OCTOBER 2013 Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World 800 GREENSBORO AVE TUSCALOOSA, AL 35401 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED CONNECTING POINT INFORMATION The Connecting Point is published monthly by FUMCT, 800 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 ● 205.345.7261 ● www.fumct.org ● Editor: Hannah Crisp ● [email protected]. Deadline for copy: The 15th of each month is the deadline for the following month’s publication. Submissions can be sent to Hannah Crisp at [email protected]or may be submitted in writing to the church office. FUMCT Saying Goodbye to a Faithful Friend Can’t believe she is as old as she is(was)! She was at church every Sunday for the past 84 years. She never missed. She was voiced perfectly for the sanctuary and always in fine tune. With rare exceptions, we could count on her. One morning, we arrived early to hear her huffing and puffing, a constant mourn- ing. A small adjustment and she was good to go. Another time an electrical storm knocked the power out and she sat silently at the end of a wedding. But the others in the congregation began to hum along as the bride and groom recessed down the aisle. Last week we put to rest the grand lady of our church—our organ that was built in 1929. Of course she had annual check-ups and some major work done in 1976, but she served us well! Now, her ranks have been dismantled and her console carted off. All that remains is the empty pipe chamber, a pit in the choir loft and a hole in our hearts. We have retired the organ from our sanctuary. Over the next six months Randall Dyer Organ Company will be building our new organ utilizing as many parts for our just retired organ as possible. In 2014, the company will install the organ and “voice” the organ for our sanctuary. We will move into the 21st century technology with the organ while capturing the true value of pipe organ. Think with me of the number of weddings, of funerals, of baptisms, of Sunday services that our 84 year old organ has served. She has sounded the doxology over 4,000 times. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” We do give thanks for the organ that has served us so well. The total cost of the new organ project is a little over $700,000. We conducted a “Sounds of Glory” campaign to help us raise money for this project. If you did not make a pledge and want to support this project, now is a good time to make your pledge and give your gift. Remember that if you would like to name a note or a rank in honor of someone there is still the opportunity. We want everyone to help contribute to this great project which will serve us for a long, long time. As we say "good-bye" to our faithful friend, we eagerly await the arrival of a new friend who will enrich our worship to the year 2100. Dr. Ken Dunivant, Senior Pastor [email protected]Stop Hunger Now Project Update What a wonderful day Sunday, September 15 was in the life of First United Methodist church. We live in a world where someone dies of hunger related is- sues every six seconds. You as a church helped alleviate some of that suffering on this date! We had over 200 food bags delivered by you to our church and we packaged 20,268 meals in our gymnasium. It was amazing to see the efforts of many in our church come together to pull off such an enormous task. We will continue to offer these ministries throughout the year and hope you will partici- pate with us next time if you missed this one. The food bags will be delivered to our “neighbors in need” here in the Tuscaloo- sa County area, via our food pantry at Love INC. These neighbors are the same individuals that currently meet each Thursday in our church for Bible study, Life skills training, job skills training, budgeting classes, etc. The need for food in our own community is a challenge many of us never see. Thank you for helping towards stopping hunger in Tuscaloosa. The 20,268 packaged meals will be sent to the nation of Haiti on Monday, September 16 through “Stop Hunger Now” Ministry. We thank you, the congregation, for taking your time to package, weigh, seal, and box these ingredients. This food will be put into the hands of families that without it would be hungry and malnourished yet another day. These meals are made up of rice, soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, and a vitamin packet. While not what we would consider a “meal” this food is life sustaining for those individuals receiving it. That is a wonderful gift to offer to fellow children of God that are in need. To assist with our next Stop Hunger Now event please contact Joshua Davis at jcd1177@ charter.net.
Transcript
OCTOBER2013
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World
800 GREENSBORO AVE TUSCALOOSA, AL 35401RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CONNECTING POINT INFORMATIONThe Connecting Point is published monthly by FUMCT, 800 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 ● 205.345.7261 ● www.fumct.org ● Editor: Hannah Crisp ● [email protected]. Deadline for copy: The 15th of each month is the deadline for the following month’s publication. Submissions can be sent to Hannah Crisp at [email protected] or may be submitted in writing to the church office.
