A United Methodist Congregation

in Sanford, NC

 Last Updated 05/22/2007 11:29 PM

Important Announcements

AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG

 

The title comes one of the all-time great songs by one of my all-time favorite groups, The Temptations (the group name itself is fodder for a whole other article).   And while the song really has nothing at all to do with my work, the title seems to.

 

I beg.  A lot.  It doesn’t bother me because a lot of my begging is “kingdom begging” and I am really rather shameless about asking you to do things for Christ or his church.  Tithing, serving, helping - doesn’t matter to me; if I believe God is calling us to do it, I’ll ask. And if need be I’ll beg, plead, whatever it takes.

 

In fact, as the Committee on Lay Leadership has been praying for discernment in the selection of a 2007-2008 leadership team, we’ve done a lot of asking.  And I am pleased to report that we haven’t had to do much begging.  There have been far more “yeses” than “nos” and even the “nos” have sprung from prayerful consideration.  That’s a good thing and, insofar as that goes, the glass is half full.

 

On the other hand....I do begin to wonder about the part that is half empty.   When we baptize children we promise “to surround them with a community of love and forgiveness that they may grow in their service to others.”  In other words, we promise to teach, shepherd, and guide.  So (and here’s the thing) why do we have this annual dance of begging for helpers with Vacation Bible School and summer Sunday School teachers?   We go through a ritual every year at this time.  We announce this opportunity, beginning in April; then Amy makes a plea in early May; then I start to get heavy handed in mid May; then we go to Sunday School classes and make a direct appeal; and finally, at the last minute, we sigh with relief as the slots get filled. 

 

There are over 200 children at VBS who need to know that Jesus loves them, waiting for you to tell them.  There are children and youth here each Sunday morning, even in the summer, wanting someone to tell them the stories of Jesus.  And that’s kingdom work.  That’s “surrounding them with a community of love and forgiveness that they may grow....”  Because it is, I ain’t too proud to beg - and I am.   We need one Sunday morning out of 52 for Sunday School from you.  Just one.  We need you one morning the week of June 18-22 to shepherd children at VBS - one morning out of 365.  The children need you.  Please.  Give Amy a call. 

 

I ain’t too proud to beg.   I’m just wondering - with a church this great and strong, why am I having to?

 

Grace and peace.   rcf

Summer Schedule to Begin May 29th

The church office will be closed on Monday, May 28th for the Memorial Day Holiday.  Beginning on Tuesday, May 29th, we will begin our summer schedule.  The building will be locked and the Williams Lobby desk will close at the same time as the church office—4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 2:30 p.m. on Fridays.  If you have a meeting scheduled after hours, please contact Lisa Wilson to arrange to pick up a key.

Keenagers – (ages 50+)

Thursday, May 24

11:45 a.m.

Christian Life Center ($5.00)

 

Join us for the last meeting before the summer break.  The program will be a film entitled “North Carolina Is My Home” featuring Charles Kuralt and the East Carolina Symphony Orchestra.  Our lunch menu:  Platter of chicken salad, black bean salad, and fruit salad with a beverage.

 

Reservations/cancellations are important because our lunch will be catered by Renalds.  Make your reservation by calling the church office at 776-2012 or by signing up on the bulletin board in Williams Lobby or outside the Parlor no later than noon on Tuesday, May 22nd.

Information, please!

Beginning Friday, June 1st our Prayer Line will become our Information Line.  You may call 708-9338 to receive information on current church events, learn who the on-call pastor is, or to learn about schedule changes.

Weekend Pastor On-Call

If you have a pastoral emergency over the weekend, the pastor on call for Friday, June 1st through Sunday, June 3rd is Carl Frazier.  Please call his cell phone at 353-1893.

Congratulations!

