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McDonough First United Methodist Church
E-Note
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The Lord blessed our worship experience yesterday with a visual reminder of baptism. How wonderful it was to enter into covenant with a young couple, Mike and Amanda Kiner, who are doing their very best to be examples of Christ's love to their young daughter, Dylann. Thank you for your covenant prayer support of the Kiner family!
The coming of fall brings new life to our church! This Sunday, I will begin a series of sermons on the suject of "Stewardship." On Sunday, October 2, members of the Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development (CONALD) will begin a series of meetings to prayerfully determine who will lead us in various ways during the year 2012. There is much to celebrate at McDonough First UMC!
I am so thankful and appreciative of how you take care of various members of the "McDonough First family" - including us! Dotti continues to improve from her foot surgery, and your cards, calls, visits, and food (to mention just a few) are powerful and welcoming touches toward her healing.
~ Darris
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Finance Team Update
Keith Shurbutt, Finance Team Captain
Thank you for your faithful giving to the programs and ministries of McDonough First UMC. Your generosity is the fuel that makes this engine run and is most gratefully appreciated. As reported in the most recent e-note, we had been operating 2011 at a year-to-date surplus through July. However, the month of August was disappointing from a financial perspective and we ended the month with a $14,400 deficit (revenues less than expenses) for the 8 month period. This was primarily due to a drop off in giving for the month of August ($43,600 in August vs. average monthly giving of $66,200 during the first seven months of the year).
Also note that only $10,800 was received for the Building Fund in August, vs. our monthly need of $15,500. While one month does not constitute a trend, we thought it important to alert you to this development and encourage you to do your part in closing this gap during the month of September. Thanks again and I'm looking forward to reporting better results in our next financial update in October.
Operating Budget
August Income: $43,595
August Expenses: $68,845
YTD Income: $506,947
YTD Expenses: $521,337 ($1,800 under budget)
Building Fund
August Income $10,805
August Need $15,500
YTD Interest Paid $72,842
YTD Principal Paid $50,753
Principal Balance $1.78 Million
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Scenes from Sunday - 9/18/11
Photos by Carla DeLoach (Thanks Carla!)
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Children's Ministry
Amy May, Minister to Children
JUMP meets on Sunday, September 25 from 5:00-7:00 in the basement. We'll join together for a service project. All 3rd-5th graders are invited to attend. Here are some pictures from our last JUMP outing to Heritage Park on September 11:
Children's Council meets on Tuesday, September 20th at 6:30 at Amy May's home. Anyone interested in serving the children of our church are welcome to attend and help make decisions about children's ministries for the upcoming year.
Help needed on Wednesday Nights: We still need volunteers to help with children's programs on October 5, 12, and 19th. We will be learning about the church, our spiritual gifts, and how we serve the church. Two adults are needed to lead art sessions and two adults are needed to guide children on a tour of our church.
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Locked and Loaded...Calling All High School Youth
Mike Broome
Sunday, October 2nd, immediately after the 11 o'clock worship service is our high school only paintball outing to Dan's Land. This will be a great chance to invite friends, join the youth or come for the first time. The cost is $20 and includes all equipment and paintballs. You may bring your own equipment but Dan's Land will lower the gun pressure and we will be using non-automatic. Please bring extra money for lunch on the way down. Drinks will be provided. Bring two paying youth guests (never visited with us before) and your way is paid. Adults - if this sounds like fun, we will need chaperones for this trip and to provide cover for Pastor Mike.
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UMYF Worship, Fun & Fellowship on 9/18/11
Photos by Carla DeLoach
UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship) is on Sunday evenings at 5:30 in the ER (located in the Rodgers Center. This ministry is open to all middle and high school youth. It begins with a snack supper, a short time of worship, discussion, and then recreation. If you have a son or daughter who is not currently attending UMYF, they are encouraged and welcome to join us. See you Sunday night!
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New Beginnings Sunday School Class
New Beginnings Sunday School Members, remember our Sunday School party will be held on Saturday, October 1. We will meet at the Schwendingers' beautiful picnic area across from the church at 5:30 and have a great time. Our meal is being catered, so please call Gloria Thorp at 770-957-1153 to indicate your attendance.
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Organ Recital - October 2
Our organist, Alex Benford, will be presenting a recital at Spivey Hall at 3:00 on Sunday, October 2. Admission is free and you are cordially invited to join him for an afternoon with the beautiful, majestic Spivey Hall pipe organ. Spivey Hall is located on the campus of Clayton State University. For directions, please visit their website or call 770-466-4200.
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ACTS 242 - Wednesdays at McDonough First
Menu for Wednesday, September 21 - baked ham, scalloped potatoes, honey glazed carrots, salad with chicken, assorted cookies. Please email your dinner reservation to Janie at
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. Dinner is $6 for adults, $3 for children under 12, or $20 per family. Cancellations must be received by Wednesday at 9:00 am. Dinner is served at 5:30 in the Coan Fellowship Hall. Please join us for great food and fellowship!
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Over 50s Group
Virginia Moore, Coordinator
Think Fall and leaves changing color! It's time for our FALL APPLE TRIP to Blue Ridge on Oct 13! We'll leave early, bypass Mercier's Orchard and head to Carolina to check out a mountainous size Ten Commandments, and more in this Bible Park. It's breathtaking and memorable! After this we will head to our favorite orchard to purchase apples, fried pies and gifts, then on toward home and Ellijay for some of Poole's famous BarBQue. Cost is $6.00 per person for gasoline as you board the bus.
On November 3 please join us for Lunch and Learn with Chef and Nutrionalist, Chef Joe, who will prepare lunch in front of us while teaching us how to make a delicious and healthy meal. Cost is $14 per person.
Please email Virginia Moore at
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to be added to the Over 50s email distribution list or for more information.
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UMW News
Ann Jones, UMW President
The UMW Bake Sale is coming up on Saturday, October 8. We are asking UMW ladies and all bakers in the church to please help out with donations of homemade baked items (cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies, cookies, breads). Someone will be available in the Rodgers Center Gym on Friday, Oct. 7th, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm to receive baked goods. They may also be brought to the gym early Saturday morning, October 8th. Thank you.
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Paddle Faster...I Hear Banjos
Mike Broome
Saturday, October 15th is our first adult only whitewater rafting trip down the Chattooga River. The cost is $50 per person or $85 per couple. We will leave early in the morning, ride to the river and spend 5-6 hours on the river with a deli-style lunch on the water. This outing is sponsored by our young adult ministries but is open to all adults 18-50. If you are interested, please contact the church office to RSVP. Checks should be made out to the church with "rafting" in the memo/for line.
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Wesley Walk for Others
The Annual Wesley Walk for Others will be held on October 22 at 7:30 at Stone Mountain UMC. This year's participation in the walk will be coordinated by our youth under the leadership of Mackenzie Van Boxel and Mike Broome. Minimum donation for participants is $25. For information about how to take part, please contact Mike Broome at
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. You can also visit the Wesley Centers' website to learn more about the event.
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Fall Bazaar and Flea Market
The Fall Bazaar and Flea Market will be held on October 8th and the trailer that will be used for storage for the event is on location in the Rodgers Center lot. The Mission Committee will be accepting most any kind of item for sale (with the exception of shoes, mattresses or stuffed animals) in good, clean condition. All proceeds benefit local missions. For more information about the Bazaar and Flea Market and how you can help, please contact Jill McCune at
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, Lee Hunter at
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, or Jennifer Tedder at
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Many Hearts, Many Hands Golf Tournament
Sign up is underway for the Many Hearts, Many Hands Golf Tournament. The event will be be held October 24th at Heron Bay Golf Club. Please contact Gary Terrell at 678-481-1468 or
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to sign up your team of four, as an individual, or for a business or personal sponsorship. Checks should be made payable to McDonough First UMC. Foursomes are $300 and individual golfers are only $85. The proceeds of this year's tournament will be used to support our Great Day of Service with Wesley Chapel UMC. Thank you for your support of our mission ministry.
