Newsletter 2012 Summer
Transcription
Newsletter 2012 Summer
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Huntsville, AL Permit No. 584 First Family News A Quarterly Newsletter “Called to Influence Our Community to Know Christ” Emergency Response Team Training June 9 Summer, 2012 Moving Forward It’s Summertime! Support Youth Missions Honor Your Father and Mother After the training, you get a cool green t-shirt like this. The Global Outreach team has scheduled an Emergency Response Team (ERT) Training for Saturday June 9. It will be an all-day affair, beginning at 7:30. If you are interested in more information or would like to sign up, fill out the form below, tear it off and return it to the church office. For more information you can also visit the church website at hunstvillefirst.org, click on Global Outreach, and select Emergency Response Team Training. There, you can download a PDF of the training manual or or click and send an email to GO Coordinator Preston Judah or Richard Webb. Emergency Response Training Registration Name(s): __________________________________ __________________________________________ After 20 years of partnering with ASP we are once again asking our church family to support our youth as we serve families in Central Appalachia to make their homes safer, warmer and dryer. We are counting on you to support YOUTH MISSIONS by, once again, participating in the HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER Campaign. You may make a gift “IN HONOR” or “IN MEMORY” of your father and/or mother and at the same time make a HUGE difference in the lives of our youth and those they will be serving in Central Appalachia. The names of the Mothers and Fathers honored and remembered will be listed in the worship bulletin on Father’s Day, June 17, 2012. In that worship service we will also offer prayers for our ASP Mission Team. In order to be included, gifts must be received by Sunday, June 10. Make checks payable to Huntsville First and designate for "Youth Missions." Enclose the following information with your check and turn your gift in to the church office. Name ___________________________________ Donation _________________________________ In Memory of Mother ________________________________________ In Honor of Mother ________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________ In Memory of Father __________________________________________ ________________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ In Honor of Father __________________________________________ ________________________________________ Can you believe it? School is out and all the activities are beginning…it’s summertime. Here are a few notes of events which have taken place and some which are coming. I hope you will make worship attendance a priority this summer, whether you are here or on vacation. General Conference 2012 988 delegates and representatives of the United Methodist Church worldwide met in Tampa Florida to consider the nearly two thousand petitions to re-word or change our United Methodist Book of Discipline. Each petition is assigned to a legislative committee which collates and then presents the changes to the delegates for a vote. There was much “in the air” this year with the possibility of restructuring the General Church, changes proposed in social areas, changes for the clergy (pastors) , and changes for the laity (members) of the UMC. In the end, after long hours of debate, Methodist pastors no longer have a guaranteed appointment. (This is painful since we have always covenanted that we would go where sent, but knew we would always have a place to serve) And, what was previously called Lay Speaker Ministry will be called Lay Servant Ministry, since ministry is more than just speaking. As to the re-structure, it looks like the bulk of the work will have to come at a later date, but the conference did reduce the size of General Church Boards and Agencies by about one half. It was also a great change to note that now some 42% of the world church resided in the African nations. I will be glad to have more discussion with folks about General Conference, but these were the major points of change. Summer Blockbuster Sermon Series Beginning June 3rd, we will focus on the theme of “Life by the Spirit. Each week we