looking ahead to lent - mcdonough...
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MPC Monthly Newsletter March 2019
Looking Ahead to Lent
On Ash Wednesday, March 6, we begin the holy season of Lent. During Lent we
are invited to reflect on the events of Jesus’ last week, to examine our own sinfulness and
mortality, and to consider our need for the cross. God’s invitation to us in our Lenten
Scripture texts is to repent of our old way of life and turn to God for a new way of life.
Some find this season somber and challenging. Indeed, it is, as we are asked to take a hard
look at the truth about ourselves, to remember that we are dust, and to dust we will return
(Genesis 3:19). At the same time, it is a hopeful and graceful season, for as we journey
closer and closer to the cross (and then to the glorious empty tomb) we are also reminded of
an even greater truth: “God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ
died for us” (Romans 5:8).
During Lent many Christians practice some form of fasting or “giving up”
something – a particular food, social media, TV, etc. I encourage us not just to think of
“giving up” something, but of “taking on” something. Before we respond, “I can’t possibly
take on one more thing,” let me explain what I mean: Take time to breathe this Lent. In the
midst of all the Lenten introspection and the difficulties, uncertainties, and disappointments
life may hold, take time to breathe. Take regular time this Lent to breathe in God’s Spirit
and all that is life-giving, and to breathe out all that is life-depleting, all those things that
keep you from really living – sin, guilt, regret, resentment – anything that holds you back
from the life Christ is dying for you to experience.
That is my prayer for us this Lenten season. Take time to breathe – and as we do,
may God fill us with His breath of life.
In Christ,
Nicole Lenten Worship Series:
Questions of Jesus’ Last Week
Beginning on March 10, the first Sunday of Lent and continuing through Holy Week, our
Lenten worship series will focus on questions Jesus was asked the week leading up to his
crucifixion, such as:
“Why this waste?” – Mark 14
“Surely, not I, Lord?” – Matthew 26
“What shall I do with Jesus?” – Matthew 27
“What is truth?” – John 18
“Who is this?” – Matthew 21
In exploring these questions asked in the first century, we might find these are the same
questions we’re still asking in the twenty-first century. As we examine Jesus’ response,
may we grow in our understanding of the Savior and of what it means to call him Savior.
Staff Rev. Dr. Nicole Lock
Interim Pastor
Destiny Williams
Director of
Youth Ministry
Sophe Pope
Director of
Children’s Ministry
Julie Garcia
Director of
Children’s Choir
Jason Montague
Director of Music
Jane Robinson
Organist
Greg Smith
Pianist
Tammy Hortman
Administrative Assistant
ELDERS
Dottie Wise,
Clerk
Danny Brown
Ellen Foster
Julie Garcia
Priti Griffin
Heidi Hicks
(Youth)
James Livermont
Mary Plishker
Chuck Standard
Eddy Smith
George Stellings
Kara Rogers
John Wadsworth
James Withers
DEACONS
Ruth Rucker,
Chairman
Micky Camp
JG Humphries
Christy Maddox
Tony Okrutny
Bob Phillips
Dusty Pope
Judy Prophet
Jerry Repp
Jill Shedd
Christina Snider
(Youth)
Ruth Rucker
Jean Williams
Tim Wirt
MPC Monthly Newsletter March 2019
ANNOUNCEMENTS
COMMUNION: The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
will be celebrated on Sunday,
March 10th.
MEN’S BREAKFAST: The monthly men's breakfast will be held at
8:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 9, in the
Anchor. Men of all ages are invited for
food and fellowship.
Red Cross Blood Drive: will be Monday, March 25, 2019 from
2:00- 7:00 PM
GREEN SUPPER CLUB NIGHT: is March 10, 6:00.
BULLETIN DEADLINE:
Church Office will finalize the weekly bul-
letins at 2:00 PM on Wednesdays.
MESSENGER DEADLINE:
Church Office will finalize the weekly
Messenger on Mondays by 12:00 PM.
SAVING GRACE CIRLCE
Saving Grace Circle will meet on March 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the home of Judy Zubka.
Please contact Kaye Repp at [email protected] for information.