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How to Help the Homeless
The Mission Committee
1. Never give cash to a homeless person. Too often, well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol - even when the "hard luck" stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage.
2. Talk to the person with respect. Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.
3. Recognize that homeless people are not all the same. The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered women, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills...the list goes on.
4. Share God's love whenever you can. If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through those who believe and follow Him.
5. Pray for the homeless. Exposure to the elements, dirt, occasional violence, and lack of purpose all drain years from a person's life. God can use your prayers and the brutality and the futility of life of the street to bring many of the broken to Himself. We have been amazed at how much homeless persons appreciate someone taking the time to listen to their concerns and pray with them. You may feel powerless to help someone in a difficult situation, but the power of prayer connects you with a powerful God!
6. Take precautions for your own safety. Some living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don't take unnecessary chances.
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Membership News
Worship Attendance for 9/18/11:
Sunday School: 158
8:30: 82
11:00: 265
Total Worship Attendance: 347
UMYF: 24
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Enote is a weekly publication of McDonough First United Methodist Church. Please email news items for Enote by Noon on Fridays to
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
151 Macon Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-4150
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
E-Note
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Being a Covenant Church
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement (which later became what we know today as the United Methodist Church) shared this favorite prayer:
Wesley Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
Hebrews 12:1-3 challenges us to throw off all that hinders us and to fix our focus on Christ as we run this race. Let us covenant together to seek Christ in all things and in all ways and to focus on Christ over the coming months. Let us, in true Wesley fashion, covenant to be open to new opportunities for ministry and worship. Let us covenant to respond in love to one another. Let us covenant to handle disagreements in a biblical way and to always seek what is best for not only the church but, more importantly, the Kingdom. Let us covenant this day, to be the Christ filled believers that God has called us to be. And let us covenant to gather in prayer and support of our incoming Senior Pastor, seeking to trust his vision and his leadership for ministry amongst us.
In His Service,
Mike
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Annual Conference is This Week
This week is Annual Conference for our North Georgia Conference. Clergy and lay delegates from every church will gather in Athens, Georgia along with the Bishop and the Cabinet. Annual Conference will convene on Tuesday morning and adjourn Friday afternoon and can be followed on the internet by going to the North Georgia Conference website at www.ngumc.org. Those attending will be witness to the Ordination and Commissioning of new clergy in our conference and elections for General Conference and Southeast Jurisdictional delegates. Our church will be represented by our delegates - Joe and Gloria Thorp, Nan Lee, Alice Smith and Rev. Dana Everhart and Rev. Mike Broome. Please keep all of our lay and clergy delegates in your prayers during this important time in the life of The United Methodist Church. |
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Offering for Bishop's Appeal
Please remember this is the third and final year of our three year pledge to fund the Bishop's Appeal for the Central Conference Pension Initative. Two years ago, we made a commitment of $10,000 to go toward helping fund the pension and retirement program for clergy serving and retiring from the Central Conference of the United Methodist Church, many who have faithfully served the church but who are now in poverty in many of the Third World Countries around the world. If you would like to give toward this need, please make a separate check with "Central Conference" written in the memo/for line. Thank you for taking care of those who have served the church.
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Installation Service for Dana Everhart
There will be a Service of Installation for Rev. Dana Everhart as the new Atlanta Emory District Superintendent on Sunday, June 26th at 3:00 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur. A group from McDonough First United Methodist Church will be be attending. Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 to reserve a spot on the church bus.
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Welcome Luncheon for Darris & Dotti Baker
There will be a welcome luncheon for our new Senior Minister, Darris Baker, and his wife, Dotti after the 11:00 worship service on their first Sunday at McDonough First on June 26th. SPRC will provide chicken, and the church family is asked to provide a covered dish to share. Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 so an accurate headcount can be shared with SPRC.
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Salute to our Ushers
JB Bass, Team Captain
To all the women and men who serve as ushers at McDonough First - THANK YOU for the great job you do! Whether it be a routine Sunday service or a special event, you graciously step forward and do whatever is needed to support the worship ministry. Visitors as well as our own District Superintendent Mike Cash have been most complimentary of the manner and spirit in which our usher team operates.
We are always looking for people who would like to join the usher team and become a regular at either the 8:30 or 11:00 service. Currently there are open slots at both services that need to be filled. Please consider this area of ministry and service and let me know at
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if you are interested in serving. Thanks!
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Children's Ministry
Amy May, Minister to Children
Don't forget out weekly playdates each Tuesday from 9:00-11:00 am on the Academy playground. Parents are expected to stay on the premises and supervise their children. Everyone is invited, so bring your friends and neighbors.
JUMP (all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders) will volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank on Thursday, June 23. Meet in the church parking lot at 7:30 am. We will return around 2:30 after volunteering and lunch at the Varsity. Please RSVP to Amy at
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if you can attend the event.
Registration is still open for VBS. Our remaining nights are June 15, 22, and 29. Come whenever your family is in town and bring a friend. This week we'll ldarn about compassion through the parable of the Good Samaritan.
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Youth Ministry
Emily Harper, Interim Minister to Students
We still need the youth to help with VBS on June 15th, 22nd and 29th. Also, please mark your calendars for Monday, June 27th, when the youth will go roller skating in Jackson, Georgia.
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McDonough First Member Spotlight
Wayne Stroud
 Wayne is one of those folks who is seen often around the church, helping out in many ways. Wayne has been member of McDonough First since 1953. He has been Treasurer of the Billy Fields Sunday School class for 30 years and serves on the Kitchen Committee. Wayne comes on Wednesday nights to help in the kitchen, but he isn't just there on Wednesdays; he can be seen many other occasions when the kitchen is being used to oversee things and make sure it is kept clean and that things are running properly. He is also involved with the United Methodist Men and served as Treasurer for ten years. During the fall bazaar, Wayne helps out with the BBQ and the proceeds from the UMM BBQ goes towards missions.
Wayne worked as a service technician at Beaudry Ford for 31 years and at Gene Eveans Ford for 6 years before retirement. He has been retired for four years. He is also retired from the Navy, having spent four years in active duty and 18 years in Naval Reserve.
Wayne is married to Brenda and their oldest daughter is Stefanie Borrows. Stacy Clark is their youngest daughter, and both Stefanie and Stacy are nurses. Stefanie's daughter, Laurin Kuenzi just finished her first year of college, and Stacy has two children, Addison and Austin.
58 years is quite a long time to be an active member in one church! Wayne has enjoyed many friendships he has made at McDonough First. Some of those folks are still around, and some are gone. Wayne says he would advise new members and long standing members alike to become involved in something, whether it be in attending a Sunday school class, a Disciple class, or serving on a committee or another group in the church. He also says we should remember to "give thanks to the Lord every day and ask forgiveness, making Him your number one priority, and love your neighbor as yourself. It is important to set an example of servant ministry and not wait for others to do so."
Wayne is appreciated for all he does for McDonough First and for our community and church family.
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UMW
All ladies participating in the reading program, please have "Report of Completion of Requirements" in by June 26th. They can be left in the UMW box outside of the church office or may be given to Darlyne Vaughn. Thank you for your participation.
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UMM
The United Methodist Men is starting a new Bible study entitled "Christianity and World Religions" by Adam Hamilton. The study begins on Sunday, July 10th at 7:30 in the Coan Fellowship Hall in conjunction with the regular monthly UMM Breakfast. (Please note that due to the 4th of July holiday, the group will meet on the second Sunday).
