Farmers Market
Jane Smith
September 2016
Vol. 4 Issue 8
Connecting Generations to Grow Relationships with God, Others, and Creation
THE LATHAM FARMERS MARKET is closing in on its 4th year—only 5 more
weeks. It has been the best year ever! Our 20 plus farmers and vendors continue to
tell us how much they love this market. They especially appreciate the people who
come each week to shop as well as the faithful volunteers who give of their time
and efforts every week (in the hot sun). We hear a lot of “thank you for providing a
place where we can come and sell our farm goods.”
Some Things You May Not Know About the Farmers Market
1) We are only one of two markets in the city that accepts EBT (food stamp) cards.
The Double Up Bucks program through the North Alabama Food Bank’s “Fresh
Food Initiative Program” gives each person an extra dollar for every dollar they put on their food stamp card.
In other words, they get $2 worth of tokens that can only be used to purchase fresh vegetables. The State reim-
burses us the amount that is put on the EBT cards and the North Alabama Food Bank reimburses us the same
amount. At the end of the market day, we reimburse the farmers with “real bucks” for any tokens that were
spent that day. It’s a win/win for the cardholder as well as the farmer.
2) We now accept major credit cards. For each $1 you put on your credit card, you receive that amount in
“market bucks.” The market bucks spend the same as cash. At the end of the market day, the farmers turn in
their market bucks for “real” bucks. Thus far we have issued approximately $6,000 in market bucks on credit
cards and $1,800 on EBT cards. All of which is spent at the Farmers Market.
3) Through the Society of St. Andrews we participate in a gleaning program. At the end of each market day,
large bags are placed by each farmer’s tent. The farmer fills it with whatever he/she wishes to donate. We
weigh and record the amount of pounds donated and then send this information to the Society of St. Andrews
who in turn gives the farmer a tax credit. Thus far, we have gleaned over 1,100.5 lbs of fresh food. We take the
donated food to Manna House and/or the Huntsville Assistance Program.
I think you can agree that a lot of volunteers are needed to make the market successful. Currently we have ap-
proximately 20 volunteers each week. Some have been with us the entire 4 years and they would like a break.
Please consider volunteering for one of these areas: Set-up and tear-down teams; children’s activities,
advertising, entertainment, publicity, special events, gleaning, finance and more. If you are interested in
volunteering for any of these areas, please contact Kim McFadden, market manager.
This is Latham’s Farmers Market and it needs all of Latham to make it successful. Our goal is to help the
farmers make a sustainable living and with enough volunteers we can continue to make that happen.
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United Methodist Women Cairenn Martin
Flu Clinic
Sunday, November 6, 2016—4:00 PM in Sanctuary
Plan to join us as we honor all of our military for a
very special service. If you would like to have a flag
on the church grounds, please fill out request you
will find in the Welcome Center.
Speaker: Rev. Gary Formby
Patriotic Music by our Chancel Choir and The
Huntsville Concert Band
Join us for refreshments and fellowship after
the service in Farley Hall
Music Ministry Sam Cox, Minister of Music
Saluting Our Military
We welcome Eleanor Hollobaugh as the new church
pianist. She began her duties on the first of August.
She began piano lessons at age 5, and earned a BME
in piano performance and secondary education from
Jackson State University in Mississippi, where she
performed Haydn’s Piano Concerto No. 11 in D
major, Hob. XVIII:11. She has been a rehearsal
accompanist for opera and ballet companies in
Mississippi and Ohio, and developed and taught a
junior high school music appreciation curriculum in
Ohio. She leads therapeutic music activities at
Grandview Gardens Memory Care at Redstone
Village and at Huntsville-Madison County Senior
Center, including individuals with Alzheimer’s,
cognitive disabilities, and sensory limitations.
Already active in Latham’s Sunday School and
Board of Stewards, she has also substituted as pianist
from time to time. She will accompany the Wesley
Singers and play during the 8:30 and 11:00 services.
Chancel Choir rehearsals will resume on Wednesday,
August 31, at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room. Beginning
in mid-September, the first half hour of rehearsal
time will be devoted to our December 18 Christmas
cantata. Look for details in the weekly bulletins.
Come as you are able and join us in this special
celebration.
Jubilation Ringers, our adult handbell group, will
begin fall rehearsals on Wednesday, September 7, at
6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary balcony.
You are all invited to
The UMW General Meeting on
Wednesday, September 7
At 9:30
In Farley Hall
Joe Martin will be speaking on
“The Intersection of Faith and Fitness”
*Upcoming Event*
Flu Clinic
October 15th
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Walgreens
More Info to follow
Lectionary Scriptures for September 2016
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September 4, 2016
Jeremiah 18: 1-11: God is revealed through the image of a potter. “Can I not do with you, O House of
Israel, just as the potter has done? says the Lord?” (vs. 6) The Lord directs the prophet to tell the people of
Jerusalem that they are in the hands of the divine potter.
