St. John

St. John
June 2016 NEWS
THIS ISSUE:
A Word from our Pastor - Page 1
Acolytes - Page 4
Active for Life - Page 5
A.D. Musical Picture - Page 6
Anniversaries/Birthdays - Page 5
Bites for Bitty Ones - Page 10
Book Club - Page 11
Calendar/Events - Page 2
Children’s Worship Bags - Page 7
Choir - Page 6
Church Picnic - Page 4
Community Cupboard - Page 11
C.O.R.E. - Page 3
Father’s Day - Page 12 (Back)
Habitat for Humanity - Page 11
Holy Land - Page 6
JAM - Jesus and Me - Page 7
Pictorial Directory - Page 11
Preschool - Page 4
Special Opportunity - 8
Staff Listing/Contact Info - Page 2
Sunday School - Page 4
UMM - Page 11
VBS - Page 4
Wesley Fellowship - Page 5
Youth - 9
The Flower
Garden of Our Lives
Pastor, Michael Q Atkinson
H
ello Friends,
The other day I was looking at the flower garden near
the driveway of the parsonage. From a distance I see
the lilies dancing with the wind and the rose bushes adorned
with pink and white blooms. But upon closer inspection, I see
weeds beginning to creep up from the ground, stealing nourishment from the plants, ready to choke out the beauty of the
lilies and the rose bushes. To that end, I have a choice to
make. I can allow the weeds to destroy the beautiful flower
bed or I can remove the weeds so that the garden may blossom and flourish. Of
course, I have chosen to remove the weeds so that I can continue to enjoy the beauty
of the flower garden.
Our lives are a lot like that flower garden! Ready or not, summer is here. Soon,
our lives will become busy with outdoor activities, vacations, travel, etc. Although
summer is typically the time that we find relaxation and respite, our schedules become more complex and we find ourselves grasping for a little time for rest and renewal! Like the weeds in the flower garden, the complexity of our lives can choke
out our source of strength and life… God.
Friends, we have a choice to make every day. We can choose to stay connected
to the source of life or we can allow our source of life and strength to be choked out
by other things. Now, don’t misunderstand me here. I am not saying that all these
summer activities should be removed from our lives but what I am saying is that
sometimes we choose to allow these activities to control our lives in such a way that
we find ourselves disconnected from God.
In John 15, Jesus reminds us that He is the true vine and that we are the branches.
As followers of Christ in this world, it is crucial for us to stay connected to the true
vine. In that connection, God provides us nourishment for our soul. I challenge you
this summer to stay connected to the true vine. Do everything in your power to worship God, pray daily and read God’s word. In doing these things, you will find respite, renewal, growth and strength for the journey ahead!
Blessings,
Pastor Mike
Page 2
WEEKLY SCHEDULED
STANDING EVENTS
MONDAYS
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ACTIVE for LIFE 10:00 AM
BOY SCOUTS 6:30 PM
TUESDAYS
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WALKING 6:30 AM & 4:00 PM
VOLLEYBALL (RSV’D) 7:00 PM
WEDNESDAYS
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ACTIVE for LIFE 9:30 AM
WOMEN’S SHARING 10:30 AM
BASKETBALL (RSV’D) 5:00 PM
GIRL SCOUTS 6:00 PM
BAND REHEARAL 6:00 PM
YOUTH 7:00 PM
THURSDAYS
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WALKING 6:15 AM & 4:00 PM
ACTIVE for LIFE 10:00 AM
OPEN GYM - BASKETBALL
FRIDAYS
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NA MEETING 7:00 PM
AA MEETING 8:00 PM
AL ANON MEETING 8:00 PM
St. John
United Methodist Church
WV ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OF THE
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SENIOR PASTOR
Rev. Michael Q. Atkinson
WORSHIP MINISTER
Joe McCullough
MUSIC MNISTER
Fern Medley-Forsythe
DIRECTOR of YOUTH MINISTERIES
Kyle Smith
DIRECTOR of EDUCATION and