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Pastoral Counseling & Training Center
Bob Griffin, Director
There will be a Grief Recovery Workshop, an eight week program on Tuesday evenings, beginning on July 12th. If you have experienced the death of a loved one, consider participating in the Grief Recovery Workshop. This program is being offered free of charge to the community starting on Tuesday, July 12th.
Few people are prepared for a loved one's death. So when it happens, it is difficult to face. The changes can be overwhelming following a loss. Everyone who has lost a loved one needs to be reassured that they are not alone or abnormal in their grief. There is no "right way" to grieve. We all love differently, and we grieve differently. Support groups can provide information and guidance to help find the way through difficult transitions.
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Parents' Night Out/ Date Night
Need an evening without the kids? Date Night gives you the opportunity to take a well-deserved break. Go out for a night on the town feeling confident that your little ones are safe and having fun! Date Night will be this Friday, June 17th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. The event is sponsored by Angela Beattie, with all donations going to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure against Breast Cancer. To reserve your spot or for more information, please call Angela at 678-432-9669 or email
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Disaster Recovery a Huge Success
At times in life when some of the most dire situations occur, God's people move to respond and be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. During the recent Tornado damage, our church mobilized as the lead church in responding to the devastation and destruction in the Vaughn Community of Griffin. In an area where Vaughn UMC and 14 homes once stood, now only 2 ½ buildings remain. The road will be a long one, but the recovery efforts have almost ended and the community will begin rebuilding. Once again church, you can take great pride in knowing that The United Methodist Church was the first organization to respond and continues to be the only organization that remains. The success of this incredible ministry and task has fallen to the phenomenal organization and passion of our very own Bill Hightower. Stepping out in faith, Bill has organized and coordinated the Disaster Recovery efforts for the Griffin District and has played an incredible role in identifying needs, matching them with resources and training Emergency Response Teams for quick response. On behalf of the Mission Team and our entire church, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Bill for his incredible leadership, passion and expertise. Thanks Bill.
There remains several more debri piles (timber) requiring chainsaws and removal. If you are able to volunteer some of your time, please contact Bill at 404-402-0480.
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Feeding the Children
Our community supports a wonderful ministry to children at greatest risk at A Friend's House shelter. Once a month, our church was committed to serving pizza, drinks and salad for the dozen or so staff and children. This wonderful ministry has been coordinated by Tonya McKenzie and is in need of a new coordinator who can contact the classes and small groups of our church and recruit a dedicated volunteer group, to serve once a month. If you or your group would like to coordinate this ministry, we will provide the contact information for the shelter and each of our small groups. Please contact Jill McCune at 770-474-5326 for more information. If we are unable to identify a new coordinator, we will need to remove our church from this once a month ministry.
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Community Health Fair
Our joint Community Health Fair with Wesley Chapel UMC is fast approaching on Saturday July 30th from 10:00 to 3:00 in the gymnasium. We have 50 vendors and exhibitors scheduled to provide life changing information and medical testing to our own congregation and community. Our Academy will be sponsoring a child ID project and Bob Griffin will have information regarding his counseling services and also will share a presentation on Advance Directives with Nurse Practitioner, Tracy Cain English from Wesley Chapel. There will be a wide variety of vendors from body building ice cream to NH insurance information. Sports physicals for youth will be offered free on a first come, first serve basis. If you have questions or want more information, please call or talk to one of our main committee members, Vicki Gilmer, Nan Lee, Molly Szymanski or Ruth Ann Welty.
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Wesley Chapel - Annual Car Show
Wesley Chapel UMC presents their Annual Car Show on Saturday, July 16th from 12:00 to 4:30 pm. Please contact Tonja Johnson at 770-366-4526 for more information.
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Tom Key's Cotton Patch Gospel
Cotton Patch Gospel, performed by the Henry Players, is coming to a church near you. 100% of the ticket price will go toward the Henry County Habitat for Humanity this fall, a ministry in which our church is a partner and lead church. Performance dates and locations are: June 17th - Stockbridge Community Church and June 18th - Wesley Way United Methodist Church. All performances are at 7 p.m. and price is $15 per ticket. Additional donations may be made out to the church with "Habitat" in the memo/for line. Tickets are available from the church office, Moye's Pharmacy, The Henry Players' Website, and at Habitat for Humanity's website. |
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From Alabama Rural Ministry
Dear McDonough First UMC,
We are so excited to have Sara Guy on staff with us this Summer! We have a wonderful opportunity to share Christ's love through home repair and children's ministry this summer. Sara will serve on a staff with ten other total students who are split between two sites, one group in Livingston and one in Tuskegee.
Sara will serve as a day camp coordinator in Tuskegee. She will host incoming volunteer teams who are coming into Tuskegee to serve at our Sonshine Day Camp. These are mainly youth group who will spend a week doing Bible studies, crafts, and games with five to twelve year olds. During the day they will serve at the day camp and then at night they will participate in evening reflection and worship.
We are excited to have Sara serving with us. During the summer, please feel free to send her cards, notes or care packages to help encourage her. Thank you again for supporting and praying for her. I know she is going to do a great job and have a very rewarding summer. The address in Tuskegee is 402 S. Main Street, Tuskegee, AL 36803.
Thanks again,
Lisa Pierce
Alabama Rural Ministry
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A Note from the Burkarts in Tennessee
Dear Friends,
On May 24th a tornado hit our small town of Big Rock, Tennessee. Thankfully there was no one seriously hurt, but we have a lot of trees down and damage to homes.
During my clean-up, I received buckets of cleaning products, and in one of my buckets was a wonderful note from a nine-year-old girl named Grace Partain. As I read her note, I realized that someone is always there to help you if you keep your faith.
Thank you,
Gene and Peggy Burkart
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A Word of Thanks from Elaine Arias:
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for all the prayers, cards and thoughts during the loss of my brother, Glenn Hobby.
Sincerely,
Elaine Arias
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Sunday at McDonough First
June 12, 2011 - Attendance
Sunday School 152
8:30 103
11:00 178
Total 281
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
151 Macon Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-4150
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enote 060611 |
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
E-Note
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I can do all things...
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" - Philippians 4:13. These words appeared in my 7th Grade Annual as pinned by one of my dear friends, and big sister, Heather. My first memory scripture, it is one that I have gone back to over, and over, and over again.
How do we get through the uncertainty of these economic times? We do it through Christ. How do we battle disease and illness in our bodies or in the lives of our friends and loved ones? We do it through Christ. How do we deal with disagreement and hurt feelings, whether intentional or not? We do it through Christ. How do we move through and find healing in broken relationships and failed communication? We do it through Christ. How do we, as God's church, move through this incredible time of transition as we say goodbye to one pastor and welcome to a new visionary leader? We do it through Christ. Through Christ by whom scripture tells us we will have strength.
Join me in prayer these next several weeks as we prepare for the Baker family to arrive and begin their ministry with us. Join me in prayer as we seek ways to hear God through Darris' prayers, conversations and leadership. Join me in prayer as we continue to be the Church, the community of faith, the staff, that God has called us to be. On behalf of Scott, Malinda, Amy, Kim, Novis, David, Chris, Alex, Emily, Leigh Ann, Allison and Janie; thank you for allowing us this last year of ministry and allowing us to be in service with you, trusting us, guiding us and encouraging us.
...we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.
In His Service -
Mike Broome
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Scenes from Sunday (6/5/11)
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the last Sunday for the Everharts and our church family a special day.
(Thank you to Carla DeLoach and James Beattie for sharing these photos.)
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Pastoral Needs During Transition Time
During the next several weeks, as we await the official appointment by the Bishop of Rev. Darris Baker as our Senior Pastor, Pastor Dana has asked Pastor Mike to handle our churches pastoral needs. If you have a pastoral need, please contact the church office at 770-957-4150. If you have a pastoral emergency, anytime, please contact Pastor Mike directly by calling his cell phone at 678.640.5378 or by email at
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. Mike's schedule will, during this time of transition, continue to be Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (off on Thursdays and Saturdays) and Sunday, 7 a.m. - mid afternoon.
