Dear Friends,
Tuesday morning was a little bit sad for Sandy and me this week. Our daughter Joelle, who has been home with us for the summer, left for her junior year of college on Tuesday morning.
It was a good summer this year. The same time period after freshman year was a tough adjustment for all of us. Joelle had been on her own for a year at college. Getting back into the rhythm and flow of life with the family was a tough transition. It took some time to do it but we learned how to be a family again last summer.
This summer was different. Joelle was lined up for a job that she would enjoy. Sophomore year was challenging on campus so it was a relief to get away from that environment to a safe haven. Sandy and I tried to respect her need to be free of adolescent rules and parental involvement. The result was that the past few months have been filled with great enjoyment in our home.
Now, with Joelle gone back to college, it is time for us to deal with the empty nest again. Though we will miss her, the house will be quieter. We will miss Joelle’s friends who regularly come by our home to visit her. The by-product of her friendships is that we have gotten to know some really interesting young people in Hinesville! For Sandy and me, it is going to be good to allow the pattern of our daily lives to become more settled into our routines again.
With Christiana living in Atlanta and Joelle at LaGrange College, we use a variety of means of communication to stay in touch. It is helpful to have access to postal mail, e-mail, instant message, dorm phones, cell phones, and any other means available. These young women are our daughters. We cherish them and want to stay current with their lives. If our relationship with them continues to be nurtured in their absence, then it will be ever more positive for us to be a family when they are with us here in Hinesville.
Many of our young women and men are leaving for college during these few weeks. Lots of parents and families are dealing with the same adjustments we are facing. The greater challenge for us all as a church family is to find ways of sustaining our relationship with our college students while they are away from the congregation.
There are statistics that indicate that the college years are a time of life when some young adults lose touch with their faith and the church. What can we do to nurture our relationship with college students while they are away so that they can come back home to us in the church?
This year, I will again be asking our United Methodist Women Circle groups to adopt college students as a ministry to our local congregation. During the past few years, the UMW circles each made a small group of students a mission project for the year. Among the things they did included praying for these students by name at their meetings, sending occasional greeting notes to the students from the circle fellowship, and even sending a small gift to let the students know their church family loves them. If, on a few occasions in the school year, a student hears from their church family, it will reinforce the relationship we have with them as their church family.
Another ministry that we have established for our college students is a Sunday School class for their age and interest level taught by Bill and Maggie Wethington. It is our hope that the college students will look forward to a visit to their class when they come home to visit their families.
Life as a Christian disciple reminds us that often our sad moments can prompt an opportunity to promote a ministry to others. The college students from First United Methodist are on my mind and in my prayers these days. Let me ask the question that all of us need to ask of ourselves ---what can each one of us do to help this congregation be a family of faith to these students?
There are services of worship each Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11:00 with Sunday School opportunities for all ages at 9:45. Come join with us for fellowship and worship as we learn how to be a family of faith together! See you in church!
Blessings!
ARM
Rev Alan R Miller +
Something to Think About…
Last year when I bought my “new to me” car there were lots of new gadgets that I had to get acquainted with. One was the computer operated compass. I thought it was pretty interesting to see which direction I was driving since I’m often not sure which direction the sun rises and sets in. The problem came when something happened to the compass and I was instructed to reset it! How could I reset the compass when I don’t even know where the north is? When all else fails – READ THE MANUAL!!
In the manual, I learned that I had inadvertently turned off the internal compass, and the car had lost its sense of direction. To correct the problem, the car had to be driven in a full circle and then the compass would be reset.
Each time we gather to worship or study together, we are resetting our internal compass. We establish “true north” in our soul, remembering who God is and what His truth proclaims. As we begin a new Sunday School year, let me encourage you to make it a priority to find your “true north” each week by participating in Sunday School and worship. We have Sunday School classes for children (1 yr. – 5th grade), youth (6th – 12th grade) and adults (18 – 118.)
The only way we can set the compass that God gave each of us is to spend time with the Compass Creator.
Setting my compass,
Anita
Let’s go for a walk!
In Matthew 14 we find the account of Peter walking on the water to meet his Lord. Did he sink? Yes. Did he fail? Absolutely not! Although Peter sank beneath the waves, he knew the joy that the other eleven did not. The joy of walking with Jesus and the comfort and faith that come only with the experience of having Him pick you up when it seems all else is lost.