ACTS COORDINATOR
Candy Atkinson
CHORAL ACCOMPANIST
Christi Miller
VISITATION/COUNSELING MINISTER
Rev. Robert ‘Bob’ Hill
Mark Your Calendar
6.02
6.05
6.08
6.09
6.09
6.10
6.11
6.12
6.12
6.12
6.13
6.14
6.15
6.16
6.19
6.19
6.21
6.23
6.23
6.26
6.30
Therapy Dog Training - 5:00 pm, Gym
UMM Challenge - 4:00 pm, Room 250-A
Trustee Meeting - 6:00 pm, Library
Therapy Dog Training - 5:00 pm, Gym
WV ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WV ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WV ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WV ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Council Meeting - 4:30, Library
VBS - 6:00-8:00 pm (Gymnasium)
VBS - 6:00-8:00 pm (Gymnasium)
VBS - 6:00-8:00 pm (Gymnasium)
VBS - 6:00-8:00 pm (Gymnasium)
VBS - 6:00-8:00 pm (Gymnasium)
C.O.R.E. - 1:00 pm, Library
YOUTH - 6:00 pm
UMM 7:00 pm
Pictorial Directory Make-Up - 5-9 pm
Therapy Dog Training - 5:00 pm, Gym
YOUTH
Therapy Dog Training - 5:00 pm, Gym
OFFICE MANAGER
Kaye Morton
MISSION
Introducing people to Jesus,
Growing as disciples together
OFFICE HOURS
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monday thru Thursday
4536 TEAYS VALLEY ROAD
SCOTT DEPOT, WV 25560
304-757-6343
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8:30 am and 11:00 am
SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:45 am
WW.SJUMCWV.ORG
Page 3
Community OutReach Evangelism
C.O.R.E.
C.O.R.E
T
he purpose of CORE is to
serve as part of a team to assess, develop, facilitate and
administer outreach ministries to the
local community and beyond. This
group of members will work together
in these specific ways with subgroups formed to implement and
meet the individualized goals set by
that team.
Please consider getting involved
in specific areas that you have a
passion about.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES INCLUDE
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SEW LOVE has made and embroidered 21
Pillowcases that will be provided to the
Teays Valley Cancer Center.
Sixty care boxes are sent to our College
Youth of the church. This takes place in November, February and in the Spring.
Burlington - Praise and Celebration offerings
are sent to Burlington to help their ministry.
Transient Fund - Offerings left at the alter at
Communion contribute to this fund.
Disaster Relief Buckets collected by
Disciple III Bible Study Group.
Pillow Cases made by the Ladies of ‘Sew Love’
Many thanks to the following servants of God who helped keep our
sanctuary doors opened for prayer on May 5, 2016, World Day of Prayer.
Coni Mays
Lisa Henry
Barbara Jackson
Wayne and Pam Akey
Beth Berner
Hazel Lilly
Bea Fields
Sharon Adkison
Jackie and Rusty Raines
Dick Henchy
Barbara Southern
Judy Justice
Candy Atkinson
Vicki Murphy
Diane Lett
Marie Beaver
Kyle Smith
Karen Kinder
Phyllis Duvall
Rick Wilton
Jim Perry
Cindy Johnson
Page 4
6-8 pm
6-8 pm
You can do VBS online registration at
https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/
sjumcwv or signup at the Welcome Desk.
Paper Registration forms can be turned in to
the church office.
For more information, contact
Jennifer Vance 304-545-0366,
[email protected] or
Kathy Rittenhouse 304-546-3418,
[email protected]
St. John
Preschool
Now Enrolling
For 2016- 2017 school year for
our 3 and 4/5 year old class.
To obtain an Application or
more information call the
Church office 304-757-6343 or
Ms. Joy 304-757-7872.
Limited class size.
A Class for Everyone!!
Please contact Julie Henry at
304-546-2260 to volunteer.
ACOLYTE REGISTRATION
COMING UP!
Contact Amy Black
for more details
304-757-7985
If your child will be in Kindergarten
through 5th grade during the upcoming
school year and would like to be an Acolyte,
please sign up at the Welcome Desk
beginning June 5th.
Training begins in August.
CURCH PICNIC IS SCHEDULED
FOR AUGUST 28th
MORE DETAILS TO COME!!