FUMCT
Saying Goodbye to a Faithful FriendCan’t believe she is as old as she is(was)! She was at church every Sunday for the past 84 years. She never missed. She was voiced perfectly for the sanctuary and always in fine tune. With rare exceptions, we could count on her. One morning, we arrived early to hear her huffing and puffing, a constant mourn-ing. A small adjustment and she was good to go. Another time an electrical storm knocked the power out and she sat silently at the end of a wedding. But the others in the congregation began to hum along as the bride and groom recessed down the aisle.
Last week we put to rest the grand lady of our church—our organ that was built in 1929. Of course she had annual check-ups and some major work done in 1976, but she served us well! Now, her ranks have been dismantled and her console carted off. All that remains is the empty pipe chamber, a pit in the choir loft and a hole in our hearts. We have retired the organ from our sanctuary.
Over the next six months Randall Dyer Organ Company will be building our new organ utilizing as many parts for our just retired organ as possible. In 2014, the company will install the organ and “voice” the organ for our sanctuary. We will move into the 21st century technology with the organ while capturing the true value of pipe organ. Think with me of the number of weddings, of funerals, of baptisms, of Sunday services that our 84 year old organ has served. She has sounded the doxology over 4,000 times. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” We do give thanks for the organ that has served us so well.
The total cost of the new organ project is a little over $700,000. We conducted a “Sounds of Glory” campaign to help us raise money for this project. If you did not make a pledge and want to support this project, now is a good time to make your pledge and give your gift. Remember that if you would like to name a note or a rank in honor of someone there is still the opportunity. We want everyone to help contribute to this great project which will serve us for a long, long time.
As we say "good-bye" to our faithful friend, we eagerly await the arrival of a new friend who will enrich our worship to the year 2100.
Stop Hunger Now Project UpdateWhat a wonderful day Sunday, September 15 was in the life of First United Methodist church. We live in a world where someone dies of hunger related is-sues every six seconds. You as a church helped alleviate some of that suffering on this date! We had over 200 food bags delivered by you to our church and we packaged 20,268 meals in our gymnasium. It was amazing to see the efforts of many in our church come together to pull off such an enormous task. We will continue to offer these ministries throughout the year and hope you will partici-pate with us next time if you missed this one.
The food bags will be delivered to our “neighbors in need” here in the Tuscaloo-sa County area, via our food pantry at Love INC. These neighbors are the same individuals that currently meet each Thursday in our church for Bible study, Life skills training, job skills training, budgeting classes, etc. The need for food in our own community is a challenge many of us never see. Thank you for helping towards stopping hunger in Tuscaloosa.
The 20,268 packaged meals will be sent to the nation of Haiti on Monday, September 16 through “Stop Hunger Now” Ministry. We thank you, the congregation, for taking your time to package, weigh, seal, and box these ingredients. This food will be put into the hands of families that without it would be hungry and malnourished yet another day. These meals are made up of rice, soy protein, dehydrated vegetables, and a vitamin packet. While not what we would consider a “meal” this food is life sustaining for those individuals receiving it. That is a wonderful gift to offer to fellow children of God that are in need. To assist with our next Stop Hunger Now event please contact Joshua Davis at [email protected].
church happenings about our congregation
ATTENDANCE 8.25.13 9.1.13 9.8.13 9.15.13 TRADITIONS/BRIDGE WORSHIP WOW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL K-5TH GRADE SUNDAY SCHOOL NURSERY SUNDAY SCHOOL
Recent Deaths■ Sympathy to Lynne Richardson in the death of her father, Ted Shigley of Utah. He was also the grandfather of Cindy (Eric) Kirkland & their children, Caroline & Ellis.■ Sympathy to Dena (Bob) Prince & daughters, Willis & Grace in the death of Dena’s father, Wallace Foote Drury of Greensboro.■ Sympathy to Ethelyn Stuhr in the death of her uncle, retired UMC minister Rev. D.K. Christenberry of Bay Minette, AL.
