PRAYER CONCERNS

If you or a loved one would like to be added to the prayer list, please contact Lorna McCullough at 336-259-5814. If you put a name on the list, please keep in touch to let us know how that person is doing, as names are removed after three weeks. During the coming week, please pray for:

All Military Personnel
Our UM Missionaries
Dee Ellis
Rick Schartiger
Bob Templeman
Tracy Brinkley
Dallas Hutchens
Ann Worsham
Bob Monohan
Scott Burroughs
Chris Eddinger
Jerry Barker
Ann Chappell
Jacqui Butcher
David Conant, Sr.
Jessie Conner Jordan
Steve Moore
Faye Kanoy

OUR CHURCH FINANCE FIGURES FOR AUGUST

Total Expenses as of 08/31/18    $598,681.39
Total Income as of 08/31/18        $553,229.66
Net Deficit as of 08/31/18           ($45,451.73)

Qualified Charitable Contributions from IRAs and New Tax Laws for 2018

If you are 70½ or over and take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), or if you want to make other distributions from your IRA, you can take advantage of a law (for 2016 and later years) allowing you to designate part or all of your Required Minimum Distribution or other distributions (up to $100,000) each year to a qualified charity. Rather than receive a distribution check made out in your name, you would ask the administrator of your IRA to make a check out to a qualified charity. The designation to a charity reduces the income that you would normally have to report. You cannot claim the amount as a charitable donation; however, if you normally claim a standard deduction rather than itemizing deductions, you could find this to your tax advantage—especially since the standard deductions for 2018 and later years have generally been almost doubled.  Also, you may have a number of other circumstances where reducing your income would be to your tax advantage. Contact your tax advisor for further information.

MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS & GLOW KIDS KICK-OFF

RESCHEDULED
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

GLOW KIDS
3 – 4:30 PM
All Preschoolers age 3 through Kindergarten are invited.

MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS
5 – 7 PM
Recruiting new agents in 1st-5th grade who want to make a difference in the world!

We have moved this from Sep. 16 to Sep. 30.

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CONTACT LYNDA HEPLER.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP SUPPERS & PROGRAMS

WEDNESDAYS (BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 12)
5:30 PM  DOORS OPEN
5:45 PM  SUPPER BEGINS
6:10 PM  PROGRAMS / STUDIES

PLEASE NOTE: A SMALL CHANGE FOR THE SAKE OF COMMUNITY!
Doors open for fellowship at 5:30 PM, and food service begins at 5:45 PM.
If you arrive early, please feel free come on in and find a seat and spend some time meeting some new folks or catching up with some old friends! At 5:30 PM we will begin ANNOUNCEMENTS and BLESSING for the food.  Food will be served at 5:45 PM in order to accommodate those who want to join us, but need a little extra time to get to church after work. Thank you for your cooperation with this change that we hope will offer more opportunities  to get to know your neighbor(s)!!!
Programs and Studies begin at 6:10 PM.
Invite a friend and bring a neighbor!

[formidable id=”10″ title=”1″]If you do not want to make a reservation with the above form, please feel free to use these methods as well:
STOP BY: 101 Randolph Street (let our Receptionist know about your reservation)
CALL: (336) 472-7718

COST
$8 for Adults/Youth (12 yrs. & up),
Free for Children (6-11 yrs.) **dining with an adult**
$20 max per family

UPCOMING PROGRAMS
SEPTEMBER 12: Six-Week Study led by Senior Pastor Ben Devoid and Associate Pastor Peggy Finch, Different But Not Divided: Practicing a Third Way. (see below for more details about this study)
OCTOBER 17: Bishop Ken Carter of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, and a native of Western North Carolina: Video presentation of his address to the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, Remarks on “A Commission on a Way Forward.”

