FOOTBALL | Registering now through May 3 | Evaluations are Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5. Players must have completed K5 - 6th grade. All teams will be co-ed. Practices and games are scheduled during the weekday. Season starts late May and ends mid-July. Fee is $80 until May 3.
n SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP | Camp is from June 22 - 25. Players must have completed K5 - 6th grade. Fee is $50. Space is limited.
n SUMMER CHEER CAMP | Camp is from July 6 - 10. Students must have completed K5 - 5th grade. Cheerleaders will cheer for the Flag Football teams! Fee is $50. Space is limited.
Register online at christumcsports.com or visit the Recreation Desk Monday - Saturday to fill out a registration form and pay.
APRIL DATES 2 | Seder Meal (GYM CLOSED at 12:00 p.m.)
CHRIST UMC NIGHT AT JAGSEveryone is invited to come watch the University of South Alabama Jags play Georgia State at Stanky Field on Saturday, April 25th at 6:30 p.m. Our CSports baseball & softball players will go on the field and be introduced. Living Sound will present the National Anthem. Tickets are $3 each and may be purchased at the Recreation Desk.
YOU NEED FRIENDS WHO WILL HELP YOU SUCCEEDBy Rick Warren For more information visit danielplan.com“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” - Hebrews 10:24 (NIV). Real friends bring out the best in each other. They encourage and motivate one another to reach their goals. Friends who will cheer you on to success are a critical part of the Daniel Plan. There’s an old Zambian proverb that says, “When you run alone, you run fast. But when you run together, you run far.” The Daniel Plan—and the lifetime of healthy habits ahead of you—is not a 50-yard dash. It is a marathon. Marathon runners know there comes a point when you start getting a pain in your side that makes you want to give up. But if you have other people running with you, you can find the strength to continue to the finish line. The same is true in your journey to a healthier you. The only way you’ll achieve your God-given health goals is to have others involved in your life. “In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5.
RECREATION INFORMATIONRecreation includes an indoor walking track, fitness room and basketball courts as well as regular fitness classes. All participants should complete a registration card in order to participate in any area of the Recreation Ministry. Children 18 and under must have a parent/guardian signature on their registration card and children 14 and under must have a parent/guardian present.n Fitness Room: requires a one-time fitness room orientation, held Monday - Friday at 6:30 p.m.n Basketball Gym: reserved for Christ UMC members and visitors who regularly attend services and up to three of their guests.
Fitness Classes: The 1st class is FREE then $5 per class or purchase a 6-class card for $25.n Yoga Classes: Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m.n PiYo Classes are on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
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n Crossroads Circle - Joyce Sasser, Chair251.633.7380 | [email protected] 4th Tuesday/monthly5:30 p.m. | Christ UMC Parlor
n Esther Circle - Ella Dean Ellisor, Chair 251.342.1222 | [email protected] 2nd Tuesday/monthly9:45 a.m. | Christ UMC Parlor
n Lydia Circle - Judy Vajgrt, Chair 251.602.5344 | [email protected] 2nd Friday/monthly10:00 a.m. | Christ UMC Parlor
n Mary and Martha Mail Circle Vera Moore, Coordinator251.639.2189 | [email protected] 1st of each month online at mailcircle.com
FORWARD AND SEVEN YEAR (7YP) REPORTRob Blackwell, Church AdministratorAs we look ahead, the future holds excitement as well as uncertainty. It is important for all of us to have at least a basic understanding of the church’s finances, particularly in light of our new emphasis on FORWARD. As a reminder, FORWARD is Christ UMC’s primary financial and stewardship emphasis, while the 7YP is our plan to aggressively reduce our debt. These two important components of our overall financial program work hand in hand to accomplish our goals of properly funding the ministries of the church while simultaneously paying down our debt. How does this work on a practical level? Our tithes go to FORWARD and those funds are fed into both the General Fund (which funds the ministries and operations of the church) and the 7 Year Plan (which pays down the principal on the debt). The amount going to each is specified by the Budget and the 7YP Payment Schedule, and is managed by the Finance Committee. This year, our goal is to pay $1,150,000 on loan principal, in addition to the $2,000,000 we plan to pay down from the proceeds of the Crossroads sale, while still funding the ongoing ministries of the church. This is an aggressive plan, and meeting our goal depends on all of us stepping up the Giving Ladder, whether we turned in a pledge card or not. And while giving extra to specific ministries or projects is wonderful and appreciated, we believe those gifts should be over and above our regular giving. It is our tithes, given through FORWARD, that provide the bulk of the funds that allow our ministries to operate and our debt to be paid down. If you have any confusion over FORWARD, the 7YP or how they work, please contact Rob Blackwell at [email protected] or 251.706.3321.
