The Word A publication of Dyersburg First United Methodist Church Volume XLI Pastoral Thoughts January 28, 2015 Dr. David Russell, Senior Pastor Rev. Dell King, Associate Pastor The Congregation, Ministers Begging: A Ministry Opportunity or a Misdemeanor We have probably all encountered that person who is looking for a handout. Whether it be someone silently holding a sign that says “Hungry-Will Work for Food,” or that person that approaches with an outright request/demand that you help them. A beggar is a person who lives on the charity of others; down through history there were and are still today, professional beggars, who solicit donations publicly. Begging may be a simple statement of poverty. But occasionally in Bible times, beggars used the expressive gesture of bringing the forefinger across the teeth and holding it up as a proof that there was absolutely no trace of food in the mouth. The New Testament speaks of several beggars, from Lazarus, wishing that he might be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, and the blind Bartimaeus whom Mark shows sitting just outside Jericho, to the lame man found by Peter and John at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. In each case the faithful response of Christians has been to give them what they NEED, not necessarily what they WANT or are asking for. In each of these cases the beggars did not receive “alms,” they receive a renewed life. For most of us, we do not feel confident or inclined to get that involved in the life of that beggar, or we simply want them to leave us alone. It is worth a few coins or dollars for them to go on their way. As a church, we have an organized ministry to help meet the needs of people. In our community, there are organizations available to help meet the needs of people. When we work through our church or these organizations, we are involved in ministry to the community. When we give money to beggars or panhandlers, we may be throwing money their way to be left alone (which is not showing Christian compassion), or we may be victims of a misdemeanor, a crime perpetrated on us by the panhandler. Here is my suggestion. If approached by an individual asking for “money,” consider directing them to one of the helping agencies in the community: New Life Union Mission, Salvation Army, or Matthew 25:40, or to your church. Tell them your church is interested in meeting their needs, and they may come on Monday or Thursday afternoon, and a member or a staff person of this church will do what we can to help them. Peace, Copy 4 Sunday Servants SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 8:30 A.M. 10:50 A.M. ACOLYTES Madelyn Stowe Jaden Pugh CROSS BEARERS Olivia Hayes Parks Johnson NO SMALL TALK PRAYER WARRIORS Jackie Gullett Cindy Taylor SOUNDBOARD Steve Guttery Joe Jennings VIDEO DIRECTORS Patti Lou Parker Josie McLaurin VIDEO RECORDER John Tucker PEW PADS FOR FEBRUARY TBA COMMUNION STEWARDS Jim and Kaye Bane Chad and Jennifer Davis COMMUNION STEWARDS HOMEBOUND Steve and Louise Anderson, Amy Heckethorn, Kevin and Ginger Smith, and Polly White GREETERS FOR FEBRUARY 8:30 A.M. Barbara Stephens North/Troy Barbara Collier Chapel 10:50 A.M. Deb Lowrance North/Troy Sue Nicks Chapel USHERS FOR FEBRUARY 8:30 A.M. Jim Bane, Roy Campbell, John Gardner, Jon Helton, J. D. Stephens, Porter Ryland, David West, Mike Workman, & John T. Yarbro 10:50 A.M. J. Dan Gullett, Jamison Gullett, Keith Guthrie, Billy Ozment, and David Peckenpaugh February communion supports Operation 20/20 (Sunglasses Sunday). ...Mrs. Penny Switzer and family in the death of her father, Mr. E.H. “Gibby” Gibson of Humboldt, TN, who died January 21. RECORD OF LOYALTY ATTENDANCE 01/25/15 8:30 A.M. Worship 10:50 A.M. Worship Combined Morning Worship Total Sunday Evening Sunday School Salt and Light Attendance Salt and Light Meals Served Theme: John 17:22 “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” ● 162 129 291 33 270 189 154 OFFERING Annual budget 2015 $1,025,028.00 Needed to date 78,848.28* Received as of 01/25/15 50,022.21* Amount over/under Budget -23,826.07 “Imagine No Malaria” This Week Total