OTHER WEDNESDAY NIGHT OPPORTUNITIES
6:00 PM  Children’s Choir (3rd Floor, Main building) For more Info contact Lynda Hepler
6:30 PM  Children’s Bible Study (3rd Floor, Main Building) For more Info contact Lynda Hepler
6:00 PM Middle School Small Group (2nd floor, CEC) For more Info contact Rodney Denton
6:00 PM High School Small Group (2nd floor, CEC) For more Info contact Rodney Denton

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES Please join us!
7:35 PM  Chancel Choir Rehearsal For more Info contact Danny Frye
7:00 PM  MUMC Handbell Ringers Rehearsal For more Info contact Norris Norwood

DIFFERENT BUT NOT DIVIDED: PRACTICING A THIRD WAY

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
6:10 PM
FELLOWSHIP HALL

“Different But Not Divided: Practicing a Third Way.” A Six-Week Study led by Senior Pastor, Ben Devoid, and Associate Pastor, Peggy Finch.

Churches are closing every day. Beautiful, important communities that are desperately needed in a world thirsty for Love and Light, turn off the lights and close their doors. Often it is at the end of a painful journey that began with a disagreement, maybe over the meaning and intention of scripture, or culturally divisive issues, or it could just be about who gets to pick the color of carpet. When we love our theology more than our brothers and sisters we are usually left with only two options:

1. Create increasingly larger, theologically monolithic and homogeneous churches, or
2. Disintegrate, fracture and eventually close the doors and lose relationship with each other.

There is a Third Way—where, instead of fighting for our positions or fleeing for the safe haven of a group that looks, thinks, and believes like us, we live in the tension of our difference.

We are different, not divided.

It is not for the faint of heart, or those who have prioritized It is not for the faint of heart, or those who have prioritized efficiency over relationships. But it is an absolute requirement if you dream of a faith community that is zealous to live out the dream and prayer of Jesus that we be unified and one body.

¿Hablas Español?

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
6:30 PM
CEC: ROOM 100 (“NEW BEGINNINGS CLASS” ROOM)

New Conversational Spanish Class Starts Monday, Sep. 17.
This fall we are offering a beginning Spanish class/ Memorial’s Sandra Mardis graciously has agreed to lead the classes. A native Spanish speaker, Sandra looks forward to this new opportunity to use her bilingual abilities in service of Memorial’s ministry.

Please sign up with the office and purchase your textbook (see below). Childcare is provided; reserve childcare one week in advance (by Sep. 10 for first class) with Lynda Hepler. Children who are old enough to participate may join the class along with an adult family member.

Materials: Purchase your own copy of the textbook:
Practice Makes Perfect Basic Spanish, Second Edition: (Beginner) 325 Exercises + Online Flashcard App + 75-minutes of Streaming Audio (Practice Makes Perfect Series) 2nd Edition, by Dorothy Richmond.
The book is available for about $10 through Amazon or AmazonSmile (select “Memorial United Methodist Church” as your charity). Also bring pencil and paper to class for notes! “El amor nunca falla.” “Love never fails.” I Corinthians 13:8

CELEBRATE BRIAN’S BIG BIRTHDAY!!!

Brian Russell will be turning 50 this month, and his family is asking that people donate as they are able to the Blood Water Mission Project in his honor.

This organization partners with local organizations in Africa to build wells in communities that need them and to provide medical assistance to people with HIV/AIDS. Look for flyers and a bulletin insert with more. Here is the link to the organization if you’d like to know more or make a gift: https://www.bloodwater.org/.

Contact Elizabeth Russell with questions.

MEMORIAL UMC CHARGE CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 9
6:30 PM
CEC – ROOM 100

Administrative Board Meeting will meet to elect to accept the Report of Nominations and a preliminary 2019 budget. All members of the Administrative Board are encouraged to attend. We will meet in Room 100 of the Christian Enrichment Center.

Observance of the Annual Children’s Sabbath

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
8:50 & 11 AM
LUNCHEON: 12 PM

Please join us for worship as we celebrate “Moving Forward with Hope: Love and Justice for Every Child” in both worship services on Sunday, October 29 with our very own, Rev. Lynda Hepler preaching

The United Methodist Women sponsor this event and the children will be singing under the direction of Mrs. Doris Link. After the 11am service, everyone is invited to stay for the luncheon in the Fellowship Hall sponsored by the UMW.