$1,518,000thru March
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,400,000
$1,250,000
2013
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All Christ United Methodist Women are invited to enjoy a full morning of fellowship and inspiration at the District Spiritual Enrichment Day on Saturday, April 11 at Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Leroy, AL. A bus will leave Christ UMC by 8:15 a.m. and return at 1:30 p.m. Activities are from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Contact Joyce Genz at [email protected] or 251.259.1675 to reserve your place on the bus.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER | THURSDAY, MAY 7
“HEAR the cry and the PRAYER that YOUR SERVANT is praying in Your presence THIS DAY.” - I Kings 8:28
Prayer is a vital key to our spiritual and everyday life. This year there are a number of ways for you to be active in your prayer life for the National Day of Prayer: 1. The Prayer Chapel at Christ UMC will be open beginning at 6:00 a.m. throughout the day for a private time of prayer and reflection.
2. At 7:00 a.m. and at 12:00 p.m., the Prayer Chapel will be available for a special time of corporate prayer.
3. The City and County of Mobile will be hosting a prayer service at Government Plaza beginning at 12:00 p.m.
4. Inaugural Stadium Event will be at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Pastor Scott Dawson along with clergy from all over the county will lead the worship service beginning at 6:00 p.m. The stadium will open at 5:00 p.m.
5. During private prayer time, please be in prayer for our nation, government leaders, churches, families, our military and other areas of influence throughout our nation and the world.
Lord, Hear our Cry...
UnitedMethodistWomenFAITH • HOPE • LOVE IN ACTION
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A PARTY OF ONE? Those words, “party” and “one” just don’t seem to go together. How do you have a party by yourself? When something worth celebrating happens, you want to celebrate with someone!
This Easter, as followers of Christ, we have a lot to celebrate. We have a risen Savior, who gives us the power of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. For Christ UMC, we celebrate the completion of the first phase in our Water for Life initiative. We ask everyone to bring back their refilled water bottles as an offering to God. There will be large collection bins across our campus. Just bring your bottle and place it in one of the bins as we celebrate our first goal.
Our ultimate goal is to provide both clean water and Living Water to people in the small village of Gnangoussou, Ivory Coast.
As everyone does their part, we will be more than able to raise the needed funds to build a church and dig a well in Gnangoussou. Together we accomplish. Together we achieve. Together we celebrate.
UPDATE...n Purpose: To provide open access to clean water and, most importantly, to Living Water to people in Gnangoussou, Ivory Coast.
n Partners: St. John UMC and the United Methodist Church of the Ivory Coast.
n Progress: Over these past five weeks, we have built a prayer and financial base for this project. This portion concludes on Easter. Our goal is to raise a minimum of $25,000 (the cost of the well and the church).
n Next Step: Complete and train our missionary team while continuing our prayer support. If you are interested in being part of this team, join us on April 12 at 4:00 p.m. for more details. The trip dates are September 4 - 14, 2015. The cost of this trip is to be determined.
Bring the whole family and join us for a CHURCH-WIDE picnic. SUNDAY, APRIL 12 | 11:30 a.m. | Christ UMC Pavilion. Wear comfortable clothes, bring your picnic blankets, frisbees, footballs and yard games. This is a great opportunity to enjoy your church family, Mobile’s local restaurants and the wonderful spring weather.