Attendance & Budget Stats
FINANCIAL REPORTOPERATING BUDGET BUILDING BUDGETORGANDESIGNATED GIVING
1680N/A287138
60
1010N/A186
6660
115534
330102
58
$19,580.11$3,611.81$1,176.00$1,145.00
$36,417.36$8,893.06$1,672.00
$10,865.00
$32,517.47$2,661.70$1,263.60
$815.00
THIS IS A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TUSCALOOSA.Broadcast & Contact InformationThe Sunday 11:00 a.m. Traditions Worship Service is broadcast on WACT 1420 AM. Tapes/CD’s of Traditions & DVDs of The Bridge are available in the office. Contact Jean at 205.345.7261, ext. 10 for more information. You may also listen to sermons by going to our website www.fumct.org. Click on the “Media” page and click on “listen to a sermon.” ADDRESS • 800 GREENSBORO AVE , TUSCALOOSA, AL 35401PHONE • 205.345.7261 FAX • 205.345.7263 WEB • WWW.FUMCT.ORG AFTER HOURS PASTORAL EMERGENCY LINE • 205.886.7177
105341
4049147
$49,743.36$5,379.54
$862.00$120.00
Sympathies
New Members!WelcomeSeptember was New Member Month here at FUMCT. We had so many visitors and new faces join our family last month. God has blessed us this year! Help us welcome these new members to our congregation!
■ 9.3.13-EMILY CATHERINE SNODSMITH, Daughter of Leigh & Blake Snodsmith, Granddaughter of Donna & Gary Maples■ 9.12.13-MADISON RILEY JAMES, Daughter of Holly & Michael James, Grandparents, Bob & Mary Helen Posey & Judith & Joe Davenport■ 8.23.13-WILLIAM JOSEPH KING, Son of Michael & Kim King (of St. Amant, Louisiana.) Grandson of Margaret King ■ 9.16.13-COLTON LAWSON SWOSZOWSKI, Son of Nicole & Chad Swoszowski■ 9.18.13-OLIVE TAYLOR WASCHER, Daughter of McCall & Rickie Wascher, Granddaughter of Nancy Y. Taylor■ 9.20.13-JAMES EMBRY HICKMAN, Son of Rev. Josh & Rebecca Hickman■ 9.23.13-JAMES BROCK CALDWELL, Son of Ashley & Trey Caldwell, Grandson of Claire & John Brock
Congratulations
Nicole Pearson Kevin & Adrienne Thompson & Katelyn(not pictured)
Jeremy Reid Walt James
Bill & Martha Allen Sarah Kathryn, Mattie & Linda Bonds
Mary Coppock, Garrison & Zane(not pictured)
George O’Rear & Cooper John & Josie Ryba Kee & Danielle Spree Robert & Amanda Collins & Madelyn
George & Courtney Patterson Chad & Nicole Swoszowski Mark Robison
Not pictured: Phillip Long, Mike & Tina Williams, Jordan Tucker
Casey Weatherly, with daughters, Bailey & Chloey Weatherly (all baptized)
Kenny Parrish
Susan Davis
■ Louise Mae Cole, infant daughter of Dr. Lewis and Robin Cole■ Hudson Grant Grelle, infant son of Emily Franklin & Jonathan Grelle■ Bennett Ward Dunn, infant son of Erin & Robert Dunn
Baptisms■ Casey Weatherly■ Bailey Weatherly, daughter of Casey Weatherly■ Chloey Weatherly, daughter of Casey Weatherly
Matt Cornelson Stuart & Anna Belle Norton Phillip Massa
Recent Births
church happenings church happeningsOLDER ADULT MINISTRIESMerry Methodist LuncheonWednesday, October 23 at Noon in Chitwood Hall │ Make reservations by Monday, October 21 at noon by calling Ethelyn at 205.345.7261, ext. 26 or email [email protected].
Quick Notes!
Card Care Team Pick-Up■ Cards ready on the recep-tionist’s desk (church office) to pick up by October 13.