FINCH PREACHING MISSION

OCTOBER 21 – 23
Rev. BRIAN COMBS

Be looking for a mailing soon about Finch Preaching Mission

Our guest preacher for 2018 is Brian Combs of Haywood Street UMC, Asheville. Look him up!

Note the worship schedule below. Our invited preacher this year is Rev. Brian Combs of Haywood Street UMC, Asheville, and the theme is Holy Chaos. Abundant Grace. Welcome Table.

Finch Preaching Mission Schedule of Worship Services

Sunday October 21 – 10:00 am & 7:00 pm (Yes, 10 am and 7 pm.)  (Congregational hymn sing begins at 6:45 pm.)

Monday October 22 – 7:00 pm (Congregational hymn sing begins at 6:45 pm.)

Tuesday October 23 – 7:00 pm (Congregational hymn sing begins at 6:45 pm.)

Child care will be provided for all services.

GIFTS GALORE

NOVEMBER 3
8 AM – 2 PM
CHRISTIAN ENRICHMENT CENTER

It’s that time of the year! Let’s celebrate the great artisans and crafters at Gifts Galore by coming to support them and our church on November 3 from 8 AM – 2 PM!  The event, which covers the entire first floor of the CEC, features gifts of glass, fabric, wood, and metal, as well as specialty foods.

Along with over 50 vendors, the UMW will offer jewelry, and Altar and Arts will provide Bags-R-Us and there will be a “One-of-a-Kind” Room. There will be sausage biscuits, hot dogs, a bake sale, Chad’s Carolina Popcorn, and treasured cookbooks.

Funds from this day go to Memorial’s programs and missions. Please come shop for your friends, loved ones, and yourself as you help our church!!

Thank you, Your Special Projects Committee

Interested in reserving a table? Have a question? Contact Marie Carmichael @   336-476-4625 (h)   or   336-880-1930 (c)

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEP. 24-27 PROJECT AGAPE COLLECTION
SEP. 30  G.L.O.W. KIDS & MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS KICK-OFF
OCT. 6    PUMPKIN DOWNLOAD
OCT. 7    CHILDREN’S SABBATH (Lunch to follow)
OCT. 21 – 23 FINCH PREACHING MISSION
OCT. 28  CHURCH PICNIC (KOONTZ FAMILY FARM)
OCT. 31  TRUNK-R-TREAT
NOV. 3 – GIFTS GALORE
NOV. 22  THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST
DEC 1  JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM SET UP
DEC 2  CHANCEL CHOIR ADVENT CANTATA
DEC 9  CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP ADVENT PROGRAM
DEC 7 – 9  JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
DEC 23  LOVE FEAST
DEC 24 CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION

IF YOU HAVE A CHURCH EVENT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE ADDED TO OUR CALENDAR, PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN FRYE.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

October 1 Finance Committee (6:30 PM)
October 2 Nominations Committee (6:30 PM)
October 7  Stewardship Meeting (6:30 PM)
October 9  Administrative Board (6:30 PM)
January 29 Finance Committee (6:30 PM)

If you are a committee Chairperson and would like for your meetings to be put on the calendar, please contact SUSAN FRYE, Memorial Church Executive Secretary!

GIRL SCOUTS!

1st & 3rd THURSDAYS
ROOM 100
CHRISTIAN ENRICHMENT CENTER

Calling all Girls! A new program year for the Girl Scouts is starting in September, and our troop wants YOU! Don’t miss the outdoor fun, making new friends, and learning exciting skills.

Come join us while we create confident, caring girls who make the world a better place. Spots are available for grades K-12.