Water walkers know how to face their fears and choose not to let fear have the last word. Water walkers continue to discover and embrace the unique calling of God on their life. Water walkers experience the power of God doing something you would never be able to do on your own. Want to be a water walker or a boat potato?
Beginning August 28th a new class will study If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. The study is grounded in scripture, so bring your Bibles and learn what it means to have the kind of faith that Peter had.
Other Adult Sunday School Options
|
·
|
Please come and join the Seekers class as we begin a study of the beliefs, symbols and doctrine of the United Methodist Church and how they apply to our lives. We meet in the “blue room” which is located downstairs next to the Social Hall. Each week will be a separate topic, so don’t worry if you miss a Sunday, you won’t get left behind. Most of us are in our 30’s and 40’s with some younger and some older – all adults are welcome. If you have questions, please call Gabe West at 368-5614.
|
|
·
|
Looking for a Sunday School class where God’s Word is taught and where fun, love and fellowship abound? Look no further! The Jack Waller Sunday School class welcomes you to join us in sharing an hour together each Sunday morning beginning at 9:45 in the church social hall.
|
This class, formed many years ago, was named after a gentleman who faithfully served our Lord and this church for many years. We carry on a great tradition of offering couples as well as individuals the opportunity to study, serve and fellowship together. We could rather appropriately be named “Pairs and Spares” as we are a class of “young parents,” grandparents” and individuals who learn much from each other. We look forward to the opportunity of studying God’s Word and serving Him together with you!
Christmas Cantata
The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsing their Christmas cantata “Shine on Us” on Wednesday, August 31 at 6:45 p.m. If you would like to participate in singing only the Christmas music you may come to the last 30 minutes of rehearsal each Wednesday and join us as we share the message of Christmas with our church family.
Sunday Night Live
Sunday Night Live, our ministry to children ages 3 – 5th grade will begin this Sunday, August 28 at 5:00 p.m. We will meet each Sunday for Bible study, crafts, games, praise and worship and a whole lot of fun. Make plans to get your children involved in SNL.
Wednesday Night Dinners
Our Wednesday Night Dinners will begin on September 7 at 6:00 p.m. Each Wednesday there will be a prepared meal for the whole family and then an opportunity to participate in an adult Bible Study, Chancel Choir, Interactive Bible Learning for children (K-5th grades) and a Prayer Ministry for Youth. This is a very important time for the whole family to be involved in learning settings during the middle of each week. The cost for dinner is $5.00 for those 12 years and older, $2.50 for children 3 years – 11 years with a family maximum of $15.00 Reservations must be made and they can be handled in one of two ways – you may have your name put on a “permanent” list and only call if you are not going to be here or you can call each week prior to noon on Monday to make your reservations. To be placed on the permanent list, please call the church office.
Third Graders
Each year the church presents our rising third graders a new Bible on the last Sunday in August as they are promoted to their new Sunday School classes. Bibles will be presented this Sunday morning during the 11:00 worship service.
McKamey’s in Concert
If there is one word that describes The McKamey’s, it would be sincere. Each member of this Southern Gospel singing group is sincere in their love for the Lord, sincere in their love for the music they sing and sincere in their need to spread the Word to others through their music. This group will be in our sanctuary on Thursday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. for a concert of great Southern Gospel music. Pass the word. Tell all you know that love gospel music to mark their calendars for a fantastic night of worship and praise.
Bus Trip to Jacksonville
On November 18, let’s load the bus and head out to Jacksonville to hear Joel Osteen (not “our” Joel Osteen but the pastor of Lakewood Church of Houston, TX.) Pastor Osteen is the author of the book “Your Best Life Now.” The tickets are $10 each and the bus will leave at 4:00 p.m. If you would like to go, bring your ticket money to Anita by September 18.
Parent’s Bible Study
Parents, now while your youth are at the coffee shop on Thursday night having Bible Study – YOU CAN TOO! Bill & Maggie Wethington (1334 Loblolly Drive) are going to open their home and share a time of study and fellowship beginning September 15 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call Bill or Maggie at 877-5313.
College Student Addresses
We want to be in touch with our college students and in order to do that we need the help of parents. Please call us with the address, telephone number and e-mail address for your student.