2007 St. Luke UMC

Teachers of the Year

Pam Miller – Children’s Division

Buck Harris – Youth Division

Dr. Lawrence Alexander – Adult Division

Two Spaces Available for

Guatemala Mission Trip

We have space for two more mission-minded folks who would like to serve God in Guatemala during our mission trip which is scheduled for August 10th—18th.  If you are interested in going, please contact Suzanne Cobb as soon as possible at 776-2012 or by email at scobb@saintlukeumc.org. 

Guest Soloist to Perform

On Sunday, May 27, 2007 at the 11:00 a.m. service, our guest soloist will be Marilyn Turner.  Marilyn is Osa Palmer’s sister and has been singing professionally for over 40 years.  She has worked with some of the great conductors, including Jonel Perlea, Max Rudolf, Arthur Fiedler and Leonard Bernstein.  For thirty-five years she lived in Europe and was the alto soloist for the Swiss-Italian Radio and TV of Lugano, and appeared in concert and opera in Germany, Italy and Greece.  She was the principal soloist for 12 years with the Camerata of Cremona, and toured Italy many times with that ensemble.  The last five years in Italy, she formed two gospel choirs and toured extensively with them, working both as conductor and arranger of their music.  Miss Turner currently resides in Sanford, North Carolina and is choir director at Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

K.O.O.L. Kids News

Thank you to all the parents who helped with this year’s End-of-the-Year Party and Cook-Out.  It was a great afternoon!  Special thanks to the Parent Planning Team:  Tracy Elseth, Gordon Gibb, Dawn Hickerson, Kevin & Terri Kirkman, and Layne Noles.  And a great big thanks to Don Caffee for putting together a great slideshow of pictures for our 5^th graders and their own DVDs to take home.  Thank you !!

 

We’ll see our rising K-3^rd graders in August when K.O.O.L. Kids resumes and our rising 4^th & 5^th graders in August for our new Preteen Ministry.  Enjoy the summer!

A Note of Thanks

 

Dear St. Luke,

 

I want to thank you for putting Charlie on St. Luke’s prayer list.  We received the cards yesterday and were just amazed at the support from your church.

 

Please pass our thanks on to your church family.  Again, we certainly thank you and know that you all will continue to pray for Charlie as he starts his radiation and chemo treatments on May 31st.

 

God Bless You,

Benny, Judy and Charlie Cox

(Charlotte, NC)

 

Special Thanks

 

THANK YOU to everyone who helped make the Teacher Appreciation Day so nice.  Thank you especially to Carol Chappell, Anne Hurley, Wade Peele, Lisa and Amanda Reeder, and Katherine Wheby.  Thank you to all the “Secret Pals” to our children and youth teachers this past year.  You showered our teachers with cards and prayers that were especially meaningful.  We especially want to thank and honor all the men and women who have been teachers at St. Luke this past year either in Sunday School, Wednesday Nite Live or through small group Bible studies.  Thank you also to Joyce Miller, Steve Staley and Jimmie Wicker for keeping our Sunday School attendance and offering figures each week.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

 

             The St. Luke Prayer Shawl Group knits or crochets prayer shawls for someone in need of prayer.  A prayer shawl is meant to bring comfort to the wearer and an awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives  Each shawl is prayed over before it is given.  When the recipient of a prayer shawl has it on his or her shoulder or lap, they are covered in prayer.

If you or someone you know are in need of a prayer shawl, please call Suzanne Cobb at 776-2012, extension 104, or email her at scobb@saintlukeumc.org.  The person does not have to be a member of St. Luke.

We welcome new people to join us in making the shawls.  We also accept yarn or funds to buy yarn for the shawls.  If you wish to contribute in this way, contact Dawn Michaud at 774-1121 or Billie Jernigan at 776-8082.

 

Our next meeting is Thursday, May 24th at 6:30 p.m. in Room #232.  Join us!!

DURHAM BULLS GAME

Saturday, July 14^th

7:00 p.m.  - $8/ person

 

Order your tickets now for this fun annual St. Luke outing. Sign up by calling the church office at 776-2012 or email to info@saintlukeumc.org. 