will focus on one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galations 5: 13-26. This will be a great time to consider how to live with greater understanding and commitment to the spirit of Christ. While our traditional services will be as usual, the contemporary services in the Wesley Center will use recent movies to accentuate these themes. So, make your plans to be here and learn more of walking in the Spirit and enjoy such movies as Footloose, The Help, War Horse, Moneyball, Dolphin Tale, and The King’s Speech. This should be an exciting and enjoyable summertime. We are blessed here at Huntsville First. There is so much evidence of God’s activity in our lives. Why don’t you invite those in your sphere of influence (who are not worshiping somewhere else) to join you here for worship. Most people come into the church now because they are invited. Let’s continue to influence our community to know Christ. ~ Dr. Glenn Conner First Family Shares News Briefs Associate Pastor Wren Miller to be Ordained On my first mission trip at the age of 12 I felt a strong call to ministry in the United Methodist Church. My first reaction: “no way!” Seven years and many more synchronistic moments later I realized that ordained Christian ministry was my calling and running from it would never bring true fulfillment. After graduating from seminary at Yale Divinity School in May 2009, I packed my bags and books up and headed back home to begin serving in my first appointment here at Huntsville First UMC. They teach you in seminary that you should not really be friends with your congregation. That you should keep a boundary firm between your pastoral duties and personal life. Throughout my time here though I have learned that ministry means living life in the community of faith and reaching out to the community who does not yet know Jesus. This cannot be done in isolation but must be done together. Huntsville First UMC has become not just my parish but my home. When I stand before the Bishop at the ordination service at Annual Conference, the two clergy that will stand beside me - Glenn and Coy - and lay hands on my head as I am formally ordained will not just be my “supervising pastors” but they are my brothers in Christ and mentors in the journey of faith. Your love and faith has enabled me to reach this enormous goal toward ordination and I give thanks to God for your willingness to journey with me. I look forward to continued ministry with you here at Huntsville First UMC! Missionary Michelle Ozier Begins a New Assignment Michelle left on May 14, for Managua, Nicaragua, where she will be assigned to Accion Medica Cristiana (Christian Medical Action). After spending around 6 weeks in Managua for language study, she will be based at the Sahsa Field Office in Puerto Cabezas, on the Caribbean side of the country, to help with nutritional assessment and data collection at their Model Farm for 3 or 4 months. Living conditions at the Field Office will be “rustic” and at the farm even more so. Cell phone and internet access will be very limited; however, she will maintain as much contact with us as possible and she will be able to come back for Gena’s wedding in August. Welcome Nikki Skidmore, Music Leader for Exalt Nikki has played the piano since she was 8 years old, and has taught piano lessons for over 20 years. She was a vocal performance major in college and has been a church musician since she was 15. We welcome her wide experience in worship leadership and her heart for guiding worship music in both traditional and contemporary settings. When asked to write a bio to introduce herself to Huntsville First, this is what she submitted... "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” John 4:23. Isn’t it amazing that we are ALL called to be worshippers? Our very existence is to bring God honor and praise! My name is Nikki Skidmore, and I am completely honored to be the new Exalt Worship leader. In my first month here at Huntsville First I have met some amazing people and had many inspiring experiences! I love the heart of Huntsville First bringing the entire body together with many and varied options for worship. What an honor to serve at a church that displays God’s heart for all people in all people groups and ages. Paul displayed it best in I