Philemon 1-21: Paul writes to encourage Philemon to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, back into
his household. Paul could have written in a more demanding fashion, but he chooses to appeal to Philemon on
the basis of love.
Luke 14: 25-33: Luke places these words of Jesus directly before the three parables of the lost being
found in Chapter 15. Such an ordering serves as a reminder that the cost of being Jesus’ disciple is always set
in the context of grace.
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18:
September 11, 2016
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28: The prophet speaks a word of God’s judgement. Like a hot desert wind
(v.11), God’s judgement will lay waste the earth. The vision of the judgement to come will be fulfilled when
Judah is destroyed.
I Timothy 1: 12-17: Paul writes to Timothy and tells Timothy some of his own story, how he was for-
merly an enemy of Christ but was restored by the grace and mercy of God. The message is clear: “Christ
came into the world to save sinners” (vs. 15).
Luke 15:1-10: Jesus responds to the complaints his enemies direct toward him, “This fellow welcomes
sinners and eats with them” (vs. 2), by telling parables that make clear God’s intent to restore the lost to a rela-
tionship of love. God is calling the lost to come home.
Psalm 14:
September 18, 2016
Jeremiah 8: 18-19:1: The prophet is saddened over the impending destruction of God’s peo-
ple. Jeremiah’s grieves at having to announce and witness God’s judgement. “O that my head were a spring
of water…so that I might weep day and night for…my poor people. (Jer. 9:1).
I Timothy 2:1-7: This text ties in with the others as Paul encourages prayer for “kings and all who are
in high positions” (vs. 2). The text implies that wealth and power can corrupt. This text reminds us that all are
capable of sin and are in need of prayer.
Luke 16: 1-13: Jesus’ parable of the dishonest manager invites Jesus’ followers to use their skills and
gifts to honor God. An unlikely model for life in the Kingdom is a dishonest manager who endears himself to
both debtors and his boss.
Psalm 79: 1-9 or Psalm 4:
September 25, 2016
Jeremiah 32: 1-31, 6-15: In the simple act of purchasing land, Jeremiah displays confidence in God’s
promise to restore the land to the people of Judah. Written during the exile, these words bring hope to a people
in captivity.
I Timothy 6:6-19: Paul urges Timothy to live a Godly life. In context of the other readings, the focus
in on urging Timothy to practice contentment. “For we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take
nothing out of it.” (vs. 7). The desire to be rich and the love of money are dangerous to a person’s soul and
well being.
Luke 16:19-31: Jesus tells the parable of Lazarus, the beggar, and the unnamed rich man. In seeing
ahead into their eternal destiny, Jesus reverses their situations, and the hearers are warned to the perils of
wealth.
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
The schedule of
upcoming meetings
and speakers:
Sunday September 4 - William Hampton, Huntsville
Historian & developer of Huntsville Revisited
Sunday October 2 - Col. John Reitzell (Ret.)
Sunday, November 6 - Sheriff Blake Dorning of
Madison County
Saturday*, December 3 - Breakfast and special
entertainment
Check the bulletin board in the main hallway
for other information about what is coming up or
information from a previous speaker.
The standard agenda items for the meeting include:
A) President's report / comments
B) Officer's reports / Financial report
C) Other business including open discus-
sion, comments, concerns
D) Request for prayers
The meeting / prayer breakfast is open to all Latham
men along with any guest you want to bring. Please
join us early Sunday morning. Breakfast starts at 7
AM followed by our meeting. A donation of about
$3 is greatly appreciated to cover costs. Please pass
the word to anyone that you feel should receive this
notice. Send me their email address and I will add
them to the monthly reminders.
Thank you.
Michael Gris
UMM Secretary / Treasurer
Thank you...
Unity Festival Neal Porter
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The Unity Festival is just around the corner. Put Oc-
tober 15, 2016 on your calendar and bring your appe-
tite. This year will be similar to the years’ past. We
are looking to the Sunday School Classes to sponsor
a Grill Team. If you are not in a Sunday school class
and you like to sponsor a griller, you can make your
Checks to Latham UMC and mark the check Unity
Festival Grill Team or find Neal or Heather Porter
and give your donation to them. Donations of be-
tween $100 and $150 for the grillers to purchase
their meat supply are greatly appreciated! We are
also needing bottled water donations and would love
to see them arrive beginning September 26th. Water
may be dropped off in kitchen labeled Unity Festival
and we will take care of it! Jane Smith is heading up
our Silent Auction and is also looking for Donations
as well. We look forward to seeing you on October
15, 2016 from 1 to 5---Tickets go on sale VERY
SOON….stay tuned!