Page 5
June
Birthdays
Jane Wagoner
Logan French
Joel Fisher
Adam Martin
Joe McCullough
John Bumgarner
Cameron Stoops
Mindi McGrew
Lora Ford
Caroline Goode
Mike Lanham
Olivia Casazza
Sarah Casazza
Sherri Smith
Ben Ware
Justin Henry
David Wandling
Chuck McCane
Glenna Bond
Dick Henchey
Emma Shaffer
Kathy Ashworth
Ava Hall
Nathaniel Atkinson
Leslie Shaffron
Lauren Bane
Brody Ilderton
Kelsey Smith
Beth Robinson
Avery French
Sara Steorts
Ryan Carney
Pam Akey
Armone Spratt
Karrie Fankhanel
Sarah McCartney
Joanna Stover
Baylee Summers
Joe Young
Jonah Skiles
Christian Smith
Mark Pendleton
June
Anniversaries
06/01
06/01
06/02
06/02
06/04
06/04
06/04
06/05
06/05
06/05
06/05
06/06
06/06
06/07
06/07
06/07
06/08
06/09
06/10
06/10
06/11
06/12
06/12
06/13
06/15
06/15
06/16
06/17
06/18
06/18
06/19
06/19
06/22
06/22
06/24
06/25
06/26
06/27
06/28
06/28
06/29
06/30
Keith & Mary Ann Fletcher Jr.
Rick & Teri Radcliffe [V]
Tom & Phyllis Sawyer
Brian & Joanna Stover
Ed & Barb Dawson
Greg & Amy Black
Rob & Jenni Reib
Ben & Amber Ware
Ray & Christy Hunter
Tom & Claire Morris
Matthew & Samantha Delph
Mike Roth & Jeanette Perry
06/07
06/08
06/10
06/11
06/14
06/16
06/16
06/16
06/17
06/23
06/23
06/25
WESLEY FELLOWSHIP
This beautiful group of ladies enjoy
getting together and discussing the
Word of God as they grow in their
fellowship with one another and
Jesus Christ.
Wesley Fellowship will not be meeting
during the summer, but will return sometime in September.
ST JOHN UMC BOOK CLUB
St John Book Club Summer reading
suggestions are “Gray Mountain” by John
Grisham, “All Fall Down” by Jennifer Weiner,
and
“From Sea To Shining Sea” by James Thom.
Pease bring any suggestions to
our September meeting.
Everyone welcome,
Have a great summer reading
your favorites!!
ACTIVE FOR LIFE AND WOMEN’S
SHARING WILL CONTINUE TO
MEET DURING THE SUMMER!
Page 6
If you’re interested in going, please see
Pastor Michael Atkinson
Brochures are located
on the welcome desk.
A BIG THANK YOU!!
St. John UMC A.D. Musical: Choir participants, band and instrumentalist.
CHOIR MEMBERS will be taking the summer off!
Thank you for your commitment and dedication!
Enjoy your summer!!
To Seth Skiles for your conducting/
directing of the A.D. Musical - and for
your hunger to present the gospel through
song. Also, to the choir participants,
band, dramatists, kids, instrumentalists and to Coni and Karen and crew for
the dinner.
This was an OVER-The-TOP event for
all of us - and it would not have happened
without the hard work and commitment
of 50 people or more. You are truly appreciated. We received $1,722 in offerings to
assist Thornton UMC with their music
program.
People were blessed by your efforts
and ministry!! It was evident that the
Holy Spirit was upon you!
Thank you, and may YOU be blessed
for your outstanding service and performance!
Page 7
WORSHIP BAGS FOR CHILDREN
T
his new ministry gives our children additional resources that reinforce the message they are listening to each Sunday!
There have been many hands and lots of
thought put into each and every Worship Bag
and a place to put them. A BIG Thank You to
our Sunday School classes K-5 for making them
awesome with their artwork.
This new idea took a lot of coordinatingThank you Julie!
The pegs were hung and the return box was
made especially for the Worship Bags – Thank
You Don!
Maintaining the worship bags, as in keeping
them stocked with color pages, work pages and
supplies that relate to each Sunday’s theme is a new ministry that has been well received by
the congregation - Thank You Lisa!
JAM
Kendra and Bree will be leading JAM starting August 28th after the
Children’s message during the 11:00
service. They are excited to
teach our children and they know they, themselves, will be Blessed in
the process. God Is Good!
Page 8
Help Wanted
Inquire Within
Part-time, rewarding job NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
H
ow many times have you heard (or
used) the phrase, "If you want it
done right, you gotta do it YOURSELF?" It's something I fight within myself
ALL the time. "I'm the one who's here; I'll just
take care of it myself," or "If I do it, I'll know
it's done." (Of course, that doesn't necessarily
mean it was done right, but that's beside the
point)
But is it the way to do ministry? Ministry
should be about relationships. I can't do this
on my own. We all need to recognize that we
may need help in building a ministry.