Thank You
Dear McDonough Presbyterian Church,
On behalf of the Honduras Agape Foundation, we want to thank you for
inviting Maynor and Dr. Tino, our Honduras missionaries, to the mission at
your event last Wednesday. We truly appreciate everything you did to make the even-
ing so enjoyable and special. Thank you!
Michael Norton,
President of Honduras Agape Foundation
THE EARLY RISER’S CIRCLE
The monthly meeting of the Early Riser’s Circle will be on Thursday, March 28th, at
8:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please contact Jean Foster @ 404-626-5833 or
[email protected] for more information.
[email protected] or 404-626-5833
MCYOUTH MARCH DATES
3- Confirmation
6-Ash Wednesday Service
10- Confirmation
11- The Grove
13- McYouth
17- Confirmation
19- Queen Bee Coffee & Devotion
20- McYouth
23- McYouth Activity (TBD)
24- Starbucks Sunday
24- Confirmation
27- McYouth
31- Clifton Men’s Shelter (VMO)
31- No Confirmation
CALVIN CENTER Got PLANS for this Summer…
Do they include a week at Calvin Center?
Whether your child is in the first grade, fifth grade, a middle school student, or a senior high student, Calvin
Center summer programs have something for you. This summer Calvin Center is offering weekly sessions in
June. Programs this summer include opportunities for Day Camp, Elementary Adventure, Horse Camp,
Adventure camps for Middle & High School students, and Senior High Leadership experiences. Open
enrollment has begun so you and your friends can now register. If you have not taken time to look at the
summer programs. Register online at www.calvincenter.org.
If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Destiny! Thank You!
THE JOY CIRCLE
The Joy Circle will meet Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 1:00 in the Men's Classroom. Please
bring your Least Coin offering if you have not turned it in. Contact Judy Alfele with
questions, 678-772-9299.
TRIENNIUM
Our Triennium delegates are still collecting money
for their trip this summer. If you would like to
contribute towards this event, please contact Destiny.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Wednesday, April 17th, at 6:00 pm is our annual EASTER 'EGG'STRAVAGANZA for
all children! We'll have an egg hunt, crafts, games, and yummy treats in the pavilion.
Dinner will not be served, so please eat beforehand. If you can, bring a dozen eggs for
your child and drop them off outside the Anchor in their appropriate age bucket by
Sunday, April 14th.
SUNDAY LUNCH BUNCH This new group consists of women of various ages and stages of life
(widowed, divorced, single and others who live alone). The LAST
SUNDAY of each month we will gather outside the Anchor after the 11
AM worship and carpool to a local restaurant. for Dutch treat and
fellowship. Look for our announcements and please RSVP as we will
need to make reservations. For more information call/text Judy Alfele
(678-772-9299); [email protected] or Dottie Wise (404-683-0912)|
THE GO-GO’S : The March trip has not yet been determined. Stay tuned for more details.
We will announce it in the bulletin, weekly messenger, and on
realm.
STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER
by Vivian Smith:
What is loss? Imagine you are cooking
chili for a friend. You cook and drain
your meat. You open cans of beans
with your electric can opener. You then begin to open
the first can of tomato sauce and it won't open. You
push the button on the can opener and let it rotate for a
minute - nothing - then two minutes - not opening. You
try a different can - same thing. You try your last can
and it won't open. You've been using this electric can
opener for years. You are unable to use a manual one
with your arthritic hands. Your neighbors are at work
and besides, asking virtual strangers to open your cans is
humiliating. It's just a half an hour before your friend
arrives. You cannot finish making dinner because you
cannot open a can of sauce. Imagine how frustrated and
helpless you feel. Seemingly small losses can creep into
the life of an aging adult almost daily, making the most
routine tasks impossible. WELCOME (BACK), BEN MATHES On Sunday, March 17, we welcome Ben Mathes from Mission: Hope to
be our guest preacher at both services. Ben will also offer a special
presentation during the Sunday School hour. Many of us know Ben, as
we've supported his mission for many years and have had the privilege of
his visiting with us in the past. Join us as we welcome Ben and learn more
about what God is doing around the world.