Attention Graduates

(or their parents)!!!

If you are graduating from High School or College this spring, or have a child who is graduating, please notify the church office at 776-2012, or email to info@saintlukeumc.org.  We would like to have your full name, the name of the institution from which you are graduating, the degree you will be receiving, and if you are graduating with honor.  This information will be listed in the bulletin on Senior Sunday, June 3, 2007.  The deadline to submit information is Tuesday,  May 29th.

 

United Methodist Men

Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, June 2nd

7:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Christian Life Center

Proceeds for this fundraiser will be used to help fund the UMM District Scholarships for young men.  Tickets are $5 for all you can eat and may be purchased from any United Methodist Man.  Contact Neal Kightlinger for more information.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

Help Needed!!

We like to give our regular children and youth teachers a break during the summer months since most will be returning to teach again in the fall.

PLEASE consider giving JUST ONE SUNDAY this summer to spend with our children and youth.  Curriculum will be provided!  Please contact Amy Staley if you are willing to help.

What Kind of Man Would Receive the Care of a Stephen Minister?

 

Ø A man like Adam

who was cut off from all that gave meaning to life and needed someone to remind him of God’s promise.

 

Ø A man like Noah

who witnessed the destruction of everything around him and needed someone to walk with him for a new day.

 

Ø A man like Abraham

who had to leave everything he knew and loved behind him and needed someone to journey with him to a new life.

 

Ø A man like Moses

who faced great opposition and needed a companion to support him and speak on his behalf.

 

Ø A man like David

who grieved the death of a wayward child and needed a shepherd’s care.

 

Ø A man like Elijah

who thought he was all alone and needed a still small voice to encourage him.

 

Ø A man like Job

who lost everything and needed someone to silently endure his pain with him.

 

Ø A man like Peter

who found himself in over his head and needed the strong hand of a faithful friend.

 

Ø A man like Paul

who knew the unending distress of a thorn in the flesh and needed someone to rejoice when he rejoiced and to weep when he wept.

 

Ø A man like JESUS

who knew intense disappointment, sorrow, grief, rejection, and loneliness and needed an angel of God to minister to him.

 

Ø A man like you.

---

What Kind of Woman Would Receive the Care of a Stephen Minister?

 

Ø A woman like Sarah

who faced a major change in life at an advanced age and needed someone to listen to both her joy and apprehension.

 

Ø A woman like Hagar

who was abandoned along with her child and needed someone to offer her hope and remind her of God’s promises.

 

Ø A woman like Hannah

who struggled with her inability to bear a child and needed someone with whom to share her sadness and pain.

 

Ø A woman like Naomi

who had lost her loved ones and needed someone to hear her sorrow and pain.

 

Ø A woman like Ruth

who left everything that was familiar to her and needed someone to journey with her in her new life.

 

Ø A woman like Esther

who was faced with a major decision and needed someone who could listen to her concerns and offer encouragement.

 

Ø A woman like Mary of Nazareth

who lived with both the joys and struggles of having an exceptional child and needed someone to help her sort out the ponderings of her heart.

 

Ø A woman like Martha

who was burdened by the demands of daily life and needed someone to help her regain sight of what was most important.

 

Ø A woman like Mary Magdalene

who received healing from inner turmoil and needed someone to walk with her as she built a new life.

 

Ø A woman like you.

 

If you would like to know more about how a Stephen Minister could care for you, please see or call Suzanne Cobb at 776-2012, ext. 106.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Registration Now Taking Place!

“Avalanche Ranch”

June 18-22;  9 am – 12 noon

 

VBS is for children who have completed a 3-year old preschool class up through 5^th Grade.  Registration forms can be found in the church office, on the church website, or at the VBS display table in the Williams Lobby. (Please fill out a separate form for each child!)

 

* Register Early!

T-shirts & CDs only available

while supplies last *

Meetings and more meetings... 