Corinthians 4: “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” I truly believe that is the ultimate display of the heart of Christ, and love that Huntsville First embraces that same vision! We have some exciting new things happening in Exalt, as we seek God’s face and heart for the continued future of this service. I am beyond excited to see what that will look like as we continue to co-labor with God to reach this city! Come by and see us!!! The lyrics and style may be new to you, but they were new to us too!! Yours and His In Christ, ~Nikki~ Please join us as a Friend on Facebook and be a part of influencing our Community to know the love of Christ through positive social media interaction! You can join Facebook at www.facebook.com. You may access the Huntsville First Facebook page through our website at www.huntsvillefirst.org. There is a link on the top, right-hand side of our home page. You may also search Huntsville First UMC from your Facebook homepage. We also have separate Facebook pages for our Global Outreach team and our Youth Ministry. Friend us today! (March 13 - May 22, 2012) New Members We are pleased to introduce our newest members to the church family: Jeanie Tauss; Kelly Walsh-Tidmore; Jay and Carol Jones; Bob and Toni Campbell; Jason and Jennifer Elwell; Leon J. Hastings; John and Cheryl McAuley; Jane Giglio; Bryan and Alice Bentley; Jim and Jeanne Young; Ed and Sylvia Gullatt (Affiliate members); Matthew and Courtney Green; Matt and Renee Moore; Matt and Julie Cowan; Scott and Ann Tucker (He is an associate member; she is a professing member); Emily Bowen Lambert; Dr. Frank S. (Sandy) and Gayle Barnett; David and Laura Hodge, and the Confirmation Class of 2012, April 15: Frances Lillian Ange; Elizabeth Nichol Armstrong; Gabrielle Quinn Armstrong; John Robert Bateman; Adams Vann Bragg; Grace Elizabeth Brandon; Warren Woodruff Butler; Savannah Sumners Cagle; Charles Logan Christopher; William Hugh Darden; Benton Reed Davis; Alexander Joseph Dombrowski; Jacob Paul Dumbacher; Alvie Ewing Ellett, III; Sydney Summers Flesch; Olivia Kate Fountain; Abigail Claire Frazier; Annie Elizabeth Hardin; Alice Kathleen Henshaw; William Jason Hooker, Jr.; Margaret McKenzie Huckaby; Caroline Lamar Jewell; Anna Grace Johnson; William Armstrong Johnson; Mackenzie Layne Johnston; Samuel Owen Johnston; Charles Harrison Jones, Jr.; Bradford Wheeler Layton; Richard Van Valkenburgh Lockwood; Alexander Waggoner McCrary; Margaret McCulloch Mitchell; Elaine Madison Moore; Julie Carlisle Nunn; Benjamin Hunter Raiford; Jack Norman Roby, IV; Courtney Anne Roth; Nathaniel Erik Shell; Julia Myron Shoemake; Cullen Patrick Sutherland; Charlotte Jean Tauss; Grayson Michael Thurman; Virginia Kathryn Wilson; William Robert Zeek Baptisms The following children were baptized and received as baptized members: Eleanor Anne Alford (Ellie), daughter of Brian and Margo Alford, March 18 Sophie Grace Helton, daughter of Chris and Jennifer Helton, April 8 Chase Taylor Thurston, son of Shannon and Katie Thurston, April 8 James Edward Klingler, III (Jim), son of Ed and Caroline Klingler, April 15 Charles Garrison Tabereaux, son of Paul and Christina Tabereaux, April 22 Lucy Reeves Beam, daughter of Jared and Anna Beem, May 20 The following were baptized and received as professing members: Emily Bowen Lambert; Confirmation Class members: Elizabeth Nichol Armstrong; Gabrielle Quinn Armstrong; Abigail Claire Frazier; Elaine Madison Moore; Nathaniel Erik Shell; Grayson Michael Thurman Weddings Best wishes and congratulations to the following: Ashley Elaine Zeek and Andrew McDonald, June 7, 2011 Lindsay Ann Cagle and Aaron Matthew Schliesman, March 24 Julia Zeigler Sutton and George Nathan Boyd, Jr., April 21 Frances Celeste Richard and John Thomas McCarty, April 28 Helen Elizabeth Lombardino and Devin Heath Clevenger, April 28 Jennifer Ann Tilghman and Brian Jay Herrin, May 12 Gina Renee Groome and Justin Alexander Wells, May 19 Births Congratulations on these additions to the family! Lucy Reeves Beam was born February 27, to Jared and Anna Beam, in Birmingham. Maternal grandmother is Linda Gimenez. Ellis Annamarie Handley (Ellie) was born March 14, to Paul and Lori Handley. Crawford Alexander Avant was born April 20 to Will and Leslie Avant. Maternal grandmother is