THE STORY
	VOL. 25  NO 7                                     REV. KIRK TUTTEROW                                                          JULY, 2010

 

 

Random Thoughts from a Random Mind

          “Quit worrying about getting people into church and start finding opportunities to move who are already there out into God’s service.”  (Mike Slaughter, Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus)

 

            When you think of church, what image comes up in your mind?  A white frame or red brick building with a steeple and stained glass windows?  Or a group of people with whom you share a common belief and mission?  If you answered a group of people, you get a star in your crown.  In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s magnificent story of the birth of Christianity, the birth of the church of Christ, buildings are never mentioned.  Acts is all about the people of God connecting with and building relationships with people who are searching for God.

 

            In the 19^th and 20^th century in the United States, the cultural mindset was to put down roots, establish communities, and build institutions.  In the beginnings of the 21^st century, culture is shifting.  People in the 21^st century are mobile and transient.  The majority of our children will not return to the old home place when they finish their education and enter the work force.   And if they do return, they may very well bring a friend or a spouse that “ain’t from around here.”  Our community identities are changing as people move out and other people move in.  How does the church respond?

 

            The church can’t respond if the church is a building.  The church can only respond if the church is a group of people with a common belief and mission.  Our belief is in the God’s saving love through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the abiding presence of the Spirit of God in our midst.  Our mission is to

 move out into the community and share that love with those who are seeking God.  In his book Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus, Mike Slaughter, a United Methodist Minister in Ohio, challenges us to: “Quit worrying about getting people into church and start finding opportunities to move the people who are already there out into God’s service.”

 

            In the Acts of the Apostles, Christians moved wherever the Spirit led seeking to build relationships with people seeking God.  In his sermon on Sunday morning at Annual Conference, Bishop Larry Goodpaster challenged us to “go missional!”  “We are going to have to stop thinking about a mission program, or a mission project that a church, or a district, or the conference undertakes. Instead, we must reclaim a core principle, namely that the church is a mission; that the church is God’s mission strategy for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for continuing to practice the ministry inaugurated by Jesus himself. Going missional is not something we do once in awhile, or schedule into our calendars; it is our identity and our reason for being.”

  According to Bishop Goodpaster, “Going missional means that we must engage people where they are,” not wait for them to come to us.  “Going missional means cooperating and collaborating” with other people in other churches.  “Going missional means that we must expand our horizons” beyond our own four walls.  “Going missional means that we must get moving” by moving outside our comfort zones and taking the Gospel to the community.  Finally, “Going missional means taking seriously Jesus’ claim that loving neighbor ranks right up there with loving God, no matter who is doing it or where they are doing it.”

Are you willing to re-think what church is all about?  Are you willing to join in the mission of the church as it follows the Spirit out into the world?  If you are looking for the Biblical basis for the mission of the church, read Micah 6:8, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 28:16-20, and Luke 10:25-37  To read Bishop Goodpaster’s sermons, go to www.wnccumc.org , click on “Bishop Goodpaster’s Home Page,” and then click on publications and sermons.

 In Christ,

 Kirk

 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

 

The Elbaville United Methodist Women met Wednesday, June 2, 2010.  Juanita Blakley, president, called the meeting to order.  Debbie Livengood, secretary, read a devotional entitled, God as Father-Loving Correction. April Livengood was program leader.  Her program was entitled “Girls in China” from an article written by Peter Hutchens.  In China girls are not considered important.  We were asked to look at how women and girls are treated today, verses how Jesus looked at women and girls in the Bible.  9 members were present 12 cards were sent in May. Reading from the Conference Gram, Juanita reviewed upcoming events.  School of Christian Mission is July 15-18, 2010.  The Hands-on-Mission project is UMCOR Health Kits.  Connie Brinkley made motion to spend $50.00 on items for health kit(s).  Mary Welborn is planning to attend a day session, and is willing to purchase items and deliver the kit. The annual Davie County Mini Retreat will be June 7, 2010, at Mocksville First Methodist Church Family Life Center.   Juanita delivered items purchased for Newborn’s in Need.  She reported that they very much appreciated our support.  Connie reported that we have collected coupons valued at $4,570.47 for our Overseas Coupon Program.  She provided a list of military bases that are accepting coupons, and the group chose a US Army Base in Granfenwuehr, Germany.  Debbie has spoken to Sid Smith at Advance First Baptist Church, and they are not participating in the Christmas in July Project this year.  Debbie will ask for contact information to see if we can continue this project on our own, due to cost and time involved.  We suggested possibly contacting the local VFW, or sending the collected items to VA Hospital in Salisbury.   Debbie made motion to honor our father’s on Fathers Day by sending $100.00 to Relay for Life.  For our June Help Project, April made motion to sent $100.00 to Hospice and Pallative Care. Our next meeting will be July 5, 2010.  We will have a time of fellowship with snacks. 

Linda Harmon read from the prayer calendar.

We dismissed with our motto.