Turkey & Tinsel Holiday Bazaar■ November 13 │10:00 AM-7:00 PM │ Church Activity Center (Gym)/Chitwood Hall, Featuring an Arts & Crafts Sale from UMW Circles and local vendors (located in CAC).■ Donate items to our Silent Auction. Contact Olivia Ken-drick at [email protected] or 205.752.0731. Visit www.fumct.org/mission-outreach/umw or look for us on Facebook!
Young Adult Listening Session ■ Young Adult Ministries Listening Session │ Thurs-day, October 10 at 7:00 PM in Parker Fireside. There will be food, so anyone planning to attend should please RSVP to Kate Gates at [email protected] and indicate if you have any dietary restrictions or need nursery care.
Hearing DevicesWe have 5 hearing devices available for Traditions in the sanctuary Narthex. Simply ask a host for one.
Day Trip to GreensboroThursday, October 17 │ Departing at 8:50 AM, visit Magnolia Grove Historic House Museum and eat dutch treat lunch at Mustang Oil. Sign-up by Oct. 3 with Ethelyn at 205.345.7261, ext. 26 or [email protected]
THE LANDS OF THE BIBLE CRUISEFourteen days cruising from Rome to Athens, Oct. 11-24, 2014 through Educational Opportunities. Fly the from USA to Rome before transferring to the beautiful Azamara Quest (smaller ship with maximum 694 guests). Visit Olympia, Greece; Ephesus & Sardis, Turkey; Patmos & Rhodes, Greece; Jerusalem, Bethlehem & The Galilee, Israel; Paphos, Cyprus; and Athens, Greece. Over night accomodations are on the ship, so no packing and unpacking to move to different hotels. If interested, contact Ethelyn Stuhr at [email protected] or 345-7261 ext. 26 for brochure or to dis-cuss details. For more information, visit www.eo.travelwithus.com, click "find a trip" on the top left, and enter the trip info. Host ID # is 54228, Host name: First United Methodist Tuscaloosa.
COME BE A PART OF IT ALL!For those looking for more informa-tion about the church and the vast ministries it offers, we invite you to join Josh for Believe and Belong on October 6, at 10:00 AM at the Wel-come Center. Come and take a tour of the church with its ministries in action, get to know some of the staff, and learn a little about what we believe and why we belong. We hope to see you there! RSVP with [email protected].
Come Be A Part of it All….Believe & Belong.
United Methodist Women invite all of the women of the church to participate in our circles. ■ Celebration Circle │ Tuesday, October 1 │ 6:00 PM│ Home of Glenda Kilgore │ 307 Hillsboro Drive (Hillsdale Subdivision), 35404, Program: Dan Kilgore ■ Sisters of Grace Circle│ Thurs-day, October 10 @ 6:30 PM at Depalmas Restaurant. Traci Ferguson, speaker, (Mission trip to Honduras)
■ Faith & Friendship │ Mon-day, October 14 @ 10:00 AM │ Home of Virginia Brazil (6801 Jade Point, 35406) with speaker, Stephenie Justice
UMWCIRCLE MEETINGS
The mission trip I took to Russia this summer was un-forgettable, to say the least. Traveling there—definitely unforgettable. Between sprinting through the Atlanta International Airport to catch our departing flight and losing our luggage once we finally arrived in Tallinn, it was never a dull moment. It’s safe to say getting there was half the fun.
Once we arrived in Tallinn, Charlie Chastain, and his beautiful seven-year-old Isabel, graciously greeted us in the airport. Our two days spent in Tallinn were restful, but not wasteful. We spent every morning in prayer and discussion with Charlie’s wife, Miki,
to prepare our hearts and our team as a whole for the hardships we were guar-anteed to face. Through Miki, the Lord opened up each and every single one of our hearts and minds, but also kept them protected all the while. Feeling the Lord’s presence and pausing for a few moments in that room each day to hear his purpose for every individual, as well as the team, was the single-most important factor in preparing our team for the intense experi-ences to come.
After crossing the Russian border in the early hours of the morning, we arrived in Saint Petersburg promptly at eight o’clock AM. To say that the atmosphere was heavy would be an understatement. This
was visibly accented by an overcast sky and an overall gloomy expression of the Russian people. The hopelessness we had been sent to face was immediately al-most tangible. The determination we had been provided with by the Lord was the driving force that kept us from getting caught up and bogged down by the despair that was so easy to feel.