Contact Cassie Kurtz at 614-309-3611 for more information

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS
Wednesday Night Children’s Choir and Bible Study will resume on Sept 12th.
• Children’s Choir 6:00 – 6:30 PM (3rd floor music room)
• Bible Study 6:30 – 7:15 PM (3rd floor yellow room)

SEP 30 – KICKOFF FOR GLOW & MP KIDS
GLOW Kids Kickoff will be Sept 30, 3:00-4:30 pm! All Pre-Schoolers ages 3 through Kindergarten are invited.
Mission Possible Kids kickoff is Sept. 30, 5:00-7:00 pm. Recruiting new agents ages 1st – 5th grade who want to make a difference in the world!

OCT 7 – CHILDREN’S SABBATH
Our Annual Observance of the Children’s Sabbath. The children will help lead the service at both 8:50 and 11 AM.

OCT 14 – GLOW & MP KIDS MEET
GLOW & MP Kids @ 3PM & 5PM

OCT 31 – TRUNK R TREAT
Trunk R Treat will be on Halloween this year!! Start gathering your ideas for car decorations and collecting candy, it will be a big night! Runs 6:30 -7:45 PM. Setup begins at 5:30 pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY, PLEASE CONTACT REV. LYNDA HEPLER.

UMW CIRCLES

UMW Circles Resume this Month!

The Morning Circle meets every third Monday at 10 (Girl Scout Rm.).

The Evening Circle meets every third Monday at 6 (usually at Sunrise Grill).

The Sunday Circle meets weekly during Sunday School (Heritage Rm.).

For more information, please contact Cheryl Herman.

What Child Is This…Journey To Bethlehem

DECEMBER 7 – 9
6 – 9 PM
CHURCH PARKING LOT

Imagine the town of Bethlehem. You have been ordered to go there, pay your taxes, and be counted in the census. Being the good citizen that you are, you put this on your calendar and make plans and preparations because the Emperor is expecting you.

YOU CAN BE A PART OF THIS EXPERIENCE without even making a plane reservation. (Church members devote this one weekend to the journey.) This trip is completely FREE. Simply load up the family car and come to Memorial United Methodist Church on December 7, 8, or 9. The hours are 6 to 9 PM, and on Sunday Dec. 9, the hours are 5 to 8 PM.

The entire city of Thomasville and surrounding communities are invited to join you on this trip.

ENTRY:
You will enter Second Avenue from Taylor Street and proceed toward Bethlehem. At the entrance you will be greeted by the census takers and their camels resting nearby. You then proceed through the city where you may see wise men, prophets, tax collectors, and lots of people just milling about trying to find out about the bright star … the child that has been born … and where they can see all of this that is happening. Those making this trip with you will be able to visualize what could have been happening some 2000 plus years ago. Sheep, goats, or donkeys can be seen grazing nearby, and the wealthiest bringing their camels. Roman soldiers may be moving about on horseback. As you continue you will be led to the Star shining brightly above. There you will find baby Jesus, wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in the trough.

WANT TO HELP?
Preparation and behind the scenes work is already in progress to make this event come alive.  YOU can be a part of this exciting and inspiring weekend!

VILLAGE SET UP:
DECEMBER 2
2 PM
Contact Roger Bryant

WANT TO BE A CHARACTER?
Contact Leslie Gibbs

For other information, concerns or questions:
Call the Church Office: (336) 472-7718
OR Contact Dr. David Williams

Give the Gift of Purpose

Blythe Leonard is raising funds for Cooperative Community Ministry (CCM) through the sale of gift items (shirts, hats, key chains, and tote bags). All profits from the sale of these items will be donated to CCM. Please see flyers around church for more details, or call 336-687-5366.

THOMASVILLE COMMUNITY NOTES…

The Stranger to Neighbor Dinner was a wonderful success.
Before the weather could thoroughly hinder our plans, we gathered at Our Lady of the Highways Catholic Church on Sept. 14 for an evening of Christian fellowship. Another successful step forward! See the next announcement for an invitation conveyed that evening and extended to our congregation.

You’re invited to the annual Multicultural Celebration at Our Lady of the Highways Catholic Church.
The event will be held Sunday Sept. 30 at 1 pm. Good food and entertainment will be provided—all free of charge.