The following Food Trucks will be by the Pavilion for lunch: Benjamin’s (The Burger Kaboose) Smokin’ Gringos, Mama’s on Dauphin, Kona Ice, Pizza by the Slice by Christ UMC Mission Team to Africa, plus a few more. To see menus and pricing, please visit christumcmobile.com/foodtrucksunday.
Why attend the Leadership Summit?Leaders who attend the Summit said…
n Improves teamwork
n Drives church growth
n Revitalizes one’s relationship with God
n Energizes evangelism
n Motivates volunteer leadership
Here is a sneak peak at some of the speakers joining Bill Hybels this year:Jim Collins, Nationally Acclaimed Business Thinker; Best-selling Author of Good to Great. Sallie Krawcheck, Chair, Elevate Network; Former President, Bank of America’s Global Wealth & Investment Management. Brian Houston, Founder and Senior Pastor, Hillsong Church.
DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
SAVE THE DATE | AUGUST 6-7
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1. What is your name? Dawn Bratcher
2. What is your position at Christ UMC? Membership Secretary and Administrative Assistant for the Counseling Ministry and the Singles Ministry.
3. How long have you worked at Christ UMC? I have worked at Christ UMC for three years.
4. What do you do in your role at CUMC? Beside secretarial duties, I am responsible for recording all births, deaths, marriages, memberships, transfers, address changes, etc.
5. How does a person get in touch with you at Christ UMC? I can be reached by calling my direct line: 251.706.3328 or email: [email protected]
6. What do you like the most about your job?I love more helping others than anything else. I feel that is one of our greatest callings.
7. What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised to know I taught English in Quito, Ecuador as a young woman.
8. What motivates you (other than God) each day? Besides JESUS– my GREATEST JOY, it would be my husband, my daughters and my dogs!
9. What are some of the things you like to do on your off day? Spending time with my husband, either having lunch out or shopping.
10. If you were to tell one person "Thank You for helping me become the person I am today,” who would it be and what did they do? If I were to thank someone for helping me be the person I am today, it would be my loving, patient husband, David, Godly friends, and the Disciple Bible Study—which I recommend everyone should take. It’s awesome!
10. What is your favorite game, activity or sport to watch and/or play? I enjoy baseball, gardening and reading.
11. What do you fear the most? Sharks!!! I had a front row seat to see Jaws!
12. Name two things on your bucket list? Being a grandmother and seeing the great Northwest.
13. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? I would love to live in the mountains on a lake! How splendid that sounds!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Getting to know Dawn Ever wonder about the folks that work behind the scene during the week? Things are always happening at Christ UMC, seven days a week. Allow us to share a little bit about our staff each month through a question and answer session.
Rob Blackwell, Church AdministratorOur Online Giving program is now available! To get started, take any of the following steps:
n Go to the Online Giving page at christumcmobile.com/give.n Install the PushPay app (with the red & white “P” logo) from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.n Text “christumc” to 77977. We hope that this will help everyone take a step up the Giving Ladder (from our
FORWARD Initiative) by making it more convenient to give using whatever transaction method you prefer. Some will prefer to continue using checks, others will opt to use their debit or credit card or even bank draft. If you forget your checkbook one Sunday, just pull out your phone during
the Offertory! If you are home-bound and watching the live webstream of the service, or even if you’re on vacation, you can give from wherever you are! The flexibility doesn’t end there. With our Online Giving program, administered by PushPay, you will be able to give from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can do this through the Christ UMC web page link, the easily installed app or even via text messaging. When you access the secure system, you can
give from a debit or credit card or draft directly from your bank account. You can give once or set up a recurring automatic gift and, if you like, the secure app will retain your information so you don’t have to key it in each time. It will even save a transaction history for your records! One cautionary note, however: we strongly discourage anyone from going into debt to support the church. If you feel called to give more and don’t have the money in your budget, examine ways to earn additional money or reduce your expenses. And if you have difficulty with credit card discipline, stick with debit card or ACH bank draft. For more information, see our Online Giving page at christumcmobile.com/give. If you have any questions, contact Rob Blackwell at [email protected] or Patricia Parker at [email protected].