Summer camps are a huge factor in Russian culture. You are stuck inside a small apartment in a frozen, concrete city for ten months out of the year. During the two months in the summer that it warms up, children want and need to be outside to stretch their legs and soak up the Vitamin D—hence our first destination in our mission to spread love to these beautiful children. A summer camp for the Grace Orphanage—a place dedicated to keeping families together—opened their doors for us to visit with the women and their children and learn a little more about their ways of life. Each and every single one of these women touched my heart in more ways than one. They had overcome obstacles that I could not even believe existed. They were amazing and beautiful, but most of all, they were filled with a grace that I recognized immediately and admired all the same.
TO RUSSIA & BACKby Caris Deschner, Eighteen-Year-Old Freshman
■ Souled Out Small Groups Have Begun │ Be sure your child takes part in this opportunity to build stronger Christian friendships. Contact Perri Mullins at [email protected] to find out when and where your child’s age group meets.
■ PWA, KWA, Psalm 150 │ Preschool Worship Arts (ages 2-Pre K), Kids Worship Arts (K-2nd grade), Psalm 150 (3rd-5th grade), Our Worship Arts ministry is off to a fantastic start. Held on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:00 PM, PWA, KWA and Psalm 150 meet for an hour of music, games, and fun.
■ 3rd Grade Bible Sunday │ More than 30 children were presented with a bible from their church at our an-nual Third Grade Bible Sunday on September 22.
CH ILDREN ’S M IN ISTRY
■ KidCheck │ Thank you for your patience as we all learn to use the new Kid Check system.
We have 2 more kiosks that should be up and running soon to help alleviate waiting to check your child in. If you haven’t created your Kid Check profile, please go to www.go.kidcheck.com. Having your account set up in advance will make your first check in less time consuming.
It is important that you have your guardian receipt when you pick your child up from the nursery, from Sunday School, or from WOW. This is how we insure that your child is being picked up by an approved guardian. We ask that you initial your child out on the printed roll for us to have a record of check-out. Thank you for helping us keep our kids safe.
■ Mark Your Calendars for Fall Family Fellowship at The Barnyard │ November 10 @ 3:00–5:00 PM, All children infant through 5th grade are invited to attend with their families. Older siblings are welcome! Meet at the Barnyard for pony rides, animal fun and s’mores galore.
Moira Parker & Stephanie Charboneau
CO-DIRECTORS OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY: A Service of Remembrance
Throughout the church year, there are special feast worship services that have proven to be some of the most meaningful and moving worship experiences. On the spe-cial feast day of All Saints' Sun-
day, we remember those who have gone before us and give thanks to God for their presence in our lives. In the spirit of All Saints, we also ask God for their eternal rest and for His light to shine upon them and remain with them forever. It is a day of comforting and recognition of the power of God’s grace in our final place in His house. As part of a Service of Remembrance, the Adult Chancel Choir and orchestra will present John Rutter’s Requiem at the 9:00 and 11:00 AM service on Sunday, November 3 in Traditions worship in the Sanctuary. This setting of the Requiem text is deeply moving and intensely emotional. It is our desire that this piece and the service itself be given as a gift to this community. Please, plan to make this service a priority, and join us for an impor-tant service for our church filled with moving and beautiful music.
A QUICK NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS ■ We are so blessed to be a part of such an amazing church—what a terrific start to the new school year for the Children’s Ministry.
The Little Lambs sale was another huge success. The funds raised for the Children’s Ministry are an amazing gift to the children of our church.
Thank you to all who attended our parent orientation—we were so pleased with the number of parents who partici-pated. If you haven’t filled out the registration and/or medical forms for your child(ren), please do. Packets are available on the nursery floor and 2nd floor, and be sure to pick up a copy of the Children’s Ministry Handbook and a 2013-14 calendar.
WOW kicked off with a bang on Sept. 8th! And, our Worship Arts programming has experienced great participation with an average of 80 children participating on Wednesday nights.