Pastor Mike will be out of the office Monday through Tuesday afternoon, attending the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference.
Please continue to lift the Everhart Family in your thoughts and prayers during this transition and the Baker Family as they prepare to join us. Help is needed on June 23rd when we assist the Baker Family with unloading their moving van to their new home in McDonough.
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Installation Service for Dana Everhart
There will be a Service of Installation for Rev. Dana Everhart as the new Atlanta Emory District Superintendent on Sunday, June 26th at 3:00 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur. A group from McDonough First United Methodist Church will be be attending. Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 to reserve a spot on the church bus.
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Welcome Luncheon for Darris & Dotti Baker
There will be a welcome luncheon for our new Senior Minister, Darris Baker, and his wife, Dotti after the 11:00 worship service on their first Sunday at McDonough First on June 26th. SPRC will provide chicken, and the church family is asked to provide a covered dish to share. Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 so an accurate headcount can be shared with SPRC.
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Congratulations, McDonough First
Our church has received some fantastic news. McDonough First is in the top 50 churches of the North Georgia Conference for increased worship attendance, for increased membership, and for profession of faith.
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Congratulations, James & Claudett Power
James and Claudett Power have been awarded the Henry Denman Evangelism Award for the Griffin District. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award recognizes people whose life and ministry exemplifies the teaching of Christ and the Great Commission. Recipients of these awards, nominated by their local church and selected by the Annual Conference, live their call to "Offer Them Christ" daily as modeled by Dr. Harry Denman, founder of The Foundation for Evangelism that sponsors these awards.
Begun in 1981 to honor United Methodist clergy and lay persons in each annual conference who exhibit unusual and outstanding efforts for the work on Christian Evangelism, the Harry Denman Evangelism Award helps draw attention to evangelism in the local church. Those eligible for these prestigious awards are persons who are effective in helping others to experience the transforming love of God through Jesus Christ. We are so very grateful for James and Claudett and all they do for our church and community.
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Fathers' Day Bulletin Insert
The Lila Miller Circle is sponsoring a Fathers' Day bulletin insert. Donations are $1.00 per name for each father honored. Proceeds will go towards local missions. Envelopes will be handed out next Sunday, June 12th. The deadline for submitting names is June 13th. Please place your envelope in the offering plate or bring it by the church office. Checks may be made payable to the church; please indicate "Fathers' Day" on the check.
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Name Badges
Please be a gracious and welcoming person and wear your name badges for Darris and Dotti Baker. Your badges will help them to get to know you faster and with ease as you wear them each Sunday. If you do not have a name badge, please order yours today by emailing Leigh Ann Hobgood in the church office at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. The cost is $5.00 and is well worth the price in order to be a hospitable servant in welcoming your new pastor.
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VBS
VBS begins on Wednesday, June 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 in in the Gym. It's not too late to register online! Join us for four weeks of exploring Jesus' parables. VBS will be on Wednesday nights in June (June 8, 15, 22, and 29).
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Promotion Sunday
Yesterday was Promotion Sunday. All children who have completed 4K and going into Kindergarten in August have been promoted to the Kindergarten Sunday School class. Those who have completed 2nd grade are invited to join JUMP with Amy May. All children who have finished 5th grade are invited to join Youth and 6th grade Sunday school. Those who have completed 8th grade have been promoted to the High School Sunday school class. For the months of June and July, Kindergarten through 5th grade will meet in the basement for a new Sunday school program, "Kingdom Tales".
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Children's Ministry
Amy May, Minister to Children
VBS begins this week on Wednesday, June 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Rodgers Building. Join us for an exploration of Jesus' parables. This week we'll learn about gratitude through the parable of the whiny workers. We will NOT offer dinner as a part of VBS this year, but the Peru mission team will be offering dinner at 5:15 in the ER to raise money for their trip next year. On the menu for this week: hot dogs. Participants are asked to bring a white T-shirt to paint this Wednesday in art. If you haven't registered already, you can still register online.
JUMP: Thanks to the Valdiviesos for hosting a great pool party on Friday! Our next JUMP is on Sunday, June 19 (everyone is invited to bring his or her dad on this special JUMP day).
We will be serving at the Atlanta Community Food Bank on Thursday, June 23 (7:30am-2pm). Please RSVP to Amy May if you can attend. We will be eating at the Varsity afterwards. Adults and siblings 8 years old and above are welcome to come too.
Tuesday Playdates: Don't forget our summer Tuesday playdates on the academy playground from 9-11am. Parents are expected to stay on the premises with their children. This is a great way for children (and their parents) to stay in touch with friends over the summer!
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Youth Ministry
Emily Harper, Interim Minister to Students
Our Annual Tubing Adventure was a great success on Friday. We went tubing in Helen. (Below is a group shot from our tubing group.) Yesterday at MYF, we said "Goodbye" to our dear friend, Katie, and we are going to miss her so much.
Upcoming Events with Youth:
Youth will be helping to serve the H3 meal this coming Friday, June 10. Meet at the church at 5:15 p.m. and we will take the van to Wesley Chapel. (Eat before you come.) We will be back to the church no later than 8:00 pm. Remember, many hands make for light work.
Cotton Patch Gospel - We will be attending a musical put on by the Henry Players at Strong Rock Christian School. Donations will be taken up for the Faith Habitat for Humanity Build. Meet at the church at 5:30. Bring money to eat at Waffle House.
Also, the Youth will be helping with VBS on June 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.
The Youth are going roller skating in Jackson, Ga. on Monday, June 27th.
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UMW
Adah Newman/Bertha Bunn Circle: Please remember our monthly lunch meeting this Wednesday, June 8 at 11:30 in the fellowship hall. This will be our annual pizza party. Please bring a salad or dessert and $5 to cover the pizza. Our hostess will be Barbara Brenham, and Carol Dial will bring our devotion. Please bring your $3 for the offering to support our North Georgia Conference mission focus. We will make plans for our group lunch at Shingleroof camp meeting on July 20th when District Superintendent Dana Everhart will be preaching at the 11:00 service. This Wednesday, we will also be honoring and showing appreciation for a job well done to our outgoing chairperson, Angie Sweat.
Other UMW Circles meeting this week include: Lila Miller Circle (Tuesday, June 7th in the Coan Fellowship Hall), and Barbara Turner Circle (Thursday, June 9th at the home of Jinny Cates).
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New UMW Circle
There will be an organizational meeting for a new UMW circle tomorrow, Tuesday, June 7th at the home of Sally Chafin. Homemade pizza will be served. The UMW of McDonough First is organizing a new circle that will be focused on ladies in their 30s through early 50s, but everyone is welcome to attend. Please email Sally Chafin at
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or call her for more information.
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Pastoral Counseling & Training Center
Bob Griffin, Director
There will be a Grief Recovery Workshop, an eight week program on Tuesday evenings, beginning on July 12th. If you have experienced the death of a loved one, consider participating in the Grief Recovery Workshop. This program is being offered free of charge to the community starting on Tuesday, July 12.
Few people are prepared for a loved one's death. So when it happens, it is difficult to face. The changes can be overwhelming following a loss. Everyone who has lost a loved one needs to be reassured that they are not alone or abnormal in their grief. There is no "right way" to grieve. We all love differently, and we grieve differently. Support groups can provide information and guidance to help find the way through difficult transitions.