ONLINE GIVING IS HERE!
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Sunday, March 22 was an especially joyous occasion at Christ UMC. Lay persons from our congregation were commissioned into a special ministry of care and concern for others as Stephen Ministers. This rite of commissioning culminates a long period of training and preparation through the Stephen Series.
Our Stephen Ministers have learned extensively in areas such as dealing with feelings, crisis intervention, asserting oneself with gentleness and firmness and other topics dealing with specific aspects of helping people who are experiencing problems in their lives. Following the commissioning, these Stephen Ministers will join the active Stephen Ministers in caring for our congregation and community. Stephen Ministers work with people who
are experiencing hospitalization, retirement, financial setbacks, loss of a loved one as well as assisting people in their every day lives. Please keep the Stephen Ministers in your prayers as they provide care for all of us.
We celebrate the commissioning of :
Many people experience stressful situations in their lives. If you need someone to help you find hope, strength and encouragement in the scriptures, please contact Donna Alexander at 251.342.0462 ext. 225.
YOUR CALL TO THE STEPHEN MINISTRY IS ALWAYS CONFIDENTIAL.
We hope to have our new Rodgers Infinity Organ by this summer. Special thanks to all who have already become a Christ UMC Organ Donor.
We have already received $92,000 towards our $150,000 goal. With Mother’s and Father’s Day coming, please consider a special offering in honor or memory of your father and/or mother. Remember, gifts of $5,000 or more will be listed on a beautiful memorial plaque displayed in a significant place.
Any questions? Please contact Ralph Gudeman at 251.342.0462, ext. 221 or [email protected].
ORGAN UPDATE By Ralph Gudeman, Director of Music Ministry
n Michael A. Akridge, Sr. n Ginna Chappell n James Chappell
n Brenda Connors n Daryl Crosby
n Brian Jay Johnson n Patty Parris
COOK, EAT, LIVE SMART Christ UMC Health Ministry is proud to present Cook, Eat, Live SMART as a resource for our members.
It can be so hard sometimes with our busy lives to make healthy choices in what we eat and what we feed our families. Cook, Eat, Live SMART will help you with a real world scripture-based, no diet approach to learning what healthy eating really is and navigating the confusing lingo of the food industry. Erin Akey is a Certified Nutrition Coach and Kid’s Nutrition Specialist and Ben Akey is a Certified Personal Fitness Chef who will help via a monthly support group! You can then follow along at home for daily devotions and inspirations via Facebook.
Join us for some fun and education that will help you and your family learn to Cook, Eat, and Live SMART! We will meet the first Monday of each month in room A-201 with our first meeting on Monday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Erin Akey at 251.366.8325 or [email protected].
PUBLIX EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN Publix is hosting their Easter Holiday Campaign from March 14 - April 4 at the Airport, Hillcrest & University Blvd locations. Christ UMC’s Lifegate Ministry has been selected to be the partner for this event. Shoppers can purchase food cards. There are three card levels: Bronze $4.62, Silver $10.41 & Gold $13.75. At the end of the campaign, Publix’s Corporate Office will match the amount shoppers purchase and provide dry goods that will help fill Lifegate food pantry.
FEED THE NEEDYWe will be having the Feed the Needy food drive at Neighborhood Walmarts on Sunday, April 19. We will have pickup trucks so that we can stuff the trucks. The food will be going to help our Lifegate Ministry, Bay Area Food Bank, Ransom Cafe and Celebrate Recovery. There are 4 locations: Cottage Hill and Hillcrest, Cottage Hill and University, Airport by Providence Hospital and University North.