Phyliss Crawford. Raney Grace Gwennap was born May 23 to Rev. and Mrs. Todd Gwennap of North Carolina. Maternal grandparents are Dr. and Mrs. Henry O. Everitt. Deaths Our sincere sympathy is expressed to the following: Matthew and Amy Schmitz and Family in the death of her grandfather, James “Bud” Hughes. John and Jerry Ann Wynn and Family in the death of her mother, Ellistine Thames Aycock. Woolsey and Linda Finnell and Family in the death of his brother, Steve Finnell. Linda K. and Neil Speer and Family in the death of her father, Clarence M. “Butch” Swain, Jr.,. Gary and Mary Beth Davis and Family in the death of her mother, Mary Marcelline Flynn. Will and Whitney Heaps and Family in the death of her grandfather, John Burton Cox. Betty Peeler and Family in the death of her sister-in-law, Ann C. Driver. Jennifer Staggs and Family in the death of her father, William (Willie) H. Staggs, April 17. Susan K. Neighbors and Family in the death of her husband, W. W. (Billy) Neighbors, Sr., April 30 Ron and Becky Hamilton and Family in the death of Ron’s mother, Hattie Mae Gentle Hamilton, May 3. Friends and Family of Blanche Harper (Mrs. Dalton), a resident of Acworth, GA., who died May 6, in Marietta, GA. Blanche and her late husband, Dalton, were former members of Huntsville FUMC. Dearly loved while in Huntsville, they continued relationships made here after they moved to Georgia to be near to family. You may send condolences to their daughter, Dianne Harper Parrish and Family, at 5306 Burdock Creek NW, Acworth, GA 30101. Friends and Family of Dr. John C. Wicks, who died February 10, in Huntsville. Please be in prayer for his family as they travel to Arlington, VA, where Dr. Wicks will be buried with honors, at Arlington National Cemetery, on June 5. From the Mailbox I feel so blessed to be remembered in so many ways by First Methodist members. Beautiful cards and flowers, calls and visits by so many people. I want you to know I do appreciate each remembrance so much. God bless you all. ~ Kathryn Lanier Dear Church Family ~ Thank you for all that you have done for me over the past six months as I have recovered from my shoulder surgeries and dealt with other problems. Your many cards, food, flowers, calls and especially your prayers have been a tremendous comfort to me and my family. It is a blessing to be a part of such a caring fellowship. May God richly bless each of you. With love ~ Virginia Walker Jennings There really are no words that can adequately express our gratitude to everyone who has been so incredibly supportive of Chef Jeff and our family as we continue on this rocky and uncertain journey. Your love, prayers, cards, visits and unbelievably generous gifts help keep us going more than you can imagine. Everyone who walks into Jeff’s room here at UAB looks at all the cards, and posters form the children, and remarks on how much love has come our way. The light of Christ shines through every one of you. We feel that love every day. God bless all of you. Much love ~ Roberta, Chef Jeff and Family NOTE: Please continue sending the information for the First Family Shares column to Donna-Lynn Lockard ([email protected]). Special Giving Youth News (March 13 - May 22, 2012) In Memory Of Building Fund Ruth Marie Fuqua BBVA Internal Audit Dept.; Mary Evelyn French; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Fountain; Danny and Nancy Koger Joseph Sparks Bo and Doni Harrison; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Houston Mary Foster Frye Linda and Will Pratt; Mitzie and Phil Irvine Ellistine Aycock Dr. and Mrs. Edward R. Green; Sharon and Wade Russell; Judy and John Heacock; Lee Anne and George Smith, II Dr. Thomas C. Lawson Voncille J. Cleary; Danny and Nancy Koger James F. Nixon, Jr. Barbara Herrington; Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Jourdan (Gene and Beverly); Raymond and Cindy Jourdan; Mike and Babs Jordan Hall; Louis Woods; Patricia Hester; George and Margie Smith; Jerry M. Laurine; Gerald Patterson; Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Helms Walter P. Stone Maye Kathryn (Sissy) and Ed Stevinson Steve Finnell Donald and Mary Huber Edna Clay Gerald Patterson William W. Neighbors, Sr. (Billy) Jimmy and Charlotte Park; Mr. and Mrs. J. Donald Lewter; Lynn and Lynnie Tunnell; Joan Rice; Nancy