Sunday Morning Parking Concern
If you do not have a blue handicap sticker for your vehicle, please reserve the parking spaces in the back lot outside of the offices for persons who have validation to allow them to park in that area. Thank you!
I will support First United Methodist Church by…
MY PRAYERS
Grace Stevens, Jim Blocker, Elizabeth Hutton, Ann Powers, Dorothy Stagmeier, Davis Darsey, Carolyn Strickland, Chris Varmecky, Liz Muncher, Ethelda Lee, Lynn Bean Lanier, Asa Bailey, Lynn Sikes. Our soldiers and their families. Harold Lynn, Jeff Smith, Ray Barrett, Evan McLain, Ike Sallee, Brian Layer, Bruce Gannaway, James Lockridge, Spence Burnett, John Folker, Jeff Starkey, Shane Baker, Tommy DeLoach, John Grady, Steve Lutsky, Bill Howard, Geoff DeTingo, Jason Matthews, James Lowe, Brian Butler, John DeStazio, Thomas Kupsh, Korey Kramer, Vanessa McCulley, Brian Hudson, Rodney Takahashi, Darryl Bell, Mario Crook, Sub Hall, Jim West, Robb Waters, Donald Smith, Richard Aaron, David Stroupe ,Matthew Wickham, Will Arnett, Justin Blackstone, Joseph Foust, Jerald Smith, Jake Rice, Steven Louviere, John Durst, Tom Mentes, Jon Sullivan, Aaron Duncan, Richard Macdougal, Timothy Plumb, Josh Lamere, Mike Musgrove, Brian Wilber, Patrick Kilby, Bob Warren, Charles Whitsel, Clifford L. McDaniel, Jr.
MY PRESENCE
Sunday School:..........................................................................................176
Worship 8:30:............................................................................................135
..............11:00:............................................................................................201
Total Worship:...........................................................................................336
MY GIFTS
Received Last Week:..........................................................................5,401.15
Received to Date:..........................................................................272,824.00
Memorials:.............................................................................................425.00
MY SERVICE
Ushers:...................................................................... Clifford Johnson, Capt.
........................Elbert Byrd, Guy Browning, Bob Dasher, Buddy DeLoach
........................................................................Bob Pirkle, Charles Strickland
Security Steward: .........................................................................Elbert Byrd
Greeters: (Front) .........................................................Bob & Elaine Dasher
................. (Back)......................................................................Darlene Goff
Acolytes: ....................................................Joshua Mackrill & Allison Smiley
Crucifer:....................................................................................Elizabeth Goff
Altar Steward:........................................................................Linda Whitman
Sound Room: (8:30) .............................................................Billy Strickland
........................(11:00)................................................................ Shawn Diggs
Children’s Sermon:.................................................................. Candy Childs
Lay Scripture Reader: ..............................................................Ginger Clark
Children’s Church: ................................................Donna & Terrie Rowan
In Sympathy
Christian love and sympathy to Ethelda Lee in the loss of her daughter, Carol Ann Melton. Funeral services were held Wednesday in Hinesville
Attention Golfers:
Magnolia Manor on the Coast Scramble
Saturday, October 1
Waterford Landing Golf Course in Richmond Hill
Cost for a four man team is $250.00
For information call Rich DeLong at 912-756-4300
From the Mailbox...
I have been meaning to write to Hinesville First United Methodist Church for quite a while but didn't get it done. This is an update concerning my aunt, Lola Riddick.
She and my Uncle John had been members of HFUMC for years. Aunt Lola is now living in Seymour, IN in the Covered Bridge Health Campus. Aunt Lola is confined to a wheel chair at all times now. June 7th she celebrated her 92nd birthday. As most of the older members would know, she suffers from glaucoma and is not completely blind, though bright light still
bothers her. Her short term memory is not what it should be but she remembers the days gone by in Hinesville. I read parts of The Rejoicer to her each week. Mainly anything that gives specific names. As I read the names, she will tell me who they are. Aunt Lola loves to get mail, which I read to her. If anyone would like to contact her, they may do so by sending it to me and I will take it with me to read to her. My address is the following:
Lola Riddick
c/o Pamela Riddick Winegarden
111 Meadowlark Drive East
Seymour, IN 47274
Please keep her in your prayers.
Regards,
Pamela Winegarden