THE COMMISSIONING OF STEPHEN MINISTERS
PREMARITAL CLASSESPlanning to marry in 2015? Come to the premarital classes to prepare for a marriage as you plan for your wedding. Classes meet weekly beginning May 5 and ending May 26. To register or for more information, contact Brenda Davis at 251.422.6210 or [email protected].
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Get started in the right direction with Starting Point. Learn about the Christian faith, the mission of our church and membership.
You will also learn how to get connected into the life of Christ UMC!
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.HOSPITALITY ROOM
REGISTER AT: christumcmobile.com/startingpoint
ARE YOU NEW TO CHRIST UMC?
Cody and Hannah CrispJoined Sunday, March 1, 2015
Docia Miskov & Cameron, Leslie Barnes
Joined Sunday, March 1, 2015
Tommy Powers & Cheryl YoungerJoined Sunday, March 1, 2015
Frances KellerJoined Sunday, March 15, 2015
Curtis KellerJoined Sunday, March 15, 2015
CUMC SUMMER CAMP
JUNE 2 - AUGUST 7Cost: $115 per week
Completed K5 through 5th grade
Summer Camp is from 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Children will enjoy fun activities like skating, bowling
and other fun filled field trips. They will also enjoy activities on campus such as arts and crafts, talent shows, tennis camp, Vacation Bible School, indoor and outdoor
games, as well as many other creative ideas.
TO REGISTER: Call Christie Ford at 251.342.7215 or email [email protected]
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with a ministry today!Visit christumcmobile.com/volunteer for current volunteer opportunities.
WHAT IS GAP? It’s a casual Bible study group for unmarried graduates and professional men
and women, ages 23 - 35. The focus is on learning from the Bible, as well as how to grow
in our relationship with God and His people.
ABOUT RANSOM CAFE Ransom Cafe’s mission is to combat physical and spiritual hunger locally and throughout the world by using quality fresh ingredients in the food served, helping others learn about food preparation, job preparedness, participating in community missions and showing the love of Jesus through acts of service.
DONATION BASED LUNCHESTHURSDAYS
11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
The Grounds Ministry is looking for volunteers to help take care of Christ UMC’s grounds. If you have been blessed with a talent of landscaping/gardening and have a specific area of interest, we would like for you to join us. n Meet as a group for work days on the 1st and 3rd Saturday mornings of each month. n Receive reminder emails. n Work around weather and church events. n Schedules are flexible and you can come at your convenience. n A variety of projects and areas are available.
Please let us know when you can volunteer and in what area. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Pierce Staples at 251.599.2071.
SHARE YOUR TALENTS WITH US!Find help and healing for the hurt of separation and divorce.
DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
Don’t go through separation or divorce alone.
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.Christ Center | Rm C-221
Child care available for infants - 5th grade.For more information, contact Dawn Bratcher at [email protected] or 251.706.3328.
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Ben Story and family in the death of his brother G.L. StoryNicholas Myers and family in the death of his grandmother Mable BaldwinKhyle Jordan and family in the death of his mother Marjorie JordanPaul Morgan and family in the death of his father Richard Geer MorganEdith Spiller and family in the death of her husband Roy SpillerJeff Spiller and family in the death of his father Roy SpillerAdam Spiller and Melinda Spiller in the death of their grandfather Roy SpillerCassie Daughdrill and family in the death of her husband Clark DaughdrillAnn Lawrence and family in the death of her mother Hattie Doggett
The family of Trammel MillerJody Stanford and family in the death of her brother Scott ScrivnerLori Gaston, Donna Arguello & Heather Hall and families in the death of their father Joe DuphornJean Campbell and family in the death of her brother Chuck MillerBarbara Miller and family in the death of her son Chuck MillerEva Golson and family in the death of her husband Bill GolsonCynthia Moseley and family in the death of her brother Robert Moseley
THE STEPHEN MINISTRY CAN HELPDid you ever want to talk to someone but felt no one really wanted to listen? Stephen Ministers
are trained to listen well. They will listen to you and respond lovingly and non-judgmentally. They are not there to tell you what you should or should not do. If you need
someone who will really listen to you as you work through a problem, you may want to consider a Stephen Minister.