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Parents' Night Out/ Date Night
Need an evening without the kids? Date Night gives you the opportunity to take a well-deserved break. Go out for a night on the town feeling confident that your little ones are safe and having fun! Date Night will be on June 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is provided by Angela Beattie, with all donations going to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure against Breast Cancer. To reserve your spot or for more information, please call Angela at 678-432-9669 or email
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.
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942 Is On Hiatus
The 942 worship services on Sundays are on hiatus until August. Thank you so much to the people who have volunteered for the praise team and for their hard work that they have put into growing that service. The worship team and leadership of this valued service anticipate a great planning meeting and time with Rev. Baker as this service moves into its next phase of tremendous growth.
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New Ladies Bible Study
There will be a new women's Bible Study starting on Sunday, June 12, at 5:00 in the library. We will be studying Beth Moore's Breaking Free. This is an updated version of one of her past studies. Breaking Free takes participants through the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of freedom in Jesus Christ. Themes for this study come from Isaiah. This Bible study draws parallels between the captive Israelites of the Old Testament and New Testament believers in Jesus as the Promised Messiah. Using Scripture to help identify spiritual strongholds in one's life, no matter how big or small, Beth explains that anything that hinders us from the benefits of knowing God is bondage. All women are invited to participate in this study. For more information, call Melissa Mobley at 770-355-2939 or e-mail her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Financial Peace University
Financial Peace University can be an important step in changing one's financial future. It is a total money management makeover program which takes knowledge from God and turns it into real action in daily life through a step-by-step process taught by best-selling author and financial counselor Dave Ramsey. FPU is a 13-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches how to make the right money decisions to achieve financial goals and God's plan for one's life. The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, giving like never before and much, much, much more.
This program is for everyone, from the financially secure to the financially distressed. Over one million families and individuals have attended Financial Peace University, applying God's word and radically changing lives. In this program, participants will learn cash flow planning, how to eliminate debt, and how to invest wisely.
The classes will meet once a week for 13 weeks beginning August 7th at 3:30 in Room 106. Preview classes will be held on July 13th and July 20th at 6:30 pm in Room 106. The average class is about two hours long and includes 8-12 families. The cost is $100 per couple, and this includes a Financial Peace University kit.
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New Class Conversations
The YACHT Club Sunday School class meets every Sunday at 9:45 and will be starting a new series on June 26th, by Adam Hamilton, entitled "Why? Making Sense of God's Will" This short series covers Why do the innocent suffer?, Why do my prayers go unanswered?, Why can't I see God's will for my life? and, Why God's Love prevails. We are inviting all of our college students to join us and especially any of our young adults, 40's and younger, who do not yet have a Sunday school class. Come join us in room 214 of The Rodgers Center June 26th.
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Tom Key's Cotton Patch Gospel
Cotton Patch Gospel, performed by the Henry Players, will be coming to a church near you. 100% of the ticket price will go toward the Henry County Habitat for Humanity this fall, a ministry in which our church is a partner and lead church. Performance dates and locations are: June 10th - Momentum Church; June 11th - Strong Rock Christian Church; June 17th - Stockbridge Community Church; June 18th - Wesley Way United Methodist Church. All performances are at 7 p.m. and $15 per ticket. Additional donations may be made out to the church with "Habitat" in the memo/for line. Tickets are available from the church office, Moye's Pharmacy, The Henry Players' Website, and at Habitat for Humanity's website. |
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Women of Faith Conference
Please contact Melissa Mobley for more information about the Women of Faith Conference. A group of ladies will be traveling to Charlotte to attend the conference from September 23-25. The cost is $89 plus lodging, food and fuel. There are 25 spaces, and they need to be reserved by July 1. Speakers and musicians at the conference include Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Mary Mary, and Natalie Grant.
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College Students
Attention College Students and parents, whether at home or away, it is that time to update our college student contact information for the coming school year. We have a wonderful prayer and encouragement ministry and we want to be sure that you are part of it. Please contact the church office or Pastor Mike at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
with the following information: mailing address, date of birth, email address and phone number. |
H3 Ministries
We are pleased to share with the congregation that our new ministry to feed the Hungry of McDonough, H3 Ministry, has been fully reviewed by the Missions Team, Board of Trustees and the Administrative Board and has received unanimous approval to move forward.
Born out of a first-time partnership of several churches in Henry County, this coalition has a desire to take one step further in offering physical and spiritual food to the hungry in our community. Not to be confused with an open-ended soup kitchen or feeding to the homeless, this ministry has partnered with In His Name Food Pantry and relies on the pantry to distribute a set amount of invitations to its approved clients, on a weekly basis. These are individuals who have passed through the pantry's stringent screening process, verifying county of residence, utility bills and need. Then, each week, those clients are called, reminded of their "Dinner Reservation" and invited to be our guest for dinner. Each week, different churches are responsible for hosting the meal (so that the burden and cost don't fall on any one church). McDonough First United Methodist Church, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and Southpoint Presbyterian partner for the meal and volunteers on Second Fridays. In addition, we will have a small group of volunteers present every Friday to ensure proper care and safety for our church building and volunteers and to provide oversight of facility cleanup and kitchen usage. Over the first two dinners, we have served over 100 hungry in our community. Meal seatings are at 6:00 pm or 6:45 pm and follow the reservation list of those clients having received an invitation from the food pantry. On June 3rd, the meal will be hosted by Southern Crescent Baptist and on June 10th, Wesley Chapel UMC.
McDonough First UMC will resume hosting this exciting ministry on Friday, June 17th in The Coan Fellowship Hall. We are asking all partner churches to further commit toward donating funds to offset any costs , outside of the meals, associated with this new ministry. These initial funds will be held in a missions account at McDonough First. Those churches committing to partner with us are: McDonough First Baptist, McDonough Presbyterian, Southpoint Presbyterian, Wesley Chapel UMC, Momentum Church, Southern Crescent Baptist, Salem Baptist, Community Bible, and Tabernacle of Praise.
Church volunteers are asked to go to the church website and register for serving. Volunteers will be needed for both food preparation and serving. Our church will be responsible for the sides which will include two vegetables and bread to go along with the meat that Wesley Chapel UMC is bringing. If you have not yet participated in this ministry, please contact Stacy Wallace or Mike Broome and let us share information with you. Plans do not currently involve offering childcare for our volunteers.
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A Word of Thanks from Grace Partain
Dear MFUMC,
Thank you for the bag of goodies. Also, thank you for your acceptance to our confirmation class. I'm glad to be a part of this church.
Love,
Grace Partain
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Sunday at McDonough First - June 5, 2011
Worship Attendance
8:30 127
11:00 329
Total 456
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
151 Macon Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-4150
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enote 053111 |
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
E-Note
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Read more in this issue about H3 Ministries and how you can volunteer!
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Another Word from Dana
Wow, five years have really flown by. In those five years we give thanks to God and God alone for the great successes that we have been a part of as a community of faith.
We have gained over 250 members in 5 years; our membership stands at 1,149 right now and over 50% are active in some form of ministry. We have ministries to the children, the youth, and all adult age levels. We reach out beyond ourselves and touch the world in so many ways with the loving hands and heart of Christ Jesus. This year McDonough First will be called out in many areas as one of the top 50 churches in North Georgia. We have a wonderful loving staff ready to serve with passion and drive. We have seen babies baptized, children confirmed, adults make professions of faith, and still, God is blessing.
In the same time my hair has turned grey, two of my children graduated from High School and one entered the Youth Group. My wife has found a support group in the Wonder Years Class and our family has been loved and prayed for in so many wonderful ways. We truly have been blessed by the folk --- the family at McDonough First.
