first things€¦ · 04/05/2016 · first things may, 2016 first united methodist church 501...
TRANSCRIPT
FIRST THINGS MAY, 2016
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
501 Church Street, Sweetwater, TN 37874
423-337-7903
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sweetwaterumc.org
Church Staff:
Mike Hubble, Pastor Anne Wilson, Administrative Asst.
Jacqueline Mason, Children’s Minister Melinda Hendricks, Custodian
Crystal Ragan, Youth Minister Patricia Richesin, Organist
Larry Orr, Senior Adult Minister Janet Standridge, First Kids Director
Margareth Urias, Music Minister All Christians, Ministers
“Glorifying God—Offering Christ
Making Disciples—Serving Others”
PASTOR MIKE’S MESSAGE
I am writing this article Monday morning,
April 18, a beautiful spring day sparkling with sun-
shine. Today is a day of reflection for me. It is our
oldest son Daniel’s 38th birthday. It’s also a time to
look back on the past week — a week filled to the
brim. I had the opportunity to trout fish in the Smok-
ies, and on another day found myself in a sinking
boat on Chickamauga Lake because my friend
failed to put the plug in his boat. I made several
trips to Knoxville to visit our folks in the hospital,
visited in the homes of some of our members where
there is illness, and also in a nursing facility where I
was able to say goodbye to one of our long time
church members, Pete Barnes, before her passing.
I also spent time counseling individuals and fami-
lies. Along with over 300+ other folks I participated
in the INASMUCH weekend and on Sunday helped
lead our congregation in two services of worship
where we were blessed to receive Nathan and
Bethany Killingsworth and Chris and Melissa Polley
into the membership of our church. In other words
it was a truly exceptional week and I feel so
blessed.
Wow! Is the only way I know to describe
the INASMUCH weekend. Over 300 volunteers
from our church, First Baptist, First Assembly of
God, and First Presbyterian participated. There
were many others who undergirded the project with
prayers. One hundred and twelve of those volun-
teers were from our church. We painted, cooked,
sewed, spread mulch, wrote letters, cut brush,
baked and delivered cookies & brownies, visited in
nursing homes and on and on all with a big smile on
our faces. A special thank you to Craig and Callie
Brackett and Julie White for serving on the leader-
ship team from our church. It all ended with a time
of celebration and worship at the Duck Park Sunday
evening. When God’s people unite to do God’s
work, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.
A word of thanks to those who have taken
food buckets to fill for the people of Zimbabwe. Re-
member they need to be returned no later than May
22.
I thank God for the opportunity to serve
alongside you,
Mike
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
April 10—Craig & Dana Smith who have twin
daughters Kadence and Kennedy
April 17—Nathan & Bethany Killingsworth who
have a daughter Alice and a baby on the way.
April 17—Chris and Melissa Polley
CONGRATULATIONS To proud parents Hannah & Shawn Camp on the birth of their daughter Harper Reese born on April 18th and weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz.
Melissa Toomey
Granddaughter of David & Ann Toomey
Sweetwater HS
Morgan Gruenenfelder
Daughter of Rob & Jamie Gruenenfelder
Roane State Community College
Occupational Therapist (OTA)
Tiffany Hickey
Southern University
Masters Social Work (MSW)
Bailey Byrum
Grandson of Carol Ann Vestal
Sweetwater HS
D.J. VanderWerf
Grandson of Shirley Brown
Sweetwater HS
Rita Griffin
Granddaughter of Ira & Leah Butcher
Marist HS, Atlanta, GA
Jaycie Martini
Granddaughter of Tony & Tonya Martini
North Thurston HS, Olympia, WA
&
SPSCC, Olympia, WA
Associate Degree
Bradley Allan Tompkins
Grandson of Bill & Jody Smithey
West Morgan HS, Decatur, AL
Jessica Thomasson Price
Granddaughter of Mort & Helen Thomasson
TN Wesleyan
Masters Nursing & Education
Trent Walker
Son of Becky Upton
MTSU
BBA Entrepreneurship
Allie Bowden
Granddaughter of Dolores Walton
East Tennessee State
BS Nursing
Jake Dranes
Grandson of Larry & Rhonda Ruebush
Mt. Juliet HS, Mt. Juliet, TN
Connor Wilson
Grandson of Larry & Rhonda Ruebush
Johnson City HS, Johnson City, TN
Carter Viall
Grandson of Patsy Goodman
Signal Mountain HS, Signal Mountain, TN
Erin Knox
Daughter of Jim & Carol Knox
Loudon HS, Loudon, TN
SAGER BROWN MISSION TRIP
There is a Mission Trip to Sager Brown in Baldwin, Louisiana this summer . The dates are August 7-12, 2016. Greer and Micky Heatherly will be leading that trip. We have openings for 10 people, and as of now there are 4 committed for August already. Ask any-one who has gone before. It will change your life!