United Methodist Men
Dear Church,
Joey here. I just wanted to thank you for the
reception, cards, gifts and love you so generously
gave us as we departed. We love you and you will
always have a special place in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Joey & Bill
Gifts were given in memory of…
Ray Holder from Don & Ramona Bowden
Amie Hope’s Grandmother to the Hands of Christ Fund from Philip & Rhonda Ryan
Pat Lewis from Joyce M. Smith
Jane Price from Covenant SS Class to the Van Fund, Don & Ramona Bowden,
Lou Rau from Buddy & Rosemarie Bishop, Don & Ramona Bowden, Seaborn Buchanan, Oscar &
Tina Corley, John & Karen Drake, Ouida Eidson, Bill & Joey Evans, John & Carolyn Glaese,
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Halliburton, Dr. & Mrs. Tyrus Ivey, Dr. & Mrs. CE Johnson, William &
Jean Johnson, William & Katherine Marbut, Mr. & Mrs. Baldwin Martin, McNair, McLemore,
Middlebrooks & Co., Al & Ks Modrall, Randy & Marcia Nichols, Margaret Pendley, Ray
Pippin, Philip & Rhonda Ryan, Bob & Alice Shipman, Norman Spear, Kice & Susan Stone,
Joseph & Jan Sturbois, Ernest & June Young,
Memorial Contributions
There are opportunities to serve at Latham….
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UMCOR-United Methodist Committee on Relief
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Louisiana Flood
The images and news from Louisiana are heartbreaking and should compel us to help. Before taking action, read
these updates from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Disaster Response Warehouse
in Decatur for the best ways to respond.
1 -- Please note that we do not need to deploy Response Teams or send any relief supplies until requested. The
best way to respond at this time is to PRAY! Pray for specific things: the struggles people are facing with loss of
property and possessions that are special but can’t be replaced. Pray for teams that are assisting at this time and
teams that will assist at a later date as lives and property is restored. Pray for necessary supplies to be collected.
Pray for pets and animals that have been misplaced due to the rising flood waters. Add to this list those things
that come to mind for you.
2 -- The second best way is to give to the UMCOR Disaster Response Fund. Remember that 100% of all dona-
tions go directly to provide relief to disaster victims. The latest information from UMCOR is below.
3—The third way to give is to help the local warehouse with the supplies the teams will need as they go in to help
with recovery. Cleaning buckets are needed for the recovery effort. The options are to create a complete cleaning
bucket or contribute supplies as you are able in order to complete a cleaning bucket. Other items needed include:
1—2 gallon sprayers 2—Flat Shovels 3—Extension Cords (25 ft.) 4 – Push brooms
If you would like to make a financial contribution please make checks payable to Latham UMC and mark them
Louisiana Flood. If you would like to contribute items listed please make sure you follow the guidelines. Bring
them to the church and we will make sure they get to where they need to be.
Update from UMCOR - United Methodist
Committee On Relief
UMCOR is working on an emergency
grant and request for relief supplies from
Louisiana Conference of The United Meth-
odist Church. The region is still in emer-
gency mode with rescues still ongoing.
Several churches have been converted to
shelters for those who have been displaced.
Four parishes have already received a fed-
eral disaster declaration, so FEMA (Federal
Emergency Management Agency) has been
mobilized.
Children’s Ministry
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109 Weatherly Road
Huntsville, AL 35803
Phone: 256-881-4069
Fax: 256-880-0305
On the web: lathamumc.org
Connect with the Staff
Rev. Mike Ratliff, Senior Pastor
Matt Jones, Associate Pastor
Sam Cox, Minister of Music
Susan Terry, Minister of Connect & Children’s Ministries
Adam Miller, Minister of Youth
Jim Geisinger, Associate Music Director
Marvene Borntrager, Staff Coordinator for Inreach
Anita Banks, Business Administrator
Traci Harris, Director of Child Development Center
Cherry Keeton, Organist
Eleanor Hollobaugh, Pianist
Latham United Methodist Church
Our Mission
Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision
Connecting generations to grow relationships with God, others, and creation.
Our Goals
1. Communicate our vision so the entire church and community will know it.
2. Organize intergenerational gatherings in the church and community that form mentoring
relationships between all participants.
3. Simplify and align leadership structure to reflect and advance our vision.
4. Train and hire staff to become coaches in leadership development, intergenerational dialogue,
mentoring, faith sharing, and creation stewardship.
5. Implement leadership training to equip laity to plan ministries that fulfill the church’s vision
and goals.
Our Core Values
1. Mission Focus: Latham performs service in the world to promote individual, community,
and environmental wholeness.
2. Prayer: Latham values prayer to direct and energize our work in accomplishing God’s vision.
3. Gifts & Strengths: Latham utilizes spiritual gifts and abilities of our members.
4. Credibility: Latham practices honesty, integrity, passion, and accountability to God and each other.