The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1
The story of Abraham and Sarah, “The Great Family” as the children know it has always been a captivating story about a journey of faith. Abram and his family leave the land of Haran and set out into the desert heading into the unknown to make a new home. A land that God will show them. It is a story about following the calling of God and their faithful response to God’s call.
Over the course of my ministry, I have heard God’s call upon my life. First as a lay person volunteering to teach a pre-school Sunday School class, to becoming a certified Christian Educator and on to following God’s call to become an ordained Deacon in the Church. When I received my call into children’s ministry, I could never imagine doing anything else! God is always equipping us for our next steps in ministry and in service to Him. Over the last year or so, I have been drawn deeper and deeper into exploring spiritual formation and the creative process through sacred art. For me to be obedient to this calling, I will be taking a one-year sabbatical leave as I discern and equip myself as to how I live out this calling in ministry. I’m feeling a lot like Abram. God has pointed a direction into the unknown. And like Abram, I must follow this calling not knowing where it leads. I covet your prayers as I go into this new time of discovery.
My sabbatical will begin January 1, 2025. Danny and the SPRC are seeking to fill my position with the church. In the meantime, the Children’s Council will be going through training and overseeing the children’s programming at Memorial until the position is filled after my departure. I will always treasure the fond memories of my time serving at Memorial and wish everyone many blessings.
Rev. Lynda Hepler
Minster of Children and Families
HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF & RECOVERY SUPPORT
With the devastation of Hurricane Helene, our neighbors in the western part of our state are/ will be in need of many things. Number one is Prayer, with that being said, there are multiple ways to support our brothers and sisters in the mountains:
You can give directly to MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (MUMC) by CREDIT CARD HERE (please scroll under “Fund” and choose “WNCC- Hurricane Relief” or “UMCOR” in order to give to disaster relief) OR write a CHECK to “MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH” and note in the MEMO LINE that you are designating the funds to go to: (“HURRICANE RELIEF” OR “WNCC” OR “UMCOR“). We will make sure that your donations go to the proper agency.
ALSO, you can give directly to the WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE (WNCC) by CREDIT CARD HERE OR if you would rather give by CHECK (and want to send it directly), make your check payable to “WNCC Treasurer”, note on the MEMO LINE: “Disaster Response” and mail to:
(PLEASE NOTE: All donations given directly to the WNCC will be used for Disaster Relief efforts within our Conference.)
Western North Carolina Conference
Attn: Carol Bateman
P.O. Box 2757
Huntersville, NC 28070-2757
ALSO, you can give directly to the UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF (UMCOR) by CREDIT CARD HERE OR if you would rather give by CHECK (and want to send it directly), make your check payable to: “UMCOR“, and note on the MEMO LINE: “Advance # 901670” and mail to:
(PLEASE NOTE: By giving through “The Advance”, 100% of your donation reaches your chosen mission project or ministry, but it will be used wherever support is needed. So, it could also help people in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia!)
The Advance
458 Ponce De Leon Ave, NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
If you have any questions, please contact the OFFICE (336) 472-7718. We will be glad to help you out.
We continue our support of our friends in Western North Carolina. There are a number of ways you can help.
We have previously sent ways you can send money.
A local trucking company, Sun Delivery, will be taking a load of supplies to Western North Carolina next week. If you would like to purchase and send supplies, this is a means for doing that.
You can bring your items to church this Sunday. Here is a list of requested/ needed items:
FOOD (Non-perishable Items)
Pull – Tab Can Goods (Soup, Vegetables, Meat)
Can Openers
Breakfast (Dry Cereal, Pop Tarts, Granola Bars)
Peanut Butter
100% Fruit Juice (20oz or smaller)
Sports Drinks (20oz or smaller)
Individual Snacks (Crackers, Rice Krispies, Etc.)
Individual Fruit (Fruit Cups, Applesauce, ETC.)
Water (Bottled, Gallon)
CLEANING SUPPLIES
Bleach
Disinfectant
Mops
Buckets
Rubber/ Plastic Gloves
Sponges
Brooms
Trash Bags (Kitchen, Large Heavy Duty)
BABY SUPPLIES
Diapers (All Sizes)
Baby Wipes
Baby Formula
Baby Food (No Glass)
BEDDING/ LINENS
Cots
Sleeping Bags
Pillows
Blankets
Sheets
Towels
Wash Cloths
CLOTHING
Underwear (All Sizes)
Socks (All Sizes)
PAPER SUPPLIES
Plates
Bowls
Cups
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Pre-Wrapped Flatware
Plastic Bags (Storage, Gallon)
PET SUPPLIES
Dry Food
Canned Food
HYGIENE KITS
Razor
Shaving Cream (Travel)
Body Wash (Travel or Regular)
Toothbrush (Individual)
Toothpaste
Mouthwash (Travel)
Hand Sanitizer (8oz or smaller)
Deodorant
Feminine Products
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Non-Prescription Drugs
Band-Aids
Medical Tape
Ointments
Disinfectant Spray or Wipes
Eye Drops
Chapstick
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
NEW AND UNOPENED ITEMS ONLY.
Thank you!