January newsletter - East Lake United Methodist Church

The Chimes
January 2015
Volume 56, Issue 1
In the neighborhood for good!
Is it Over?
By the time you read this, Christmas Day will be but a memory, and the
world will be rushing helter skelter towards 2015. People will be back to work,
or their normal routines. Renewed commitments will be made to dieting and
exercise, and the gutters will be lined with bare Christmas trees waiting to be
picked up for recycling.
A pastor buddy, Dave Barnhart, posted an article on Facebook from
Christianity Today,, by Andie Roeder Moody, that I found very interesting. It
tells of how many different traditions and denominations have taken up the
celebration of Advent in the last several decades. This is certainly a good thing,
as it makes us more aware of the Christian year, and helps to prepare our
hearts for the coming of Christ. The question is, do we lose Christmas in the
process? The writer says, “Advent is traditionally the fast before the feast. But
I see few recent adopters of Advent keeping the feast. Thirty days of waiting,
anticipation, preparation—and then when the person on whom you’ve waited
arrives, Alright, we’re done here. Pack up the Christmas tree. What are you
The children joined Cheryl and
Jack in lighting the Advent
candle for the fourth Sunday.
doing New Year’s Eve?”
What have we been waiting on after all? Is there no celebration for the
season, the twelve days of Christmas? Haven’t we just gotten started, instead
of just ending things up? I wonder what it would look like (what it would mean
to us) if we saved some of our decorating, some of our celebrating, some of our
worshipping, for Christmas? Maybe we could bring out our nativities on the day
that we celebrate Jesus coming. We could leave up our lights and candles to
remind us of the Light that has come into our darkness. We could still sing the
songs. We could look for and expect to see Christ born in each of us and in our
world.
It isn’t over! It has only just begun.
Howard Thurman said it like this:
“When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and the princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner, the rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among people, to make music in the heart.”
Merry Christmas.
Sally
You just can’t find a warmer
welcome anywhere!
The Advent season at ELUMC
was glorious! More pictures,
page 2
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January 2015
Welcome, new member!
Caring Ministries is hosting a check-in
meeting for Shepherds and Accountability
Shepherds at 10 a.m. in the parlor on
Sunday, January 25. If you are
interested in getting involved in our
Caring Ministries, please see Cheryl or
Joan Napp.
And Audrey makes three! On Sunday, December 21,
Audrey Walker Odom (at right) decided to rejoin her
mother Jane and sister Alison by returning her church
membership to ELUMC. Audrey has been active in
Bible Study for quite some time and has become an
honorary Joymaker. She has always been a part of the
ELUMC family, and now it’s great that she has made
this “official” step. Welcome, Audrey!
Beautiful
Sights of the Season at
East Lake UMC
4 Chimes
The
The Chimes
3
Music Notes ’midst Organ-izing
I sit here at my desk having just enjoyed a goodly meal with fellow staff
members, as well as a time with some friends in my home last evening (a calm
in the storm of still more reconstruction to come!). I treasure the time with
Boomers in one of your homes recently, and anticipate more times with family
and friends over the next few days. Thus, right now, it seems that the most
profound and rewarding gift I could receive at this most special time of the year is
one that I already have: friendship. These times with many of you, as well as with
those outside ELUMC, truly “make the Yuletide bright!”
Another bright spot is our time together with Lessons and Carols. Though the
choir was smaller than usual, its quality more than made up for its quantity.
Though some of the anthems (six new ones) were the most challenging we’ve
ever offered, their final rendition was so very fine in every way. Besides kudos to all the singers, Mimi, and
John, I want to thank all of you who helped with the publicity; we had over 250 people here (more than in many
years past). Thanks also to those who helped prepare the leaflet, as well as to the greeters and ushers.
As we begin a new year together, I hope you’ll join me in what has become my mantra: “Let’s move on!” It’s
been a different kind of year for me, but one nonetheless filled with oh, so many blessings. I want to build on
those, to continue being thankful for all of God’s goodness. So from my home (Thor, Storm, and Barry) to yours,
may you have the most blest holiday season, leading into the happiest of New Years.
Love,
Barry
ADULT MINISTRIES
Joymakers in January
After much Jingo fun at our Christmas party
last month (see pictures below), we will again
stay in for the cold month of January. On
Tuesday, January 20, we’ll gather at 10 a.m. to
watch the movie The Hundred Foot Journey,
starring Helen Mirren. By all accounts, this is
an uplifting, heartwarming, feel-good movie—
just what we need in the dreary month of
January! See you there (here)!
BOOMERS!