Siniard; Corporate Billing LLC; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lowe; Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Davis; Dr. and Mrs. Ed Litkenhous; Herschel and Lynne Matheny; Alex and Taffy Matheny; Paul and Rachel Matheny; Phil and Freeda Vest; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Batson, Jr.; Jim and Libba Roby; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ragland; Keith and Lesley Heidecker; Elizabeth and Bert Moore; Russ and Wendy Henshaw; James and Sharon Brazelton; Pat and Robbie Burlison; Marion Cox; Dr. and Mrs. William Goodson; Wynn and Stanley Rodgers; Voncille, J. Cleary; Martha and Charles Hall; Shirley and George McCrary; Rhett and Lenda Woody; Dr. and Mrs. Frank Haws; Joe Ed and Glenda Bragg; Richard and Charlotte Gregory; Mr. and Mrs. Olin B. King J. B. Pitsinger and John White Eugenia Pitsinger Church Library Joyce Plaster and Edna Mae Clay Philip H. Kitchens Mary Frye Kathy and Quimby Rains Dalton and Blanche Harper Need Us / Becomers Class Children First James F. Nixon, Jr. Don and Gwen Riley Kenneth V. Turvey Music Fund Edna Mae Clay Linda and Bob Akenhead; Jane Yeargain; Josephine M. Stroud; Success Enterprises, Delores V. Kinder; Betty Peeler; Don and Carolyn Peck; Janet Turvey; Bo and Doni Harrison; Preston Hayes; Janet Holland and Kathleen James; Jon and Linda Freeman; Richard and Marilyn Hull; Neal and Virginia Jennings; Melissa Belt; Dick and Brenda Titus; Billy and Liz Herrin; DonnaLynn Lockard; Glenda and Joe Ed Bragg; Carol Baker; Ben and Lossie Small Kenneth V. Turvey Donna-Lynn Lockard William W. Neighbors, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. John R. Montgomery Steve Finnell Billy and Liz Herrin James F. Nixon, Jr. Virginia Cook Ruth Ford Scholarship Fund Ruth Marie Fuqua Thomas and Anne McLeod Youth Mission Fund William W. Neighbors, Sr. Gina and Mike Thurman Local Welfare Fund Steve Finnell, Edna Mae Clay, and Ruth Marie Fuqua Paula and W.F. Sanders Jr. Marcie Flynn Glenda and Joe Ed Bragg Dr. L. Rowe Driver Betty Lou Jones Ann Driver Betty Lou Jones; Donna-Lynn Lockard; Neal and Virginia Jennings Amanda Taylor Watson Graduate Award Ellistine Aycock James Lee and Julia Parker; Jan and Jim McMurray Amanda Taylor Watson Susie and Tommy Harper Steve Finnell Julia and James Lee Parker Faith Property Endowment Fund Steve Finnell Jean Hinson; Dick and Brenda Titus; Glenda and Joe Ed Bragg; Ben and Lossie Small; Fred and Judy McLaurine James F. Nixon, Jr. Glenda and Joe Ed Bragg; Helen and Bob Middleton Hattie Mae Hamilton Dick and Brenda Titus Bob Forgey, Jr. Scholarship Fund Jimmy Wells Anna, Brant, Whitt, Wynne and Wells Watts Children’s Ministry Ruth Marie Fuqua and William Harvey Self Louise Smith In Honor Of Kenneth V. Turvey Music Fund Lee Harless The Cragon Family Local Welfare Fund Coy Hallmark Bill and Bobsy Ingram Patricia Everitt, Alice Ozier, Lonetta Dawson, Jean Hinson, and Elizabeth McDonald Maarjorie Snell Children First Julia Sutton and George Boyd Don and Gwen Riley Amanda Taylor Watson Graduate Award Sydna Johnson Anna, Brant, Whitt, Wynne, and Wells Watts Children and Youth Ministry James Klingler and Charlie Tabereaux Julie and Robert Lockwood Older Adult Ministry Imogene Davis Donna-Lynn Lockard and Family Habitat for Humanity Steve Finnell Pat and Roy Martin Garden/Landscaping Project Dr. Milton B. Peeler and Exxa T. Hobbs Donna-Lynn Lockard Ministry Budget Kristin Ebaugh Patrice and Robert Bean June 4-8 Middle School Mission Project June 10 Tie-Dye T-shirts & Snow Cones, 6-8 pm June 17 Pizza in the Park, 6-8 pm June 18 Mission Monday, 11 am-1 pm June 24 Kickball/Whiffleball at HMS Park, 6-8 pm June 25 Mission Monday, 11 am-2 pm Lift Off at Camp ToKnowHim August 17-19 It’s all about friendship, praise and adventure! Lift Off is a radical high-energy weekend to help you further your walk with God. You will experience powerful worship by our friends, Calling Glory, amazing messages by our speaker Addison Shocks, games and community. Cost is $125 or early bird price of $100 to those who register by July 1. Deadline to register is August 1. July 1 Not meeting July 8 Water Wars at HMS Park, 6-8 pm July 9 Mission Monday, 10 am-1 pm July 15-21 ASP July 15 Pizza in the Park, 6-8 pm July 16 Mission Monday 11 am-2 pm July 22 Movie Night, 