If you’re interested, please contact John Mortimer at 423-503-3070 or Greer
Heatherly at 423-337-1092. Deadline for signing and first payment is May 4.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2016
HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE GRADUATES
2016 MISSION BUCKETS
Wal-Mart has pre-packaged these items in a bag for your convenience. Available in Vision Center. No need to take your bucket shopping.
Buckets are due back Sunday, May 22, 2016
Get your family involved with filling at least one bucket! **The list of items in the bucket can be found in the buckets or on the bulletin board.
NEED YOUR HELP!! Would you be willing to purchase or pre-
pare a meal every now and then for one of our
members who has health issues, has just had a
baby, or following a funeral of a family member?
This is one of our very important out-
reach ministries and we’d like to create a list of
folks we can call on when the need arises. That
way we don’t have to contact the same people
every time a meal is needed.
Please call the office or call or text Greer
@ 423-337-1092 if we can add your name to the
list. Thank you for your kindness.
METHODIST MEN The Methodist Men will meet on Saturday, May 21,
at 8:00 am for breakfast and a special presentation
by Julia Vestal Lee about her most recent mission
trip. Hope to see everyone there.
LADIES OF THE CHURCH Come and enjoy the company of friends and a
lovely breakfast at The Dinner Bell on Saturday,
May 21, at 9:am.
Who Am I?
I was born in Athens but grew up in Sweetwater. Daddy
was a farmer (dairy/tobacco) and Mama was a farmer’s
wife. As a child, one thing I remember is that Mama made
us go to church every Sunday. I had a favorite teacher…
Mrs. Foye who taught English, literature, and Latin. My fa-
vorite food is chicken and dumplings and my favorite des-
sert is banana pudding. I love old movies like the kind
shown on AMC, my favorite movie is Gone With the Wind,
and several of my favorite actors include Robert Redford
and Paul Newman. I love oldies music (50’s and 60’s) and
the Beatles were the greatest…The Statler Brothers also!
My favorite color is green. Most people don’t know this but
one of the things that gets under my skin is people who
drive slow in the left lane. I don’t have any pets…but if I
had a pet it would be a cat. One of my favorite hobbies is
working on genealogy and if I could travel anywhere in the
world it would be Germany. I came to our church about 7
years ago and the thing I like most about the church is my “church family”. Who am I?
The answer to the March feature “Who Am I” is Wooley Graham.
SENIOR HAPPENINGS
SENIOR ADULT TRIP TO CUMBERLAND PLAYHOUSE
To see “The Sparkley Clean Funeral Singers” MAY 19—BUS LEAVES AT 11:30 AM
Lunch @ Cumberland State Park ($8.75)
Escape to quaint, quiet Ashland City, TN with this hilarious new musical! Daughter Junie inherits the job of taking over the family dry cleaning business, tending to Dad (who’s having a hard time remem-bering things), and keeping an eye on her younger sister. Junie’s dream of being a country singer is put on hold until the town Pastor asks the sisters to write and perform personal sendoffs for the dearly de-parted. Playwright Lori Fischer (Barbara’s Blue Kitchen) brings us the Southern premier of this brand new heartfelt, laughter-filled musical comedy. Rated PG. Adventure Theater. Please sign up in Larry’s office or in the Sunday School Classrooms prior to Thursday, May 5. Payment of $20/person should be given to Anne Wilson on or before May 5. Make checks payable to FUMC with “Senior Trip” in the memo line.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!!
MAY
May 5 Walter Babb
May 7 Mike Littleton
May 11 “Pete” Barnes
May 17 Viola Turpin
May 27 Betty Hunt
May 29 Mary Chappell
Crabtree
Seniors Talk Security
at April Luncheon
As always there
was plenty of wonderful
food at our most recent
seniors luncheon; Lynette
Johnson’s shrimp casse-
role, Geri Babb’s pea sal-
ad, and Helen Thomasson’s cherry chocolate
cake are but a few of the dishes that come to
mind and we thank everyone who prepared a
dish or donated food!