The Christmas party at Jeff and Mitchell’s was way
too much fun, so it’s going to be hard to top in
January. We won't even try—but we always have a
good time together anyway!
Friday night, January 23, at 6:30—chili and
Boomer Jeopardy! in the diner (no Wesley, it won’t
be scary movie questions!) We don’t all need to
bring food this time, but let Jane know if you’re
willing to furnish a pot of chili or a dessert.
They almost came to blows,
but Don won out over Vernon!
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January 2015
News from Rev. Cheryl
Happy New Year!
Our two joint youth events with Highlands, Avondale, and Woodlawn UMC youth groups are Sunday, January
4, and Sunday, January 25. This month, instead of meeting on the third Sunday, we will meet on the fourth
Sunday to attend the dress rehearsal of BSC’s performance of Godspell. Please let me know if your youth is
interested in attending.
Our after school program starts back on Monday, January 26. Please let me know if you are interested in
volunteering or supporting us in some way.
Grace and peace,
Cheryl
New Year’s Day Soup in the Diner!
Come have blackeyed-pea-and-collard soup
with your church family
on Thursday, January 1, anytime between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
in the diner
(It’s free!)
From your lay leader
For several years, I have looked at Matthew 25:35-36 as a blueprint for service to God and God’s family:
“I was hungry and you gave me food to eat.
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear.
I was sick and you took care of me.
I was in prison and you visited me.”
(Common English Bible)
As I begin to think about the New Year and my inevitable resolutions, I am making a renewed commitment to follow
these two verses more nearly in 2015. I will keep these verses posted in my office as a reminder of the things I need to
be about. I will share with you each month in The Chimes some ideas for how we can all serve Jesus by serving those
around us in each of these six ways. And if you have ideas, please share them with me! Some are pretty obvious—like
supporting EACM for “I was hungry . . . “ Others might be a bit more challenging, but we will find ways together!
In January, I will begin sending a card with a note each month to Kenny and Mike, our members in Donaldson prison.
We have sent them a Christmas gift, but these guys love to get mail from us. They love the Lord, and truly see us as
their family in Christ. If you will join me in this commitment, I can provide you with cards, addresses, and even stamps
if you need them. All you have to do is write the note and put it in the mail. We cannot visit them, as the verse above
says, but we can share with them the love of our Savior Who give us another year to live and serve in His name.
Cheering for you,
Jane
The Chimes
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“Keep on praying for the saints . . .”
Ephesians 6:18
Please pray for the members of our church family who
have had surgery or who have been in the hospital
during the last month:
Geraldine Floyd
Wavernia Luster
Charles Skinner
The following members were reported in the hospital
just as The Chimes was going to press:
Joy Evans
Joan Napp
Please continue to pray for those listed as well as the
following:
Jackie & Sunset Carson
Sarah McCleskey
Sara Wright
We extend our sympathies . . .
To the family and friends of Peggy McGill, who
died on December 8. Peggy was a long-time
member of the church before moving across
town to live with one of her sons. She taught
Sunday School for many years and was active in
many areas of the church.
To Mark Woolsey and the rest of the family of
Evelyn Woolsey, who died on December 17.
Evelyn also was a member of East Lake UMC
for many years, teaching Sunday School, serving
on the Missions Committee, and volunteering
faithfully at Eastern Area Christian Ministries.
Please keep these families in your prayers as
they adjust to life without their loved ones.
Editor’s note: I received a Christmas card from
Kenny Billips, one of our members in prison. As
of his writing, he and Mike Samra had not
received the shoes and socks
we sent them. However, he
writes, “Thank you so much
for all you have done for us.
We greatly appreciate it.
Have a blessed Christmas
and lovely New Year.
Love always, Kenny Billips.”
He also sent this drawing that he did for us.
Memorials & Honoraria
Gifts have been given to the church in memory of:
June Chapman
Bob Chapman
Bob Cordes
Marie Cordes
Susan Heard Dariani
Sara Heard
Edwina Lambert Feltman
Jane Walker
Buck Heard
Sara Heard
Charles Walker
Audrey & Phillip Odom
Jeanette Wall
Jack & Betty Ferguson
Rhetta Tatum
Margaret West
Don & Judy Sharpe
Evelyn Woolsey
Bob Chapman
Jane T. Walker
Gifts have been received in honor of
Jack & Betty Ferguson
Patti & Steve Wood
Macy Smith Hinnen
Carol Bullard
Max & Jean Daily
Mary Grogan
Sara Heard
Kay Sharp
Charles & Margaret Skinner
Jane Walker
Linda and Carole Pierce
Marge Vandine
Janet and Karen Gill
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January 2015
Lectionary Readings for January
“I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11 (CEB)
Thursday, January 1 –
Holy Name of Jesus
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 8
New Year’s Day
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Psalm 8
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 2:15-21
Revelation 21:1-16a
Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday, January 4 – Epiphany Sunday
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Tuesday, January 6 – Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
Sunday, January 11 – First Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
Sunday, January 18 – Second Sunday after the Epiphany
1 Samuel 3:1-10
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51
Sunday, January 25 – Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:5-12
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Worship Attendance in December
As a new addition to The Chimes, we will include a report of our worship attendance during the
month.