6-8 pm July 23 Mission Monday, 11 am-2 pm July 29 Dodgeball, 6-8 pm July 30 Mission Monday, 11 am-2 pm August 12 Giant Milkshake and Swim at Blossomwood Pool, 5-7 pm Faith Promise Ada Wieseman Thomas Y. and Nancy P. Smith June 3 Canoe & Cookout, 12:30-8:30 pm August 5 Not meeting Dr. John Wicks James C. May, Jr. Memorial Fund Summer Schedule of Youth Events In Memoriam Edna Mae Clay (Mrs. Clinton) March 25, 2012 August 17-19 Lift Off at Camp ToKnowHim August 26 Big Group Kickoff, 6-8 pm Col. (Ret.) James Fred Nixon, Jr. April 7, 2012 Gladys Snoderly Sullins (Mrs. Samuel, Jr.) May 22, 2012 Welcome Alison Bocking, New Director of Youth Ministries Alison grew up all over the Southeast and was raised in the United Methodist Church. She graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in public communications. It was through her involvement at the Wesley Foundation at UNA and the United Methodist Student Movement that Alison accepted her call into ministry. Following college graduation, Alison served with AmeriCorps*NCCC in San Diego, California and made a trek to Anchorage, Alaska to work for Special Olympics World Winter Games. Alison has been in youth ministry for over twelve years; she served nearly seven years as Director of Student Ministries at Germantown UMC in Germantown, Tennessee and is coming to Huntsville First UMC from her role as Associate Director at Canterbury UMC in Birmingham. She is passionate about helping students become deeper committed disciples of Jesus and using their God-given creativity to express their love for God and others. Alison is excited to be back in Huntsville, her hometown, where she is surrounded by her family and friends. Aside from hanging out with students, Alison loves telling stories, hanging out with her dogs Ollie and Sadie in the great outdoors, and watching college football. Her favorite gas station snack is a Moon Pie and her dream car is a 1980 Jeep Wagoneer with wood paneling. In 2013, she hopes to celebrate her birthday by jumping out of an airplane. Outreach and Influence in Action A Story of Hope Mary Langford, who has been homeless for over two years, now has an apartment and her own bed. One of our church employees, Rosie Garner, got acquainted with her riding on the bus. She was impressed with her persistence and had compassion for her situation. in the morning by 6 am she had to leave. She also enrolled in their GED program to help her chances of getting a job, but Mary also had a number of serious health problems. When Rosie talked with her last fall, she learned that First Stop (an agency that works with the homeless) was trying to help her get disability and housing but they had reached an impasse. She had an outstanding bill with a housing authority in another county and would not be able to apply for housing here until that was resolved. Rosie suggested that she call Pastor Sallie and see if our C.U.P. (Churches United for People) assistance program could help. Sallie contacted her caseworker at First Stop and arrangements were made to pay her outstanding bill. First Stop assisted her in moving, obtaining her disability benefits, and some furniture. When Sallie went to see her in her apartment, she was “all smiles.” She told her that all she needed now was a TV and a small desk. The very next day, a couple came to the Chapel service and told Sallie that they had a TV they would like to donate to the church. Mary believes that God truly cares about her and has provided for her needs. She continues to prepare for the GED test and hopes to receive a certificate. Summer Events and Happenings Summer Classes for Adults Summer Vacation is a great time to “practice” the Christian faith and grow closer to God and others. Read a book, take a Bible study, be a Vacation Bible school helper, take a mission trip, be a substitute for Up Street or Chapel service. While we do take a break from some of our regular long-term classes, there will be several short-term Bible studies offered. Check them out. Esther If you've ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering, this is the Bible study for you. Beginning Thursday morning, 9 AM, June 21 in room 321. Teacher: Lynn Fortner Parables Thursday morning, 9 AM, on-going in room 129, sponsored by SAGES, Teacher: Dr. Carey Carlberg. Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! Tuesday nights June 26-July 31, 6 PM in room 129 (six weeks) Teacher: Rev. Sallie Colwick. Childcare will be available if requested two weeks before the class starts so that we can make arrangements for it. Please sign up for the class and request childcare by age and number of children. College Students! The L.I.F.T. Sunday school class would like to invite you attend our class while you are home this summer. Room 129 at 9:35 We Will Explore Galatians 5: 13-26 and the Fruits of the Spirit June 3 Love Movie: Crazy, Stupid, Love June 10Joy Movie: Footloose June 17Peace Movie: Warhorse June 24Forbearance Movie: The Help July 1Kindness Movie: Hugo July 8 Goodness Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 July 15 Faithfullness Movie: Moneyball July 22Gentleness Movie: Dolphin Tale July 29 Self-Control Movie: The King’s Speech News From the Church Leadership Team Downtown Rescue Mission and First Stop are mission partners of Huntsville First, and C.U.P. is our own benevolence program, which is funded by the Communion offering and donations. You see, Mary had lost everything after her husband died and she had a long bout of depression and drug addiction. About 4 years ago, she had hit bottom and reached out to the Downtown Rescue Mission for help. She completed the oneyear program successfully but still had nowhere to live. That’s when she started staying at the Salvation Army each night but The Church Leadership Team has been meeting monthly, with various sub-committees gathering as needed. Please see the church website or contact the church office for information on your CLT members and for copies of meeting minutes and other information. Major Focus - Communication One of our major focuses at the moment is how to improve communication within our church overall. This covers a broad spectrum of needs –communicating between staff and laity; communicating from ministries to the congregation; communicating from our church to our community, etc. We face new and existing challenges on how to get timely information to the right people in an efficient, cost-effective way. We want to be sure that all members are reached regardless of the method of communication (i.e., e-mail, website, regular mailings, etc.). We will share how our efforts are progressing as we move along. [Questions regarding Communications may be directed to Pastor Wren Miller at [email protected] or you may call her at the church office]. Priority Task – Ministry Identification The CLT has also been busy working with staff and church lay leaders to identify our current ministries, which is no small task! We are amazed – and excited – about all the ministries God has created through our congregation - from GO Team (Missions) to Bible studies to prayer groups to new member involvement and many, many more areas. We currently have a list of over one hundred viable ministries, with more to be identified. Our goal is to make sure we are aware of everything going on in our church and to look for ways to help our ministries grow in the direction God is leading us. Just to share some things going on: • • • • Did you know that the church provides a Snack Pack ministry to provide food to people who come to the church office for help? Did you know that the youth of our church attend Confirmation Classes during their sixth grade year? Did you know that Tai Chi classes are offered at our church, especially focusing on senior adults? Did you know that the church offers Bible study classes virtually every day of the week during the school year? And the list goes on and on! As we move forward the CLT desires and value’s every member’s input. While we are a large congregation, we know that it is the individual member’s relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ that ultimately matters, and we want to find every way possible to help our members to grow in faith and help fulfill both the Great Commission and the Vision Statement uniquely given to us – Called to Influence our Community to Know Christ. Please visit the Church Leadership Team page on our church website - www.huntsvillefirst.org, under “About”, then “Church Leadership Teams.” There you will be able to learn more about our work and find a link to minutes of the meetings.