THE HAPPY MCCAMPERS
The Happy McCampers are setting up their spring trip to FDR state park
in Pine Mountain, home to Callaway Gardens. We will go in late March
or early April. No camper is needed. There are 2 and 3 bedroom cottages
in the park or if you prefer there is lodging at Callaway. Gardens. All are
welcome. There will be a community meal on Friday and Saturday
night. Come join the fun! For questions contact Chuck Standard .
MPC Monthly Newsletter March 2019
SEW COMFY SESSION The next Sew Comfy session will be Tuesday, March
5th at 6:30 pm in the Adult Sunday School wing. Please
join us for fun fellowship while we make mastectomy
pillows for those recovering from cancer surgery. No
sewing skills necessary and we really need people to
stuff pillows! The pillows are gifted to women and men
having surgery at Piedmont Henry Hospital and to other
friends or family of church members upon
request. Monetary donations for supplies are also
appreciated. Contact Debra Brown at 770-820-8710 or
Lynn Lowrey at 770-468-1478 for more information .
YOU PUT THE WONDERFUL IN WEDNESDAYS Thanks to all our great volunteers, Wonderful Wednesdays is going great
this semester. We have one cooking spot left this semester. It is May 8th
and it is a possible "Mission Wednesday" for anyone who is available to
cook. We could always use some extra cleanup people, so if you want to
get your clean on or cook, give me a jingle. For more information contact
Tim Wirt at [email protected].
THE AARP SMART DRIVER CLASS The AARP Smart Driver class will be held in the Good News Sunday School classroom on Friday, March 15th, from 9:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. This is a good way to sharpen your driving skills and perhaps earn a discount on your auto insurance. The cost is $15.00
for AARP members and $20.00 for non- members. If you have any questions or would like to enroll, contact Bob Williams
at 770-957-2076 .
HOTEL TOILETRIES MISSION
Do you travel? Spend your nights in hotels? We’ll help
out Clifton Ministry and Haven House, the local
domestic violence shelter. All you have to do is collect
your unused hotel toiletries and drop them off in the
suitcase in the hallway across from the Anchor.
CLIFTON DINNER MINISTRIES 2019 Clifton Dinner Dates : March 31, June 30, September 29 and
December 29. What is this? Our Church hosts 15-30 men who are trying
to get their lives back on track. We enjoy dinner and fellowship with our
guests from 5:15-6:45 every time there is a fifth Sunday. So come out
while we give the men dinner and we get fed! For more information email
Tim Wirt at [email protected]
MPC MEN’S SOFTBALL Calling all swingers! You want to swing a bat? Are
you a man age 18 to 80? You want to get out with the
guys on Thursday nights? If you are interested in
being a part of MPC Softball, please contact Tim Wirt
McDonough Presbyterian Church
427 McGarity Rd.
McDonough, GA 30252
“Serving Others
Beyond Sunday Morning”
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
McDonough Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Worship: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:40 a.m.
Church Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Phone: (770) 957-9890 * Website: www.mcdonoughpresbyterian.com
https://onrealm.org/mcdonoughpresbyterian/
This year the Stewardship Committee will use the monthly newsletter to show our church doing God’s work beyond
Sunday by highlighting various missions and opportunities for you to serve. This month we are highlighting the Blood
Drives at MPC. The drives occur on the fourth Monday of each month between 2:00-7:00pm. You can serve by being a
blood donor and/or a volunteer at registration or the canteen. It takes about one hour to donate blood and volunteers
work a 2 ½ hour shift, either 2:00-4:30pm, or 4:30-7:00pm. This effort is coordinated by Jerry Repp and his faithful
volunteers include Saving Grace Circle, Jennifer Brown, Jim Stanton, Bobbie Wingo, Pat Robinson, and Bob Williams.
If interested in being involved in this opportunity please contact Jerry Repp or the church office.