 

Debbie Livengood, Secretary

AROUND THE CHURCH

 

FELLOWSHIP TIME

 

Each Sunday  at 9 am, we will have a time for fellowship with drinks and refreshments in the Fellowship Building.  We invite all members to come out and participate in this

 

 

FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR

 

If anyone would like to place flowers in the sanctuary for any special occasion, in memory, honor, birthday, anniversary, etc.,please notify Christine Welborn at 998-2269.

 

ONGOING

 

Please continue to save aluminum cans.  A trailer is located under the arbor behind the church where you can deposit the cans.   This is one continuing fundraiser that helps all of the youth with their expenses

 

PLASTIC BAGS

 

The Storehouse for Jesus continues to need plastic grocery bags.  Please bring your extra bags and leave in Fellowship Hall.  Mary & Linda will deliver them to the Storehouse

OLD EYE GLASSES

If you have any old eye glasses or lenses, please bring them and place them in the box located in the Family Fellowship Class.  We will be collecting these for the Lions Club and they will distribute to needy people and other countries.

 SENIOR CITIZENS

 

Ken Blakley, President, welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with a poem entitled “Painting the Picture”.  Christine Miller, Assistant Chaplain had the devotions. Her subject was “Joy”.  There are 234 references in the Bible to Joy.  Her scripture was Psalm 100.  We should always thank God and praise him; the biggest joy we will receive is when we go home to be with God.  We need to be joyful about being able to get up out of bed in the mornings and always smile because smiles are catching.    Christine told of a story written by Barbara Johnson about her “Joy Box”.  When she read something, received a card or anything that gave her joy, she would put it in her box.  Then on days when she felt down and out, she would take something out of the “Joy Box” and read it and that would brighten up her day.  Christine read a number of funny sayings from Barbara’s book; God knew what he was doing not giving 50 year olds babies because they would put them down and forget where they left them.  Two old ladies in a nursing home were talking and one said she was so old that she was sure that her friends up in heaven thought that she didn’t make it to heaven.   Christine closed with prayer.  We had 19 members present.  We sang Happy Birthday to Ken Blakley, Linda Harmon, Ruby Potts, Lula Mae Lanier and Ila Hoots.  Get Well cards to Shirley  Cornatzer, Neville Storey, Elsie Myers, Larry & Betty Carlton, Pat Hudspeth, Angie Slabach, Darnell Hester, Betty Myers, Jan Moore, Fred Hellard, Lucille Hartman, Annie Ruth Howard, Dot Carter, Rachel Storey, Larry Brinkley and Terri Brantley and Thinking of You to John Toth and Shirley Hillegaart.   Our prayer requests were for  Seabon Cornatzer,  John Toth, Ila Hoots, Pansy Ward, Genny Carter, Sue Lynch, Betty Hege, Betty Myers, Charlotte Powell, Mary Lewis Dunn, Amy Jean Gaddy,  Elsie Myers’ family and the  Kermit Bailey family. We had silent prayer and then Ken closed with prayer for all these people.  In July we had planned to  go to Autumn Care at 10 am to sing and then to a restaurant to have our meeting and lunch.  However, Mary had not been able to get in contact with people at  Autumn Care.  So we decided to have our regular meeting and then go

SENIOR CITIZENS (CONTINUED)

 

out to lunch.   Ed Boger will get reservations at Sagebrush in Mocksville.    Frankie Everhart won the door prize.  Ken said the blessing and we enjoyed a delicious meal of hot dog, hamburgers and the trimmings and wonderful desserts.  Our next meeting will be July 6, 2010.

 Connie Singleton-Brinkley

Secretary

 PRAYER MISSION

 

Our Prayer Mission Group had their second meeting on June 9^th and we had several folks there and missed those who could not attend.  We removed names from the list due to wellness and that they had passed on to be with Christ, may God bless their families. We had names to add as our prayers goes up for them in their time of need.  We will remember these.  Also, if you have anyone for prayer, please let me know.  We want to carry them in prayer to God and ask for his blessings upon them..

We are adding another Helping Hand Mission for our folks in our church community.  If you have a need for a driver to assist you in transporting someone, please call Betty Myers (998-5459) and she will find a driver/car to help you in your travel.  We have a few drivers already signed up.  If others would like to help in driving call Betty and she will add you to our list.  Help us get the word out to our community that we are offering this help to others.
        

May God bless everyone..
         

The following shut-ins are  continually on our prayer list: Edith Myers,  Mabel & Grady Watson,   Calvin Minor, Betty Spry, Mary Zimmerman  Shirley Snyder,  Mattie Tucker,  John Toth, Mildred  and R. J. Markland, Betty Hege.  

 

Ken Blakley, Chairperson

 MISSION EMPHASIS – JARS OF HOPE

 

Our first project is sponsoring of a child to go to Victory Junction Camp for a week.  This is a camp for children with severe disease and disabilities.  It will cost $2,500 to sponsor a child.  The campaign started in April and will end June 30. If everyone will participate, we can reach our goal.  It is a wonderful way to help a child get away and have a little fun. We will turn our filled jars in the first of July.

 

Don’t forget our Food Closet.  Anything will be appreciated.  Thank you for all you do.