Many of you recognize me as the guy up
front who leads the singing on Sunday mornings. But there's another aspect of my work at
St. John that isn't widely seen...unless something doesn't work. Then a lot of heads turn to
look at that booth at the back of the sanctuary
with a questioning look, wondering "what's
wrong with the pastor's microphone?" or
"what happened to the picture on the
screen?"
Let me tell you, that booth can be an exciting place during service. There is a LOT
going on back there: turning on/off microphones and instruments, trying to make sure
EVERYONE is heard and not blasted out of
the sanctuary. We're recording the services,
both audio AND video, for the church website
and our shut-ins, so that adds running cameras as well. If you ever poke your head around
around the wall, it can look like there's a lot of
buttons and knobs and lights...it might look a
little intimidating.
But I have a great group of volunteers
who work hard every week to try to make you
NOT notice the great job they are doing. And
because they do such a great job, I, being in
charge of that ministry, keep asking them to
do more and more. Right now, at either service, there's only one person back there doing
all that needs to be done to make our worship
service go smoothly. And there's only a handful of folks who have stepped up to the task,
so they get "tasked" a lot.
Would you be willing to join our crew?
We're not looking for sound engineers or TV
producers (although if you know any that are
wanting to volunteer, they will not be turned
away!). We are looking for people willing to
be a part of an outreach ministry, helping to
bring a quality worship service to our congregation. We'll train you; we'll work with your
schedule; and we will greatly appreciate you!
If you have even a little desire to see
what the audio/visual ministry at St. John is
all about, you can contact me, Joe
McCullough, at the church (304-757-6343),
by email ([email protected]) or
just come see me after service some Sunday
morning. Please prayerfully consider connecting with us! God bless!
Joe
Page 9
Page 10
BITES FOR BITTY ONES
A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who have supported the ‘Bites For Bitty
Ones’ ministry. Because of your contributions, the children of Lakeside Elementary
received bags of snacks and food.
Here is a letter from the school expressing their gratitude and thanks.
(Please see Kay Angle for more updates concerning the needs,
which will start after school session begins)

Dear members of St. John Methodist Church,
Thank you so much for providing snacks for our underprivileged
Children at Lakeside Elementary. Each time the snacks were delivered,
The children were grateful to receive them and looked forward to
Getting the food. There were times when they would ask if they were
Going to get them. I know they each appreciated getting the bags.
Also, thank you to the Family Connection Class for providing the
Money to purchase each one of the “bitty bites” kids a book from our
Recent book fair. The kids were excited to receive several books since
It was a buy one get one free sale!
We appreciate you partnering with Lakeside to help care for those
In need.
Sincerely,
Lakeside Elementary Staff and Students
Page 11
BOOK CLUB
UMM
FINDING GEO
Come join our meeting!!
Sunday, June 5th, at 4:00 pm in room
250-A
This is a follow-up meeting discussing
the possible ways to help the children
of the drug problem here in our
community.
This beautiful group of ladies enjoy
getting together and discussing the
Word of God as they grow in their
fellowship with one another and
Jesus Christ.
Wesley Fellowship will not be meeting
during the summer, but will return
sometime in September.
All are Welcome!
Ladies, we look forward to your input!
HABITAT for HUMANITY
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THESE
DATES:
Please sign up at Welcome Desk!
June 25
July 9
July 30
August 27
September 24
Community Cupboard
Please continue to provide
food items!
See Kirk Boyce for more
details!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY MAKE-UP DATE
June 23, 2016
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Rooms 140 & 160
Please Register on line by going to www.sjumcwv.org and click the link on
the Home Page under Church Directory Portrait Sessions. Or you may call
the Church Office for Registration assistance.
PLEASE PARK IN LOWER LOT WHEN ARRIVING FOR PICTORIAL APPOINTMENT!
Page 12
St. John United Methodist Church
4536 Teays Valley Road
Scott Depot, WV 25560
Sunday School - 9.45 am
Worship - 8:30 am & 11:00 am
Holy Communion - 1st Sunday each month
Church Office Hours
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monday thru Thursday
304-757-6343
Visit us on the web
www.sjumcwv.org
Happy Father’s Day!
Psalm 4: 1 - 13