-George Stellings
SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS
OFFICERS ON-CALL
FINANCIAL UPDATE
MPC Monthly Newsletter
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
ACOLYTE CROSS BEARER March 3 TBD Logan Hawxhurst
March 10 Lawson Pace Candler Irby
March 17 Lily Kistler Lily Maddox
March 24 Piper Wadsworth Kyndall Caudill
March 31 Emery Andrews Nate Andrews
NURSERY VOLUNTEER
March 3 Judy Neal
March 10 Carly Boggess
March 17 Christine Bratton
March 24 Grace Healy
March 31 Elaine Bird
CHILDREN’S CHAPEL VOLUNTEER
March 3 Emily Bowler
March 10 Kathy Rutledge
March 17 Rita McGarity
March 24 Elaine McGarity
March 31 Sue Chafin
ELDERS DEACONS
March Ellen Foster
Jonh Wadsworth
Dusty Pope
Jean Williams
Actual YTD
01/31/2019
Budget YTD
01/31/2019 Difference
General Fund Receipts $ 46,319 $ - $ 46,319
Disbursements:
Operating Expenses 12,285 0 12,285
Personnel 23,568 0 23,568
Programs & Missions 1,998 0 1,998
Payment on Debt 4,106 0 4,106
Total Disbursements 41,957 0 41,957
01/31/19 12/31/18 Difference
Debt (Journey of Faith)
Long Term (Building) 92,851 117,957 (25,106)
Total Debt 92,851 117,957 (25,106)
8:30 11:00
March 3 Mary Plishker &
Cindy Murray
Mary & Steve Mellott, Kimberly &
Rodney Bowler
March 10 Judy Coker & Nan
McGarity
Cheryl & Woody Fowler, Debra Brown,
& Elaine Hopkins
March 17 Cathy & Bob Phillips Priti & Dave Griffin, Patrick Healy, &
Sally Hale
March 24 Pat & Lewis
Robinson
Jill & Jim Stroud, Peter Thorton, and
Greg Cannon
March 31 Gloria Easler &
Cindy Murray
Dianna & Don Cardell, Elaine Hopkins,
Cyndi Isreal
USHERS
FEBRUARY 2019
8:30 11:00
3-Feb 54 166
10-Feb 40 171
17-Feb 46 156
24-Feb 43 137
Total 183 630
Avg 46 158
1 Jennifer Duke 17 Maira Ausborn
1 David Shedd 18 Andy Wilson
2 Josh Brown 19 Kate Dougherty
2 Julie Garcia 20 Nancy Hull
2 Alexander Griffin 20 Patrick Mann
2 Dee Sanders 20 Brenda Morgan
4 Celeste Green 21 Charlie Jean Hollis
5 Lynn Colquitt 21 Sydney Standard
6 Caitlin McClain 22 Rossie Mitchell
7 Kevin Pouliot 22 Audrey Okrutny
7 Kara Rogers 24 Sophe Pope
9 Emily Crowe 24 Taylinn Rohwedder
9 Dudley Rose 25 Sue Chafin
10 Jackie Seckinger 26 Josie Peters
11 Toni Obenauf 27 Lisa Crews
12 Wes Shannon 27 Barbara Howard
14 Mark Teague 27 J.G. Humphries
14 Merritt Wofford 27 Lacey Lowrey
15 Julia Glover 27 Bob Prophet
15 Michael Ketner 28 Sharon Dyess
15 Emma Porter 28 Lauren Garcia
16 Allie Garman 28 Mary Nowacki
16 John MacDonald 29 Kim Craig
16 Tucker Malcom 29 Madison Rohwedder
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
MPC Monthly Newsletter March 2019
LOOKING AHEAD TO LENT Throughout the season of Lent, we are asked to reflect on scripture, the story of Jesus’ last week before the
crucifixion, and our own sinfulness and mortality. We are invited to repent and turn our thoughts back to Christ, releasing
our old way of life, and embracing a new life that embodies Jesus and all of his teachings. This Lent, I hope that you will
take a moment to breathe. Throughout scripture, the Holy Spirit is described as many things, but often as a wind or
breath. When we are reminded to take a deep breath, we are often being reminded to invite the Holy Spirit into our lives
and our being. It’s amazing the difference it can make when we approach a troubling situation with the breath of God
within us. So breath deep, and let the holy spirit surround you with it’s presence.
Join us for These Special Lenten Services! All services will be held in the sanctuary.
Ash Wednesday, March 6, 6:45 pm
Jane’s Lenten Musical Offering, April 10, at 6:45 pm
Palm Sunday, April 14, 8:30 and 11:00 am
Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:00 pm
Good Friday, April 19, 7:00 pm
Easter Sunday, April 21, 8:30 and 11:00 am
SAVE THE DATE… HUNGER WALK