Our guest speaker was Sweetwater
Police Chief, Eddie Byrum, who discussed
security for seniors. Chief Byrum’s presenta-
tion covered all areas of personal, home, and
travel security, and he covered in detail
crimes and scams that most affect county res-
idents. He also touched on gun laws and
concealed carry in a vehicle (not outside)
known as The Castle Law. And he provided
handouts and detailed the department’s ser-
vices to include a free home security review
for residents living within the city limits. Lots
of questions were asked, one of them being
“what to do and not to do if you are stopped by
local law enforcement.”
I think it’s fair to say those in attendance
came away with a great appreciation for Chief
Byrum, Sweetwater Police Officers, and the
services they provide to the community.
We look forward to seeing Chief Byrum
later in the year (Oct) when he will give us a
presentation on Disaster Readiness Prepara-
tion. And just a reminder, with summer coming
on we won’t have any luncheons until Sept 5th
when we celebrate Labor Day with a picnic at
the Walden’s. See you then!
MUSIC NEWS
CHILDREN’S SPRING MUSICAL
SUNDAY MAY 1 @ 5:00 PM
The Kingdom Connection has a com-
pelling storyline, and ministers to everyone with
Bible stories culminating in the ultimate mes-
sage that, even among all the powerful kings of
the Bible, the one true King, the King of ALL
kings, the One we need most in our lives, is
King Jesus! We don’t have to go to a museum
to learn about our God. Because of Jesus, we
can experience the Kingdom of God both now
and in Heaven. Jesus is our King…THAT is our
Kingdom Connection!
Invite your family and friends to come
along. DON’T MISS THIS WONDERFUL
PRODUCTION.
PLEASE BRING FINGER FOODS FOR
THE CHILDREN & OTHERS TO SHARE
HOLY NOISE BAND
is returning this spring!!
All the kids in YOUTH who like to sing
or play an instrument are invited to join the HO-
LY NOISE BAND.
This opportunity requires just a short
term commitment. We will practice on Wednes-
days @ 5:00 pm beginning on May 4th and end-
ing on June 1st. Only 5 rehearsals! Rehearsals
will be held in the Family Life Center. The
Band will participate in the Service on Sunday,
June 5th at 9:00 am.
Please let Miss Crystal or Miss Mar-
gareth know if you are interested or have any
questions! We look forward to having a great
time worshiping together!!
FIRST KIDS
GRADUATION
May 19 at 11:00 am
You’re invited to a special ceremony to watch our precious
children graduate from the First Kids Program.
MEET OUR FIRST KIDS
Back Row (left to right)
Hanna Blankenship
Isaac Hatfield
Joseph Reynolds
Bryanna Harden
Britton Isbill
Ava Watson
Front Row (left to right)
Kenzley McKawski
Alivia Huskey
Hudson Simcox
Tavon Truman
Daniel Hatfield
Missing
Daniel Calderon Shelby Carter
Bella Bibee Easton Watkins
Aubrey Kile
KIDS KORNER
VBS WILL BE HERE SOON
July 17-21 from 6:15-8:30 pm
Preschoolers from 6:15-7:30 pm
Supper provided.
Check the bulletin board for
Servant Sign-up List .
MESSAGE FROM MISS JACQUELINE
Hey Kids,
It’s not too late to sign up for Camp Wesley Woods.
The brochures are on the Welcome Table in the FLC.
Wee Wednesday kids, ages 1-4 years, will meet on
April 27 from 10-11:00 am. We will have a short devotional,
snack and playtime. Moms are welcome to stay and visit
with other moms or you can run some errands.
May 17 will be our last TASK and I’m working on
some fun things. Don’t miss that day!
VBS sign-up is on the bulletin board. Sign up and get
your shirt early!!
In Christ’s Name,
Miss Jacqueline
KIDS ROCK SCHEDULE OF TEACHERS
May 1 Jacqueline/Jim Knox July 3 Leaha/Brent Cofer
8 Jennifer/Jason Dacus 10 Jacqueline/Jim Knox
15 Dave/Kristi Correll 17 Dave/Kristi Correll
22 Worship with Family 24 Worship with Family
29 Amy/Crystal 31 Amy/Crystal
June 5 Leaha/Brent Cofer Aug 7 Leaha/Brent Cofer
12 Angie Watson/Sally Prince 14 Angie Watson/Sally Prince
19 Jennifer/Jason Dacus 21 Jennifer/Jason Dacus
26 Worship with Family 29 Worship with Family
Remember if for some reason you are not available on your assigned day, please try and
switch with someone. Thanks for sharing your time with our children. They will never forget it
and I am so thankful for your servanthood.