A huge thank you to all the Sunday school teachers & as-sistants; WOW hosts & leaders; GOKids team members; and our Children’s Ministry Team who make our Children’s Ministry such a wonderful place. There is absolutely no way we could do it without the help of these dedicated volunteers!
CHILDREN'S BASKETBALL 2013-2014 ■ FUMC Children's Basketball coaches needed for the 2013-14 season! All coaches must complete a safe sanctuary background check. Our teams practice in the Church Activities Center (gym). This year, there are some changes in the basketball program. Registration deadline for Boys K-1st and 2nd-3rd is October 18. Deadline for all girls' teams and boys 4-5th and 6-7th grade is October 25. Contact Linda Dunn, Church Activities Center Director, [email protected] or 205.345.7261, ext. 28 Or Frank Ble-witt, [email protected] with PARA.
What's Going On at
FIRSTKIDS
Presciptions from the Great PhysicianBridge Sermon Series Coming October 6
We're all suffering—not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, or relationally. We aren't as healthy as we could be and as we need to be. We may not know what is bothering us but we know that we don't feel well. Thankfully, as Christians, we are the beneficiaries of the ultimate health plan, and the Great Physician is the preferred provider. God has diagnosed our problems and has provided us with what we need to get better and feel better—Prescriptions From the Great Physician. In this series, we address four of the prescriptions made possible by and through Jesus Christ: Forgiveness; Hope; Prayer and Change. Come pick-up your prescription. Don't worry, it's covered.
■ WEEK 1, OCTOBER 6: FORGIVENESS, Rev. Josh Hickman■ WEEK 2, OCTOBER 13: HOPE, Brian Loper
ATTENTION, PARENTS! MARK YOUR CALENDARS. PWA sings in the 9:00 AM Bridge service on October 6, and Psalm 150 sings in the 9:00 AM Bridge service on October 13!
PWA & PSALM 150
SINGING!
■ WEEK 3, OCTOBER 20: PRAYER, Rev. Cooper Shattuck■ WEEK 4, OCTOBER 27: CHANGE, Dr. Jimmy Mixson
The Druid City Garden Project (www.druidcitygardenproject.org) needs volunteers to help with garden maintenance every Wednesday and Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM at the University
Place garden in Forest Lake. No experience necessary, all tools provided. Volunteers also needed Tuesdays-Thursdays during the day to assist with our educational activities at elementary schools and farm stands. Email [email protected] for details.
Lay Speaker Training for Southwest DistrictOctober 26 at Fayette First United Methodist Church
Registration: 8:00-8:30 AM (Coffee & doughnuts provided)
Classes: 8:30 AM-3:00 PM, additional assignments at end of class, work to fulfill ten hours of class required for credit
Cost: $35.00 (Includes lunch and materials)
Classes offered: Basic Class taught by Rev. Tom Moye
Advanced class: Discovering/Rediscovering Spiritual Gifts taught by Rev. Belinda Freeman.
To register, visit www.fumct.org/adults/adult-events and download a application.
church happenings church happenings
WEEKLY SCHEDULESUNDAYS■ High School Small groups meet on Sun-days. Visit fumct.org/youth/youth-events for details.■ Middle School Small Groups, @ 5-6:00 PM, Visit fumct.org/youth/youth-events for loca-tions. WEDNESDAYS■ 1st Wednesday Worship @ 6-7:30 PM■ 2nd-4th Wednesday Youth Group @ 6-7:30 PM
S T U D E N T M I N I S T R Y
A Word From Brian DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES
I love working with students. They have no trouble telling you what they think and they have an innocent wisdom that is refreshing. I have worked in student ministry for 25 years and over the years I have come to one important conclusion; Parents are the most effective faith influencers on the planet. “Nothing is more important than someone’s relationship with God. No one has more potential to influence a child’s relationship with God than a parent. No one has more potential to influence the parent than the church. The church’s potential to influence a child dramatically increases when it partners with a parent.” (Reggie Joiner)
I am having a blast teaching a Sunday morning class to parents. Actually we are learning together as we study “Death by Suburb”. I love the idea of families growing in their faith together and sharing their journey. I love the idea of families spending time together and being God centered. If you want to check us out please feel free to join us.