As I leave, I need to remind you of the sacred covenant between pastor and congregation. After worship on Sunday, I will no longer be your pastor, but I will change roles; I will become your friend forever. After worship on Sunday, I will not have the privledge to baptize your children, to marry the love birds, or to be present to celebrate the transition to the Church Triumphant. I will not be able to hear your confessions or to counsel you. All these wonderful and holy tasks will be placed upn Darris Baker; he will be your pastor. I will be giving him space to find the place in your heart ... the place you allowed me to dwell. Sally, the children and I will not be coming back for a while but we will be loving you and praying for you.
This is the United Methodist way. I'm an itinerant pastor, and I bleed United Methodism. There is the good and there is the difficult ,and the Holy Spirit of God will see my family and me through. I covet your prayers as we try to find a faith community and a place to grow. I covet your prayers for Darris that you don't go to sleep without laying your pastor before the throne of God and placing him in God's care.
We will always remember, but should we forget, I hope you will remember this ..."the best is ... Christ with us!"
I love you all,
Dana
(The final word from Dana)
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Dana's Final Sunday at McDonough First
It is hard to believe, but Dana's last Sunday with us is next Sunday, June 5th. He will conclude his sermon series of "Final Words" with 'Grace' (2 Corinthians 13: 11-13). Join the church family next Sunday for this final message from Dana, and plan to stay for the covered dish farewell luncheon after the 11:00 worship celebration in the Coan Fellowship Hall. Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 to indicate your attendance.
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Installation Service for Dana Everhart
There will be a Service of Installation for Rev. Dana Everhart as the new Atlanta Emory District Superintendent on Sunday, June 26th at 3:00 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur. A group from McDonough First United Methodist Church will be be attending. Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 to reserve a spot on the church bus.
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New Contact Information for the Everharts
After June 5th the mailing address for Dana, Sally, Matthew, Jacob and Katie will be:
2651 Brickell Square
Atlanta, GA 30341
770-938-6286
Dana's new office contact information is:
5161 Brook Hollow Parkway, Suite #210
Norcross, GA 30071
770-446-7506
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Welcome Luncheon for Darris & Dotti Baker
There will be a welcome luncheon for our new Senior Minister, Darris Baker, and his wife, Dotti after the 11:00 worship service on their first Sunday at McDonough First on June 26th. SPRC will provide chicken, and the church family is asked to provide a covered dish to share. Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 so an accurate headcount can be shared with SPRC.
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Name Badges
Please be a gracious and welcoming person and wear your name badges for Darris and Dotti Baker. Your badges will help them to get to know you faster and with ease as you wear them each Sunday. If you do not have a name badge, please order yours today by emailing Leigh Ann Hobgood in the church office at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. The cost is $5.00 and is well worth the price in order to be a hospitable servant in welcoming your new pastor.
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Children's Ministry
Amy May, Minister to Children
Remember that VBS is coming soon! Registration is available on the church website, or registration forms may be obtained in the church office. VBS will be on Wednesdays in June (June 8, 15, 22, and 29) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Please contact Amy May to volunteer with VBS. VBS Decoration/ Training Day: Come and help us set up for VBS on Saturday, June 4 at 9:00 am. We will be working on backdrops, room decorations, etc in the gym and in the Rodgers Building. This is also a time for volunteers to come and ask questions/ get set up for VBS (especially if you missed the training day).
Hour of Power Volunteers are needed for June and July: Please see Amy May if you can lead one Sunday of Hour of Power during June or July.
JUMP Pool Party: Join us on June 3 at 6:00 for a pool Party at the Lake Haven clubhouse (by the Campground Road entrance). Please RSVP to Amy May at
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as soon as possible.
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Youth Ministry
Emily Harper, Interim Minister to Students
VBS needs your help. All Youth are ask to help on any or all of the Wednesday Night VBS's. Contact Emily to sign up. (
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or 770-318-2020) Our Annual Tubing Adventure is this Friday, June 3rd. Meet at the church at 8:00 a.m. Bring money for breakfast at Chickfil A, money for tubing ($5) and a sack lunch. (Drinks and dessert will be provided.) Wear your bathing suit and river shoes. (Old tennis shoes work fine.) Bring a towel and a change of clothes. |
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Pastoral Counseling & Training Center
Bob Griffin, Director
There will be a Grief Recovery Workshop, an eight week program on Tuesday evenings, beginning on July 12th. If you have experienced the death of a loved one, consider participating in the Grief Recovery Workshop. This program is being offered free of charge to the community starting on Tuesday, July 12.
Few people are prepared for a loved one's death. So when it happens, it is difficult to face. The changes can be overwhelming following a loss. Everyone who has lost a loved one needs to be reassured that they are not alone or abnormal in their grief. There is no "right way" to grieve. We all love differently, and we grieve differently. Support groups can provide information and guidance to help find the way through difficult transitions.
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Parents' Night Out/ Date Night
Need an evening without the kids? Date Night gives you the opportunity to take a well-deserved break. Go out for a night on the town feeling confident that your little ones are safe and having fun! Date Night will be on June 17 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is provided by Angela Beattie, with all donations going to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for a Cure against Breast Cancer. To reserve your spot or for more information, please call Angela at 678-432-9669 or email
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Over 50s Group
Virginia Moore, Coordinator
It's Spring, and the flowers are beautiful this year! Come go with us to the Atlanta Botanical Garden on June 23rd. If you haven't been there, it's a must see in Atlanta. It's beautiful! There are flowers galore, sculptures, water features and more! Departure time is at 9 am, and the cost is $17.95 per person for our guided tour. We'll spend about two hours in the Garden. They have plenty of benches, and several wheelchairs available on first come first serve basis. Deadline for signing up is May 31st. Please have your checks made payable to MFUMC, marked for "Over 50's/Botanical Garden" to the church office by the 31st. Call Virginia with any questions at 404-579-2445.
The Over 50s Group (and others who would like to attend) will travel to Mountain Park UMC to hear The Stone Mountain Chorus on Saturday, June 4th. Call the church office to purchase advance tickets for $10. Our very own Jim Tidwell and Bob Shurbutt will be singing at this event. Please call Marilyn Crumpler at 770-320-9739 for more information.
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New UMW Circle
There will be an organizational meeting for a new UMW circle on Tuesday, June 7th at the home of Sally Chafin. Homemade pizza will be served. The UMW of McDonough First is organizing a new circle that will be focused on ladies in their 30s through early 50s, but everyone is welcome to attend. Please email Sally Chafin at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call her at 770-957-5696 so she can have an accurate headcount for dinner.
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New Ladies Bible Study
There will be a new women's Bible Study starting on Sunday, June 12, at 5:00 in the library. We will be studying Beth Moore's Breaking Free. This is an updated version of one of her past studies. Breaking Free takes participants through the Scriptures to discover the transforming power of freedom in Jesus Christ. Themes for this study come from Isaiah. This Bible study draws parallels between the captive Israelites of the Old Testament and New Testament believers in Jesus as the Promised Messiah. Using Scripture to help identify spiritual strongholds in one's life, no matter how big or small, Beth explains that anything that hinders us from the benefits of knowing God is bondage. All women are invited to participate in this study. For more information, call Melissa Mobley at 770-355-2939 or e-mail her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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United Methodist Men's Monthly Breakfast
The next United Methodist Men's monthly breakfast will be this Sunday, June 5th at 7:30 in The Coan Fellowship Hall. The speaker will be Ron Driver of Know My Heart Ministries.
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H3 Ministries
We are pleased to share with the congregation that our new ministry to feed the Hungry of McDonough, H3 Ministry, has been fully reviewed by the Missions Team, Board of Trustees and the Administrative Board and has received unanimous approval to move forward.