WE CELEBRATE OUR YOUTH
Hello Church, It's been a while since I’ve sent an article out to you.... Truthfully nothing big and exciting happened in Feb-ruary and March. But y'all just wait for the upcoming months, it's gonna be CRAZY !!!! We’ve been studying War Room, and we only have a few more sessions left to finish. We have continued to keep our Prayer Board in the youth room and it's updat-ed every Wednesday and Sunday. You’re welcome to check it out any time. Lots of prayers for New Drivers (Hahaaaaa), so much sickness, and many concerns for fellow students in bad situations. We did have a Cash Easter Egg Hunt. Nothing like motivating a bunch of "I am too big to hunt Easter Eggs" kids, by filling them with Cash !!!! The kids came out of there running like wild fire :)
After the Egg Hunt, they broke into groups. The first
group to organize Events leading up to Jesus’ death, without
the Bible, got to choose Easter Candy from the prize bucket.
Nothing like a little Friendly Competition !!!
We had the opportunity to serve our church at the
end of March. The mission buckets for Zimbabwe needed to
be cleaned out. Brady Anderson headed up this project, and
with everyone’s help, they did a Fantastic job !!!! Thank you
so much !!!
Saturday April 16, our youth will be participating in
the INASMUCH Work Day. We're excited to be hands on in
our community !!!
We DO need a local project for May. If you or some-
one you know has work of any kind to be done, (that the kids
and I are capable of doing), please let me know. We would
love to help, FREE of charge. We simply want to live a
Servant Life !!!!
June 19-24 will be our Jr Hi Mission Trip to Maryville
where we’ll be providing home maintenance, clean up and
minor construction to Blount County underprivileged resi-
dents.
July 24-30 will be our Sr Hi Mission Trip to Epworth
by the Sea in St Simons GA. We will be feeding the home-
less, working with the elderly, and doing physical labor for
the children's home.
I can't say thank you enough for supporting Our
Kids. They see the love you all have for them and are eager
to serve such a Selfless Body of Christ.
Much love,
Crystal Ragan
865-567-2453
Our Church Youth
Melissa Toomey
Hoping to Impact Lives
With the celebration of spring comes change; temperatures warm, trees and flowers bloom, and the robins return to nest. Spring also brings another celebration of sorts...graduation. And just like the robins, this time of year finds us sending our young into the world to follow their dreams. Most of you know Melissa Toomey who, by the way, is the only graduating senior in Crystal Ragan's Youth Group. She is scheduled to grad-uate from Sweetwater High School on May 12. Born in Knoxville February 23, 1998, she lives in Sweetwater with her father (Jonathan) and step-mom Jody. Melissa also has 2 broth-ers: Jonathan (20), who is in the Navy and Kee-gan (16) who lives with her mom (Genienne) in Knoxville. Melissa has enjoyed her time at Sweetwater High where her favorite class is math. She also enjoys being a member of the History Club. When I asked her what she liked about school she mentioned friends, learning new things, and her studies to become a nurse. She started “clinicals" in her junior year and since then has worked at local hospitals where she learned about labor and delivery and how to draw blood. She has also worked at local nursing homes assisting the elderly. After graduation, Melissa will be attending Tennessee Wesleyan on a scholarship to study nursing for 2 years. She then plans to finish out her nursing degree at their campus in Knoxville. "I'm excited to study nursing and excited to hopefully make an impact on someone's life. I want to inspire others to do better in their lives,” she said. In case you never noticed, Melissa is a bit on the quiet side…or should we say “was.” She credits taking a job at Subway with making her more outgoing and getting her out of her re-served nature. When I asked what changed, she mentioned that Subway was her 1st job and she took it because her parents told her last summer that “you have to get a job.” She did and found
that the job was not just about making sandwich-es but also required talking to customers. “It taught me a lot and helped me come out of my shell,” she said. “When people are waiting on their sandwich you can’t just stand there…you have to talk to people.” Melissa loves her church and credits her grandparents David and Ann Toomey with intro-ducing her to her church family. Initially, she was hesitant about attending the Youth Group but once she did she discovered a family of friends helping each other and teaching the younger kids “how to grow up in the right way.” She loves Crystal…”she’s great!” In closing, Melissa Toomey is about to “leave the nest,” but it won’t be without the love of her family, her closest friend Katelynn Cogdill, or her grandparents. Add to that the support and love of her church family and it is clear the Melissa will not walk alone as she takes a new path in her life. We have such wonderful youth in our church and we look forward to the many lives Melissa Toomey will touch in the future.
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A special thank you to Bob Fugitt for the articles
featuring the Youth and Children of our church.