December 7
9:00 a.m. – 79
11:00 a.m. – 43
Total in worship – 122
December 14
9:00 a.m.– 85
11:00 a.m. – 42
Total in worship – 127
December 21
9:00 a.m.– 73
11:00 a.m. – 52
Total in worship – 125
December 28
9:00 a.m. - 63
11:00 a.m. - 43
Total in worship – 106
January is a great time to renew your church membership vow to support the church by your
presence (along with your prayers, gifts, service, and witness)! Join us each Sunday at the
service of your choice!
The Chimes
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It was a small
quantity but
high quality
group of folks
who celebrated
their birthdays
with us this
month:
(From left)
Kimberly Jeanty
(it was her big
4-0);
Micah Fountain
Karen Brice
and last (and almost the least!)
Betty Ferguson.
Happy birthday
to all—we love
you!
6
7
1
*Corinne King
2
8
9
*Susanne
Lambert
*Terry
Robinsky
*Marshall
Spencer
*Kathryn
Stroud
4
*Jack Hinnen
5
*Mimi Jackson
11
12
18
*Mike
Dorriety
*Allen Hodges
25
*Jim Elliott
*Jane Hayne
*Tracy
Heathcock
19
20
*Roxane
Serrano
21
22
23
*John Wright
26
27
28
29
30
*Albert Levins
13
14
15
16
Celebrating their birthdays at our November party were
*David Evans
*Jane Walker
*Harold
*Sarah Lovell
Jackson
3
*Wesley
Jenkins
*Vivian
Shirley
10
17
24
*Mitchell
Nash
*Barry Norris
31
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January 2015
January 2015 at ELUMC
Thursday, January 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Blackeyed-pea-and-collard soup served
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
CHURCH OFFICE AND DINER CLOSED
Sunday, January 4
Traditional worship – 9 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Sunday School – 10 a.m. (various classrooms)
Alternative worship – 11 a.m. (Wesley Hall)
Tuesday, January 6
Women’s group – 5:30 p.m. (Diner)
Wednesday, January 7
Adult Bible Study – 11 a.m. (Fireside Room)
Trustees Committee – 1 p.m. (Diner)
Youth & Children – 5:30 p.m. (Youth Suite)
Thursday, January 8
Diner & Dominoes – 12 noon (Diner)
Sunday, January 11
Traditional worship – 9 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Sunday School – 10 a.m. (various classrooms)
Alternative worship – 11 a.m. (Wesley Hall)
Finance Committee meeting – 2 p.m. (Office
Conference Room)
Wednesday, January 14
Adult Bible Study – 11 a.m. (Fireside Room)
Youth & Children – 5:30 p.m. (Youth Suite)
Tuesday, January 20
Joymakers movie and lunch – 10 a.m. (Wesley Hall)
Wednesday, January 21
Adult Bible Study – 11 a.m. (Fireside Room)
Trustees Committee – 1 p.m. (Diner)
Youth & Children – 5:30 p.m. (Youth Suite)
Thursday, January 22
Diner & Dominoes – 12 noon (Diner)
Friday, January 23
Boomers Chili Supper and Jeopardy! – 6 p.m.
(Diner)
Sunday, January 25
Traditional worship – 9 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Sunday School – 10 a.m. (various classrooms)
Alternative worship – 11 a.m. (Wesley Hall)
Wednesday, January 28
Adult Bible Study – 11 a.m. (Fireside Room)
Trustees Committee – 1 p.m. (Diner)
Youth & Children – 5:30 p.m. (Youth Suite)
Thursday, January 29
Diner & Dominoes – 12 noon (Diner)
Please listen out for any additions that
may be made to our calendar this
month!
Thursday, January 15
Diner & Dominoes – 12 noon (Diner)
Sunday, January 18
Traditional worship – 9 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Sunday School – 10 a.m. (various classrooms)
Women’s group – 10 a.m. (Parlor)
Alternative worship – 11 a.m. (Wesley Hall)
Monday, January 19
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY CHURCH
OFFICE AND DINER CLOSED
1.

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