to Date 8,274.89 *includes corrections for numbers from last week Congratulations to Rich and Ann Elizabeth Rucker, of Murfreesboro, TN, on the birth of their daughter, Frances ‘Frannie’ Elizabeth Rucker, who was born January 22. She was welcomed home by her big brother, Will. Ron and Penny Switzer are her grandparents. HOW DO YOU DO IT? Anyone interested in training to use the sound board, be a video recorder, usher, greeter, or communion steward? Would you like a refresher course in any of the above? Please call the church and let us know. RUST COLLEGE A’CAPPELLA CHOIR The Rust College A’Cappella Choir will perform Saturday, January 31, at 6:30 p.m. in our sanctuary. Join us to hear this world renowned choir perform a program of beautiful and inspiring music. A love offering will be taken. 2015 MISSION BLITZ MOMENTS: The Blitz: Saturday, April 25th ● ● ● T-Shirt Design Entry Forms are available in the Print Room and on the church’s home webpage www.fumcdyersburg.com. Please RETURN all forms to the Print Room by Friday, February 6 T-shirt design contest winner will be announced at the February Mission Blitz Board Meeting Participation forms are now available in the church offices and online for adults and children. It’s time to re-enroll in the Community Awards Program at Kroger for Transitions. 2015 contributions begin Feb. 1st. Everyone must enroll or re-enroll on-line with Kroger for rewards to go to Transitions - even if you were enrolled in 2014. Simply go to www.Kroger.com, sign in to your account, then go to “Community” then Community Awards and enter “Transitions of Dyer County.” Then everytime you shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card, Kroger will make a donation to Transitions. Transitions received over $1,000 in 2014 through this program. Please help Transitions minister to women and their families through the Kroger Awards Program in 2015. FOOD PANTRY Suggestions: Hand operated can openers and toiletries PLACE IN PLASTIC TUBS Salt and Light News 5 p.m.—Wednesdays Menu: Mexican Casserole, Salad Bar, Dessert Servers – Koinonia Class Y C O R N E R Heather Kauffman O It is that time of year again! This Sunday is Bowl” Sunday! Not only is it a great day U “Souper to watch football, it is a wonderful time to show for Reelfoot Rural Ministries! T supportEvery year, the youth collect monetary and H canned food donations after the 8:30 a.m. service and before the 10:50 a.m. service. During these collection times, the students will stand in the church entrances with soup pans for donations. Your donations will feed the many families who come to Reelfoot’s food assistance program from Dyer, Obion, Lake and Fulton counties. Reelfoot Rural Ministries holds a very special place in the hearts of our students. This past fall, our students attended a service retreat to Reelfoot and spent much time in prayer for those who walk through the doors for services. The students took so much joy in serving those at Reelfoot and we hope that you will consider joining us in our efforts to feed those who are hungry! We will finish the day with our annual youth group “Souper Bowl” Party in the Family Life Center. The game will be on, there will be lots of food and an inflatable obstacle course. Admission to the event is either $1.00 or a canned good donation. See below for more information! Blessings! Heather Sunday, February 1st 5:00-8:30 PM- UMYF “Souper Bowl” Party Wednesday, February 4th 5:00-6:30 PM- Salt & Light Meal 6:30-7:30 PM- Dayspring PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION For 2015-2016 School Year Registration will be opened to the public on February 2. Registration forms are available outside the preschool office and at the entrance door to the Preschool area. Students should have their birthday by August 15, 2015, to register for the 2015-2016 School Year. Jim McClure—Dyersburg Healthcare and Rehab. Room 217 Becca Sturgis Dot White—home Carole O. Whitnel Jane Cole Brenda North Jane Sharpe Carl—Susan Hedge’s mother Bob & Peggy Mayfield Bonnie Holt Gary Hall Dennis Miller Destiny Kennedy—Brian and Sandi Stahl’s granddaughter Richard