Born out of a first-time partnership of several churches in Henry County, this coalition has a desire to take one step further in offering physical and spiritual food to the hungry in our community. Not to be confused with an open-ended soup kitchen or feeding to the homeless, this ministry has partnered with In His Name Food Pantry and relies on the pantry to distribute a set amount of invitations to its approved clients, on a weekly basis. These are individuals who have passed through the pantry's stringent screening process, verifying county of residence, utility bills and need. Then, each week, those clients are called, reminded of their "Dinner Reservation" and invited to be our guest for dinner. Each week, different churches are responsible for hosting the meal (so that the burden and cost don't fall on any one church). McDonough First United Methodist Church, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and Southpoint Presbyterian partner for the meal and volunteers on Second Fridays. In addition, we will have a small group of volunteers present every Friday to ensure proper care and safety for our church building and volunteers and to provide oversight of facility cleanup and kitchen usage. Over the first two dinners, we have served over 100 hungry in our community. Meal seatings are at 6:00 pm or 6:45 pm and follow the reservation list of those clients having received an invitation from the food pantry. On June 3rd, the meal will be hosted by Southern Crescent Baptist and on June 10th, Wesley Chapel UMC.
McDonough First UMC will resume hosting this exciting ministry on Friday, June 17th in The Coan Fellowship Hall. We are asking all partner churches to further commit toward donating funds to offset any costs , outside of the meals, associated with this new ministry. These initial funds will be held in a missions account at McDonough First. Those churches committing to partner with us are: McDonough First Baptist, McDonough Presbyterian, Southpoint Presbyterian, Wesley Chapel UMC, Momentum Church, Southern Crescent Baptist, Salem Baptist, Community Bible, and Tabernacle of Praise.
Church volunteers are asked to go to the church website and register for serving. Volunteers will be needed for both food preparation and serving. Our church will be responsible for the sides which will include two vegetables and bread to go along with the meat that Wesley Chapel UMC is bringing. If you have not yet participated in this ministry, please contact Stacy Wallace or Mike Broome and let us share information with you. Plans do not currently involve offering childcare for our volunteers.
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Financial Peace University
Financial Peace University can be an important step in changing one's financial future. It is a total money management makeover program which takes knowledge from God and turns it into real action in daily life through a step-by-step process taught by best-selling author and financial counselor Dave Ramsey. FPU is a 13-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches how to make the right money decisions to achieve financial goals and God's plan for one's life. The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, giving like never before and much, much, much more.
This program is for everyone, from the financially secure to the financially distressed. Over one million families and individuals have attended Financial Peace University, applying God's word and radically changing lives. In this program, participants will learn cash flow planning, how to eliminate debt, and how to invest wisely.
The classes will meet once a week for 13 weeks beginning August 7th at 3:30 in Room 106. Preview classes will be held on July 13th and July 20th at 6:30 pm in Room 106. The average class is about two hours long and includes 8-12 families. The cost is $100 per couple, and this includes a Financial Peace University kit.
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New Class Conversations
The YACHT Club Sunday School class meets every Sunday at 9:45 and will be starting a new series on June 26th, by Adam Hamilton, entitled "Why? Making Sense of God's Will" This short series covers Why do the innocent suffer?, Why do my prayers go unanswered?, Why can't I see God's will for my life? and, Why God's Love prevails. We are inviting all of our college students to join us and especially any of our young adults, 40's and younger, who do not yet have a Sunday school class. Come join us in room 214 of The Rodgers Center June 26th.
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Tom Key's Cotton Patch Gospel
Cotton Patch Gospel, performed by the Henry Players, will be coming to a church near you. 100% of the ticket price will go toward the Henry County Habitat for Humanity this fall, a ministry in which our church is a partner and lead church. Performance dates and locations are: June 10th - Momentum Church; June 11th - Strong Rock Christian Church; June 17th - Stockbridge Community Church; June 18th - Wesley Way United Methodist Church. All performances are at 7 p.m. and $15 per ticket. Additional donations may be made out to the church with "Habitat" in the memo/for line. Tickets are available from the church office, Moye's Pharmacy, The Henry Players' Website, and at Habitat for Humanity's website. |
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Women of Faith Conference
Please contact Melissa Mobley for more information about the Women of Faith Conference. A group of ladies will be traveling to Charlotte to attend the conference from September 23-25. The cost is $89 plus lodging, food and fuel. There are 25 spaces, and they need to be reserved by July 1. Speakers and musicians at the conference include Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Mary Mary, and Natalie Grant.
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College Students
Attention College Students and parents, whether at home or away, it is that time to update our college student contact information for the coming school year. We have a wonderful prayer and encouragement ministry and we want to be sure that you are part of it. Please contact the church office or Pastor Mike at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
with the following information: mailing address, date of birth, email address and phone number. |
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Pregnancy Resource Center
The Pregnancy Resource Center is offering free ultrasounds to all pregnant women in the community on Monday, June 6. These are limited, non-diagnostic ultrasounds. To schedule, call 770-957-8288.
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Sunday at McDonough First - May 29, 2011
Sunday School
166
Worship Attendance
8:30 69
9:42 23
11:00 221
Total 313
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
151 Macon Street
McDonough, GA 30253
770-957-4150
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enote 051611 |
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McDonough First United Methodist Church
E-Note
May 16, 2011
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ANOTHER WORD FROM DANA
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WOW, time is marching on.
As you have read in the special edition E-note that was sent out yesterday, your new Senior Pastor will be the Reverend Darris Baker. Darris is a great man of God as well as a wonderful pastor, preacher, and friend.
Darris is very excited about coming to McDonough First United Methodist and to have the high honor of serving this great church. Darris and his wife Dotti will bring so much to the ministry and mission of this church. Both love the Lord with all their hearts and both love the United Methodist Church.
I commend the Bakers to you and ask that you begin praying for them. Pray each day that God will touch them with peace and calm. Pray as they seek to find a place to live and that the move will be smooth and painless. Pray that people will receive them with open arms and open hearts. You may write to Darris and Dotti at
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and share the McDonough love and acceptance of this church family.
A reception is being planned for Darris and Dotti on June 26 immediately after the 11:00 Worship Celebration. This will be a grand luncheon and will be a time to welcome and embrace the Bakers. Please make it a priority to be present and to surround the Bakers with your love.
Grace and peace,
Dana
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DANA'S FINAL SERMON SERIES AT
MCDONOUGH FIRST
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Next Sunday Dana will continue his five part sermon series entitled "Final Words". During the next few weeks, he will continue to share five important words that he feels are so important as we part. These are words that he hopes you will never forget.
May 22 - Acceptance ... 1 Timothy 4:11-16
May 30 - Remembrance ... Luke 22:14-23
June 5 - Grace ... 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
It is our hope that you will be present and hear these words and share together in this Easter Season.
"It will mean so much to share with you in these last five weeks, I hope each of you do your best to be in worship and allow me to share from my heart."
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CONFIRMATION IS THIS SUNDAY
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This Sunday (May 22) is Confirmation Sunday. Please come to celebrate these young ladies' confirmation journey with them. A brief reception will follow the 11:00 service in the Coan Fellowship Hall. (Thanks to Carla DeLoach for this photo of the confirmation class.)
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Please call the church office at 770-957-4150 by Tuesday at 5:00 pm to make a reservation. Cancellations must be made by Wednesday at 9:00 am. Dinner is at 5:30. Please join us for great food and fellowship!
Menu for Wednesday, May 18th
Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Rolls
Salad with Chicken
Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream
Next Wednesday, May 28th will be our last Wednesday night dinner until the fall.
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Amy May, Minister to Students
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JUMP (for all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders) will meet next Sunday, May 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 in the basement. We will be making decorations for our Kingdom Tales Sunday School Program (Medieval theme) and for VBS (Main Street theme). The Valdiviesos will be hosting our pool party on Friday, June 3.
Don't forget to register for VBS! Registration is available on the church's homepage (click here to go to the registration form) or you may pick up a registration form in the church office. VBS will be on Wednesdays in June (June 8, 15, 22, and 29) from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Volunteers are still needed; please contact Amy May if you can help.