For more information, contact Donna Alexander at [email protected] or 251.342.0462, ext. 225 for more information.
For more information, contact Donna Alexander at [email protected] or 251.342.0462, ext. 225 or visit christumcmobile.com/celebraterecovery.
A Christ-centered 12 step program for life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits. Recovery is a journey you don’t have to travel alone.
Every Thursday6:30 p.m. Building F
Tuesday, April 148:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Across from Recreation Desk
Provided by Susie OllhoftChrist UMC Health Care Ministry
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS
MONDAY, APRIL 136:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. | PARLOR
Christ UMC Christian Cancer Support meets the 2nd Monday of the month.Please join us for cancer education, faithful testimony, information/referral and prayer.
Contact Teresa Atkins at [email protected] or 251.653.0364 for more information. For child care, contact Kim Pratt at [email protected] or 251.706.3331.
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STAY CONNECTED WITH CHRIST UMCCHRISTUMCMOBILE.COM
To receive the Christ UMC In The Loop email blast or
electronic version of the monthly newsletter, visit CHRISTUMCMOBILE.COM/MEDIA
SUNDAY8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Coffee & Donuts8:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service Sunday School - All Ages9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Library open9:15 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service NewSong Worship Service Early Elementary Worship Preschool Sunday School 9:16 Youth Worship Adult Connection College Connection10:20 a.m. Youth Singers 10:40 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service NewSong Worship Service Adult Sunday School Tween Worship Early Elementary Sunday School11:00 a.m. Youth Ringers 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship Service Youth Worship 6:00 p.m. College Group MONDAY8:00 a.m. Lifegate
Planning a driving trip over spring break? Why not enjoy a novel on CD to make your drive go faster? Here are some that are available in the Lighthouse Library.
n The Half Stitched Amish Quilt Club by Wanda Brunstetten The Harbinger by Johnathon Cahnn In the Heart of the Dark Wood by Betty Coffeyn Blessed Child & A Man Called Blessed by Ted Dekkern Sister Chicks do the Hula by Robin Jones Gunnn Until Tuesday by Louis Carlos Montalvon This Present Darkness & Piercing the Darkness by Frank Perettin 3 Novels by Francine RiversAnd, just arrived: n Named by God by Women’s Conference speaker, Kasey VanNormanSeveral more novels and non-fiction books as well as music CD’s are also available.
Coming in June – Children’s Summer Reading Program. Registration will begin June 7. Look for details in the May newsletter!
Summer registration is now available for Kindermusick.
Celebrate Easter Sundaywith us!
11:00 a.m. Preschool Fun Day
4:00 p.m. Starting Point
6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery
Good FridayChrist UMC offices
Closed
6:30 p.m. DivorceCare
7:00 p.m. The Weeping Tree
Mary & Martha Circle online
New Sunday morning studies begin
MS Spring Mystery trip
HS Spring Atlanta trip
6:00 p.m. Parents Night out 6:00 p.m. Elementary Fun Night
Family Service Day at 5 Rivers Delta
5:30 p.m. Seder Meal
3:00 p.m. Baseball Celebration
6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery
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CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH6101 Grelot Road • Mobile, AL 36609-3611251.342.0462 • christumcmobile.com
$15 per child[$20 after June 1, 2015]*Must be 3 years old by Sept. 1, 2014
Cost:
At Bible Blast to the Past, kids will take an amazing time-travel journey to experience stories of the incredible, faithful, unconditional and real love of Jesus!
Volunteers are needed for:crafts leaders dramasnacks games registration
If you sign up to volunteer by Easter (April 5, 2015),you receive one free child registration for VBS.
Register your child online or sign up to volunteer at:christumcchildren.com/vbs