Swaim—friend of Jere Ozment Green Smitheal Peg Schwartz—Sandi Stahl’s mother Helen Haynes—Jack Haynes’ mother, Canterbury Place Renee Young—Sarah Sullivan Deere’s mother William Paul Enoch Braxton Farrow—St. Jude Cynthia Blevins—Desiree Dolan’s mother Naomi Rushing Melissa Langston Labone Stewart—Mary Well’s sister Chris Bell Jane Yates Moll Marie Hardy (mother of Elaine McCormick) Ryan Breedlove Carol Hendren Disney MISSION OPPORTUNITY Katie Taylor is going on a mission trip to serve as a Community Health Education Assistant at Project Salud y Paz, in Guatemala. While there, she will design rural teaching materials on hypertension, diabetes, and family planning. She will also assist in the organization of surgical equipment for teams that visit their clinics. She will leave January 29 and stay for a three month assignment. The budget she has been given to work on by the Individual Volunteer Program totals $3,076, which includes living expenses, airfare and vaccinations. Individuals may help fund her trip by donating through the church with checks designated for Katie, or online to the Advance #982465 link. Those wanting to donate online will follow the link listed below and select her name (Katherynne Taylor) under gift designation. They will be able to channel funds to her. At the right-hand side of the screen is a physical address or phone where donors can also give. However funds are given, all funds need to be marked that the funds are supporting an Individual Volunteer (Advance #982465) with her name. The link for giving to the Advance is: https://secure3.convio.net/gbgm/site/SPageNavigator/ gbgm donate.html?type=1001&project=982465 MEMORIALS/HONORARIUMS PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of: Given by: John Williams Willie Harmon GENERAL FUND In memory of: Bobbie Robinson Given by: Polly White PANTRY FUND In memory of: Ernest Gibson Given by: Dr. & Mrs. Fred Moore, III ORGAN FUND In memory of: Ernest Riley Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ron Switzer REELFOOT RURAL MINISTRIES In memory of: Given by: Marilyn Merritt Allen Merritt Memorials not listed this week will be in next week’s issue. FAMILY LIFE CENTER NEWS From Andy Fisher UPWARD® GAME SCHEDULE We are in our fourth week of games. The excitement grows every Thursday and Saturday. Our Cheer Squads add to the excitement with poms poms raised high in the air, as our basketball teams run through the tunnel that they created. The hard work at practices is displayed at game time. You can share in this excitement by being present at the games. Be sure to bring your cameras. Game Times are: Thursdays 4th-6th Grade Boys— 6:15, 7:00, 7:45 p.m. Saturdays Kindergarten Co-ed — 8:00 a.m. Saturdays 1st Grade Co-ed — 9:00 a.m. Saturdays 2nd-3rd Grade Boys—10:00, 11:00 a.m. Saturdays 2nd-3rd Grade Girls—12:00 p.m. Saturdays 4th-6th Grade Girls—12:00, 1:00 p.m. Saturdays Cheer Squads—9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. This Friday, January 30, will be our 77th day of prayer for the Upward® Program. Anyone can and should pray for this worthwhile endeavor. Just think, 100 plus people praying for 100 days for the participants is an awesome thought. WALK ACROSS TENNESSEE W.A.T. begins February 2nd. The kickoff for this event will be at the Dyersburg Mall at 10:00 a.m. on January 31. This program lasts for six weeks. The program promotes exercise and increases our activity while using the team approach. Teams may begin recording their miles February 2. Packets are available at the FLC and the Print Room. Sunday, February 1, 2015 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28 SUNDAY SERVICES 9:45 A.M. Sunday School 8:30 & 10:50 A.M. Worship 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 CEB “Is Your Attitude Showing?” Dr. David Russell, preaching No Evening Service Send form #3579 to The Word, P.O. Box 452, Dyersburg, TN 38025, FUMC Weekly published by First United Methodist Church 100 McGaughey, P.O. Box 452, Dyersburg, TN 38024 Church: 731-285-6454, Family Life Center: 731-285-4794 Web Page—www.fumcdyersburg.com #13490 Periodicals Paid at Dyersburg, TN