Tuesday Playdates: Join us for a playdate on the Academy playground each Tuesday this summer from 9:00 to 11:00am. Parents are expected to stay on the premises and supervise their children. This is a great opportunity for children (and parents) to keep in touch over the summer. June playdates are as follows: June 7, 14, 21, 28. Playdates will be cancelled if it is raining.
Kingdom Tales: This summer, join us for a new Sunday School experience in the basement. We will be using a new curriculum called Elevate. Imagine yourself in the world of knights and kings as we study the Bible in a new and exciting way. Children in Kindergarten through 5th grade will all meet in the basement from 9:30-10:30.
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YOUTH MINISTRY
Emily Harper, Interim Minister to Students
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Wednesday Night Youth is from 6:30 to 7:30. We will have Bible Study on preparing our hearts and minds for Summer break.
Saturday, May 21st -- Don't forget to park at the church for the Geranium Festival. Proceeds go to the Ammie Lou Peacock "Camp Glisson" Fund. Also, the Youth will be offering a carwash for donations.
On Sunday, May 22nd there will be a pool party at the Powell's from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come celebrate the end of the school year.
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There will be an organizational meeting for a new UMW circle on Tuesday, June 7th at the home of Sally Chafin. Homemade pizza will be served (made by Jim Chafin!) The United Methodist Women is a community of ladies who nurture and encourage one another in their spiritual growth and personal development. With this in mind, the UMW of McDonough First is organizing another circle that will be focused on ladies in their 30s through early 50s, but everyone is welcome to attend. Please email Sally Chafin at
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or call her at 770-957-5696 so she can have an accurate headcount for dinner.
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OVER 50s GROUP
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It's Spring, and the flowers are beautiful this year! Come go with us to the Atlanta Botanical Garden on June 23rd. If you haven't been there, it's a must see in Atlanta. It's beautiful! Flowers galore, sculptures, water features & more! Time: Departure time is at 9 a.m. Cost: $17.95 per person for our guided tour, and then we can take some extra time to browse and for those Kodak moments. We'll spend about two hours in the Garden. They have plenty of benches, and several wheelchairs available on first come first serve basis. Deadline for signing up is May 31st. Please have your checks made payable to MFUMC, marked for "Over 50's/Botanical Garden" to the church office by the 31st. Call Virginia with any questions at 404-579-2445.
The Over 50s Group (and others who would like to attend) will travel to Mountain Park UMC to hear The Stone Mountain Chorus on Saturday, June 4th. Call the church office to purchase advance tickets for $10. Our very own Jim Tidwell and Bob Shurbutt will be singing at this event. Please call Marilyn Crumpler at 770-320-9739 for more information.
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ALEX BENFORD'S ORGAN RECITAL IS THIS SUNDAY
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FAREWELL LUNCHEON - JUNE 5th
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There will be a farewell luncheon for the Everhart family after the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, June 5th (their last Sunday with us). Please indicate on your worship attendance slip if you will be attending, or call the church office, so we may have an accurate headcount. Chicken will be provided by the SPR committee, and the church family is asked to bring a covered dish to share.
The church family is giving a love offering to Dana and his family. The last day to contribute to the love offering is June 1st. To give, please make your check payable to "Everhart-Love Offering".
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PASTORAL COUNSELING AND TRAINING CENTER
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A Grief Recovery Workshop is an eight week program on Tuesday evenings, beginning on July 12th.
Few people are prepared for a loved one's death. So when it happens, it is difficult to face. The changes can be overwhelming following a loss. Everyone who has lost a loved one needs to be reassured that they are not alone or abnormal in their grief. There is no "right way" to grieve. We all love differently, and we grieve differently. Support groups can provide information and guidance to help find the way through difficult transitions.
If you have experienced the death of a loved one, consider participating in the Grief Recovery Workshop. This program is being offered free of charge to the community starting on Tuesday, July 12.
For more information, please contact Bob Griffin at 404-444-8248, or via email at
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. To learn more about McDonough First's Counseling and Training Center, please visit Bob's website at http://bgryphon.blogspot.com/.
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NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE DISASTER RELIEF
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Please check the North Georgia Conference website for the latest information regarding the conference disaster relief action.
Our Emergency Response Team, under the direction of Bill Hightower, has been hard at work responding to the tornado recovery efforts. Please keep this ministry in mind; skills are not required. There are needs for counselors, social workers, healthcare workers and those who can help with physical labor such as chainsaws, debris removal, disaster recovery, and meal preparation. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help, please contact Bill Hightower at 770-320-8440 or by email at
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PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER
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The Pregnancy Resource Center needs volunteers. Please contact Becky Smith at 770-957-8288. They are in need of Client Advocates and Earn While You Learn Advocates on Wednesdays from 10-4 and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Volunteers are asked to commit to one day per week (1/2 days are fine 10-1 or 1-4). A Volunteer Application can be downloaded online.
In an effort to train one of their new sonographers, the Pregnancy Resource Center is offering free ultrasounds to all pregnant women in our community. These are limited, non-diagnostic ultrasounds. To schedule, call 770-957-8288.
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We have wonderful local ministries that serve the needy and disadvantaged women and children of Henry County, but lack sufficient programs for men. We are pleased to announce our developing relationship with a new non-profit that has formed in Henry County. Know My Heart Ministries was founded by Ron Driver and is served by a volunteer Board of Directors including Rev. Mike Broome. This powerful ministry is a transitional home for men leaving incarceration who desire to break the bondage of addictions to living a new life in the freedom and grace of Jesus Christ. Each resident will participate in a two-phase 15 month in-house program. Already a large home, located in rural Henry County, is in the process of being acquired. Please keep this ministry in your prayers and seek how God may be calling you to support it and share your resources. For further information and guest speakers, please contact Mike Broome at
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or Ron Driver at
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HABITAT BUILD COMING SOON
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Habitat for Humanity has plans underway to sponsor a faith-based build of a new home in Henry County. This will be another collaborative effort our church is leading, including all of the churches of Henry County. This home will be an energy efficient "green home" completed for someone working within the public service sector - police, fire, EMT, nursing, education, etc. If you know of a possible homeowner, please have them contact the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity at 770-477-2367 or www.schabitat.org. The homeowner will get a no interest low cost mortgage that will be held by Habitat, with all of the payments going toward the next home. Each homeowner passes through an ardurous interview and financial application screening and receives training on budgeting and homeownership while also being required to provide 250 hours of sweat equity (work) on their future home and the future homes of other Habitat clients.
The Henry Players will be sponsoring four performances of The Cotton Patch Gospels as fundraiser for this build. Tickets are available at Moyes and through the Habitat website. This ministry is under the guidance of our Mission Team and is co-led by Jim DuBois and Rev. Mike Broome.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR COMMITTEE
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The community health fair committee, in partnership with Wesley Chapel UMC, is meeting this Tuesday, May 17th in the library at 6:30. Please call Ruth Ann Welty at 770-954-0221 for more information. The proposed date for the event is Saturday, July 30th from 10 am to 3:00 pm.
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McDONOUGH ELEMENTARY STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH
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McDonough First will host a lunch for the staff of McDonough Elementary School on Tuesday, May 31st at 11:00. Please contact Janet Wesley if you can volunteer to serve. Her email address is
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or
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.
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
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Sunday School - 5/15/11
9:30 192
Worship Attendance - 5/15/11
8:30 81
9:42 21
11:00 259
Total 361
NEW MEMBERS
Clement and Myrna Lancaster
1114 White Petal
McDonough, GA 30253
770-389-5759
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Please submit your announcements for the Enote by Friday at Noon.
Contact Leigh Ann Hobgood, the e-Note editor, by e-mail at
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