July 12, 2010      

Bringing Delight to God

 As I’m writing this, I am imagining you sitting down late in your day and beginning tolook through this newsletter for information and opportunities about St. Andrew to which you belong.   Perhaps your are scanning my column first since it’s here in front.  Now, whatever has occupied your mind and energy today, please put it aside for a moment.   I want you to be occupied instead with an important question:  What have you done today that has brought delight to God?   Since you are made in God’s image, since God longs to delight in you, what have you done this very day to bring pleasure and joy to the heart of God?

Whatever it is, I can guarantee you that it has brought gladness to your heart as well.  When you please God, you please that part of you that is in touch with God, that part of you that delights in loving God.  You are happier and more alive.  You are less angry, less worried and less stressed.

          I believe one of the main purposes of belonging to the Body of Christ, the church, is so that your exposure to God is enhanced, your awareness of God is heightened, and your delight in God is increased.  And this is not simply something we expect the church to do for us; it is something that we do for one another.  Has anyone delighted in God today because of you?

Has anyone understood grace a little better because grace was at work in you, through you?

Okay, one more question.  How about tomorrow?

 Your friend and pastor,

 MACK

 p.s. Thanks for the love, support, and prayers that you have shown me! 

        I look forward to being back with you after my surgery and recovery.

ADULT NEWS

  Murphy-Harpst Annual Day of Giving

Murphy-Harpst is s United Methodist organization that provides behavioral health care, educational, preventative and intervention services to children and their families.  Help is provided to Georgia’s most severely abused children.  Murphy-Harpst is often the last hope for children who have failed in as many as 10-20 previous placements.  The program is designed to heal the whole person, providing professional therapy as well as Christian nurturing.  July 18 is designated by the North Georgia Conference as the annual day of giving to Murphy-Harpst but you have the opportunity to give throughout the month of July.  Please prayerfully consider your offering to save the lives of many children.  Please make your check to St. Andrew and put Murphy-Harpst in the memo line.

                                                                  

Red Bucket Sunday-July 25

On July 25, please remember to bring your change to the service of your choice.  As we add to our Red Bucket Fund, we decrease our mortgage and increase our missions.  If you would like a mini-red bucket in which to collect your change, please stop by the church office.

 

Comedy Night-August 4, 6:30pm

In a world of sorrow, pain and difficulty, it is good for God’s people to remember our source of joy and laughter, Jesus Christ.  Our joy and laughter can also be a witness.  We need to show the world that Christians are filled with joy.  Dennis Swanberg provides wholesome entertainment for the whole family.  Join us for ice cream, dessert, and laughter as we watch Dennis Swanberg videos.  Invite your friends and neighbors to show the world the joy of being a Christian.

Teacher Training-August 11, 5:30-7pm

New or seasoned teachers please plan to attend this short training session.  No matter how long we have taught, we can always learn something new.  Rev. Cindy Blocksidge, Executive Pastor of McEachern UMC, will be our trainer.  A light supper will be served at 5:30 with training beginning at 6:00pm.  Please RSVP to Marcie for children teachers, Lisa for youth teachers, and Rev. Angie for adult teachers.

 

Dinner and Jazz Concert–August 29, 5:30pm

Join us for fellowship, food, and entertainment.  Enjoy a covered dish dinner and then relax to the music of Memory Lane Jazz Ensemble.  This ensemble is part of the East Cobb New Horizons Band of which our own Donna Howard is a member.  If your last name begins with A-M bring a side dish and if your name begins with N-Z, please bring a main dish or meat.  Please remember that we will be feeding the musicians as well.  Dinner begins at 5:30 and the concert begins at 6:30.  A love offering will be taken.

 

Adult Bible Studies

Many exciting Bible studies are beginning soon.  There are studies on Wednesday night after Wednesday Night Dinner, Disciple Bible Studies and Christian Believer on Sunday nights, and day time studies as well. For information about these studies, please check the web site, under educational opportunities or pick up a flier in the Narthex, Atrium, or church office.  Register by turning in the registration form to the church office or by contacting Rev. Angie, angie@thepumpkinchurch.org or770-926-3488

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

 

 Stephen Ministry

 Stephen Ministry equips laypersons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community. Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who express God’s care for others through their lives. Stephen Ministers:

• Receive 50 hours of initial training in caring ministry skills and concepts
• Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
• Visit those in need regularly and dependably to offer Christian support and care
• Participate regularly in groups for support and supervision
• Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
• Serve for at least two years
• Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private. If you are interested in a Stephen ministry contact Rev. Mack, Rev. Angie or Sandy Klingler sandy@thepumpkinchurch.org.

 

 Helping Hands

 Our meal ministry is very low.  We are in need of food which we give out to our church family after a surgery, new baby, loss of a loved one.  We give out over 50 meals a year. If you could help with this very important ministry please email Sandy@thepumpkinchurch.org or call 770-926-3488.

  

Red Cross Blood Drive

 Mark your calendars the next Red Cross Blood Drive will be Tuesday, August 24 from 2pm-7pm. To sign up email sandy@thepumpkinchurch.org.

 

Summer Yoga

 Yoga benefits: Flexibility

Yoga benefits: Strength

Yoga benefits: Posture

Yoga benefits: Breathing

Yoga benefits: Less stress, more calm

The summer schedule for yoga will remain the same.

Mondays 10am

Tuesday 7pm

Thursday 10am

Thursday 7pm

$30.00 a month, your first class is free!

Childcare is will be available upon request.  Any questions see Sandy or email sandy@thepumpkinchurch.org

CHURCH NEWS

Welcome New Member- John Davis

 

Appalachia Service Project (ASP)

25th Anniversary Trip!!

 

St. Andrew has been sending teams to Appalachia for 25 years to serve in communities to make homes warmer, safer and drier.  This year because of your support you are sending a team of 39 youth and adults to serve the week of July 11-17.  Please be in prayer for the following youth and adults:

Adam Audet, Meredith Bass, Ethan Bilkert, Lauren Brown, Thomas Cox, Sarah Cullom,Molly Hamilton, Beau Johnson, Tim Kimbrough, J.D. Krupilis, Seth Perryman, Emily Rethman, Alex Shade, Jacqui Sims, Hampton Vann, Adam Wright, Stephanie Wright, Spencer Cullom, Kirby Earnhardt, Lauren Hall, Leslie Klein, Lacy Knight, Jamie McCarthy, Niki McCarthy, Chris Sims, Chelsea Wright, Sean Zaragoza, Darrell Brown, Patti Cox, Katherine Cullom, Bruce Fuerstenberg, Bill Gibson, Betsy Knight, Kim Mann, Lorna Martin, Chip McCarthy, Chris Pendarvis, Lisa Springer and Bob Weir.

 

UNDIES FOR MUST

We will be collecting NEW underwear for MUST in the month of July.  Please bring underwear for men (sizes med, large, XL), Women’s and Children’s underwear is also in need.  MUST is also in need of shoes for all ages.

 

Preschool News

Please help the Preschool fill the last class openings for Fall!  We currently have several openings for 16 months – 2 year-olds and a  few openings for 3’s and 4’s.

 Recruit a new preschool family this summer and the Preschool will donate $25 to the Red Bucket Campaign in your honor.     Remember that Preschool Families frequently become church members as well!

 Ask the new family to mention your name so we can thank you and make the donation when they register.

                          

Photograph a Child-Feed a Family