 

Linda Harmon, Local Missions

 GROCERY COUPONS

 

The United Methodist Women are collecting

Grocery coupons to be sent to our troops and their families overseas.  They can use both food and non-food coupons in their PX and Commissaries.  Please clip coupons that you are not going to use and place them in the Coupon Box in the Narthex.  Thanks for everyone’s help.

In June we mailed $6,581.40 worth of coupons to an US Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

 

 

FOR THE TROOPS

 

In the narthex, there is box labeled “For the Troops” and on the side of the box is a list of the needed items.  If you prefer to make a donation give it to either Mary Welborn or Debbie Livengood and they will make the purchases.  Let us  continue to show support for our fighting men and women as we will be collecting items year round. Thanks for you support.

 FINANCE TEAM

 

Has God blessed you recently?  According to a study, worshipers stated their most important reason for giving to the Church is GRATITUDE. They give because they feel a sense of gratitude for God’s love and goodness. 

 

HOW GRATEFUL ARE YOU?

 

We need $1,319.60 to meet our budget and the average to date received is $988.04. 

 

Connie Brinkley, Chairperson

 

OTHER FUNDS

 

PARSONAGE FUND  $88,639.28

 

PAVING FUND  $16,016.89

 

REPAIR FUND  $4,568.96

 

If you would like to make a contribution to any of the funds, please mail your check to:

Debbie Livengood, Financial Secretary

354 Livengood Rd., Advance, NC  27006

 

ELBAVILLE-FULTON SOFTBALL TEAM

 

The softball team has had a very good season for its first season and  won several games. 

RELAY FOR LIFE-JUNE 25 & 26

We did not have an official team this year, however, thanks to a special collection, the Mission Fund, the UMW & UMM, we have donated $895.00 to this very worthwhile event.

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

 

We  will begin collecting school supplies in July for the upcoming school year beginning in August.  A box will be provided in the Fellowship Hall and a list will be posted of the needed items.

  

Youth Schedule

 

July 27 Date change – Emerald Pointe Wet & Wild Water Park – meet at Mocks UMC at 9:00 a.m.  Cost is $25.00 plus money for food.  We will return by 6:00.  You must sign up by Sunday evening, July 25^th.  We will be purchasing discount tickets on Monday morning, July 26^th.  If you don’t sign up by Sunday, July 25^th, you will have to purchase full price tickets yourself at Emerald Pointe on Tuesday.  Parents – we need chaperones to go with us.  Let Kirk know if you would like to spend a day having fun in the water with the kids.

  

July 26 – July 29 – 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each night – Senior High Youth retreat & study

            this event is a faith learning event for rising 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, & 12^th graders in the Elbavlle   & Fulton churches.  This event will serve as a confirmation class for those who have not           taken confirmation class.  For those in this age group who have taken confirmation, this     event will introduce you to faith in a way that you can take with you as you grow up and          move out into adulthood.

 

Coming in Early August – time and date to be determined – an event for rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders to help this age group understand a little more about faith, about church, about God, and about the role of Christians in school and society around us. 

 

August 22 – UMYF Fall Kickoff – times and location TBA

 ELBAVILLE WEBSITE

http://www.elbavillechurch.org

http://www.elbavillechurch.org/Blog

2010 PURPOSE STATEMENT

 

GOD IS CALLING US IN THIS TIME TO DO ALL WE CAN FOR GOD, THE CHURCH, AND THE COMMUNITY.  ELBAVILLE UMC IS RUNNING GOD’S RACE AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST

FUELED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL- JULY 16 & 17

Join with young people from across the Advance community as we gather for a "Galactic Blast" Vacation Bible School.  We will gather Friday evening at 6:00 at Advance UMC for a Hot Dog supper and registration.  The opening assembly and music will be in the sanctuary at 6:45 and we will finish Friday at 8:30.  We will gather again on Saturday at 9:00 a.m., move through the different activities and learning experiences Saturday morning, break for lunch, finish the stories and activities Saturday afternoon, and then gather in the sanctuary for closing assembly at 3:30.  We will wrap up the experience by 4:00.

 

Would you like to serve the children of the community as they learn about God, faith, and living as a Christian?  Volunteer opportunities are available as craft helpers, shepherds, recreation leaders and helpers, and storytelling actors.  To volunteer to help, call Kirk Tutterow at 813-2520 or Cheryl Skinner at 998-4352.  

 

BIG TOP SUNDAY -  JULY 18

4 pm to 7 pm, come join the Circus fun with popcorn, snow cones, hot dogs and great fun.

JULY 21

FINANCE TEAM MEETING 7 PM

JULY 26 – 29

SENIOR HIGH YOUTH RETREAT

AUGUST 22

UMYF FALL KICK-OFF

AUGUST 29   7 PM  - 5^TH SUNDAY NIGHT CHARGE WORSHIP AT FULTON UMC

 ACOLYTES:

Andrew Minor, B. G. Minor, Nathan Minor

 

JR. USHERS

Shawn Myers, Hayley Carter

Alt: Megan Minor, Nathan Minor

 

USHERS

B. G. Minor

Andrew Minor

 

 

NURSERY WORKERS

 Emily Robertson, Mickey Minor