Small groups continue to grow and our leaders are amazing. We have over 120 students involved in small groups and 22 leaders. We need help. In order to provide quality and to meet the needs of our students, we need more help. We are seeking adults who love Jesus and have a passion to see students come to know him as well. Interested? Call me or e-mail me and let’s talk.
In case you missed it, there are a lot of happenings coming up and we wouldn't want you to miss a single thing!
■ October 2 │ 1st Wednesday Worship @ 6:00-7:30 PM■ October 4 │ Northridge VS County High Tailgating @ 5:30 PM, NHS (Baseball Practice Field), We are joining with Young Life & TCAT. Hamburgers will be provided. Please bring chips or a baked good.■ October 27 │ Confirmation Retreat■ October 29 │ Great Pumpkin Food Fight @ 6:00 PM, location TBD
HERE'S WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT MONTH...
NOVEMBER■ November 6 │ 1st Wednesday Worship■ November 10 │ Confirmation■ November 15-17 │ High School Fall Retreat■ November 17 │ Last Small Groups of Semester
UMW WORLD THANK OFFERING ■ October 21 at 5:30 PM in Chitwood Hall, speaker, Rev. Jim Wilson on Living Out a Life of Sacrificial Service. Harvest Veg-etable Soup, cornbread, and Dessert will be served for $7 which helps to fund educa-tional programs for women in need. Please call church office for reservations at 205.345.7261. Join fellow United Method-ist women in sharing a meal and in passing a Cup of Friendship/Discipleship in celebra-tion of our unity in serving others.
The last orphanage we visited, however, was the hardest for me personally. One little blonde-headed, blue-eyed, eleven-year-old boy by the name of Igor completely stole my attention and never gave it back. From the second I saw him I was drawn to him. I thought it was just the cof-fee he was offering me. But after watching his mannerisms and kind-hearted attitude towards others, I realized that he could have been a carbon copy of my little blonde-headed, ten-year old brother, Hughes, which hit way too close to home for me. It had been easier earlier in the week to see children and love on them, but not let them in and keep them, emotionally, at a distance. God decided he would break down that emotional wall though, which I am now thankful for. This was a real, beautiful little boy who needed and deserved love and hope just like any other kid.
He needed relationships and stability—just like any other normal boy in the world. In my prayers throughout the day, I found in my heart that I was supposed to be there, and that I would be back someday. Even if just for this little boy who was so much like Hughes that it pained me to think of leaving him. But the hope The Lord filled me with when I realized I would be back someday pulled me through and kept me going. These children need us. They have to know Christ’s love, the same way I do and the same way Pat and Gary Johnson do. They need a relationship that lasts and peers to help support and guide them down His path. They need Godly male role models like Gary. They needed Pat’s love for Christ that glows so evidently within her. They need us.
I just thank the Lord every day that he put this particular mission on my heart and made it possible for me to experience what I did, and to plant his seeds of his ever-flourishing garden.
UMW News & Happenings
NONPERISHABLE GOODS COLLECTED BY UMW IN CRAFT ROOM ■ There are hungry children in Tuscaloosa County. These children receive meals at school during the week, but have no food at home. United Methodist Women is collecting non-perishable, simple to prepare, food for these children to eat. Also needed is deodorant and other toiletries.
Examples of items needed: peanut butter, boxed macaroni & cheese, pop-top canned foods (can opener may be un-available), soups that need only water added, shelf stable milk, nuts, and dried fruits.
These items are delivered to Duncanville elementary and middle school. The children have been thrilled with the food and supplies they have received already, but the need is still great. Consider donating! Bring your goods to the Craft Room(1st floor).
"To Russia & Back" continued from page 3.
Caps & mittens knitted by Sally Erdman.
Ann Curry painting clip boards.
Leatha Darden making a Christmas Tree.
Elaine Englebert knitting a blanket.
UMW IS GETTING READY FOR TURKEY & TINSEL 2013 ■ The ladies of the UMW are already preparing for our 2nd An-nual Turkey & Tinsel on November 13! Don't miss this opportunity to sup-port one of our ministries. (See page 10 for more details on the event)