Opportunities to Serve

 

Mission Trip Opportunity

The Goldston UMC is returning to Mississippi again this June to build a second church.  Dates are June 15-23 in Pearlman, MS.  Lodging will be in several locations in the area and all have air conditioning.  Cost is estimated to be $225 per person.  Travel options are to take your own POV or ride in provided vans.  Contact person is Charlie Fields at 898-4709.

Mission Explorers Program 2007

for rising 4th, 5th,

& 6th Graders

 

June 25—August 13th

(Mondays from 10 a.m.—1 p.m.)

Older elementary children will get hands-on participation with local missions as they travel to different sites each week, followed by discussion (debriefing time) and lunch.

Some of the places and activities they may

be involved in are:

 

* Meals on Wheels        * Bread Basket

* Salvation Army       * CUOC Food Pantry

* Society of St. Andrew &

* Habitat for Humanity

 

Registration begins April 1st!!!

Children can sign up to participate

for as many weeks as they would like.

Each week costs $5 /child

to cover lunch.

MISSION OPPORTUNITY

 

Some of you may remember Frido Kinkolenge who visited us during Wednesday Nite Live on January 24^th.  Frido, a Methodist, is from Liberia, Africa, a country that just recently ended fourteen years of civil war. During that war the children of Liberia were victimized in many ways. They were kidnapped, brainwashed and forced to go into battle; they entered into battle for revenge because members of their families had been murdered; females were forced into sexual slavery; and many were left homeless and destitute because of the war. As a result of the war many suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.  Frido has started the Brighter Future Children Rescue Center in Buchanan City, Liberia to try and reclaim the lives of these children. This involves programs to help them recover mentally, socially, physically, emotionally and spiritually and to help them become self-reliant.  His programs also include vocational training so the children can learn to support themselves.  He also feeds them when they are at the center four days a week.

 

DON”T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!!

 

Response has been slow to our request for helping the children of the Brighter Future Children Rescue Center in Buchanan City, Liberia to reclaim their lives. Consequently, we are extending the deadline until May 26th. Take a look at the pictures at the Brighter Future displays in the Williams Lobby and the Perry Foyer to see some of the children at the Center. Items that are needed are listed below. Select some items and bring them back to the Williams Lobby no later than the 26th. They will then be packaged and sent to the MERCI Center for shipment to Liberia.

 

To be a missional church we have to view our mission field as the entire planet on which we live. We are all God’s children!

 

 

God Bless You!

· School Kits (copy books, pens, pencils, crayons, sharpeners)

· Clothing and sneakers for children in the range of 10-19 years.

· Poster sheets

· Markers

· Reams of paper

· Packs of folders

· Straight edge rulers

· Rolls of masking tape

· Boxes of correcting fluid

· Hand hair dryers

· Hair cutting machines

· Flat irons

· Rat tail combs

· Packs of hair rollers (different sizes)

· Hand tools (tape rulers, pliers, gloves, hammers)

· Sand paper sheets (different coarsenesses)

· Extension cords

· Cartons of poplin

· Boxes of needles, scissors, tape line, buttons

· Threads, crocheting threads

· Fabrics

Upcoming Special Events

Faith Friends

A Bible-based Summer Camp

9 a.m.—12 noon

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

3-year-olds—Kindergarten

 

*  Bible stories     * Activities,

*  Chapel Time   * Cooking Projects

* Music Time    * Arts & Crafts

 

Choose 1 or all 6 weeks:

Week #1 May 29, 30 & 31

Week #2 June 5, 6 & 7

Week #3 June 26, 27 & 28

Week#4 July 17, 18 & 19

Week #5 July 24, 25 & 26

Week #6 July 31, August 1, & 2

 

$50.00 per week

($10/week non-refundable deposit is required)

 

Space Limited—Register early!

Vacation Bible School at St. Luke

June 18-22, 2007 from 9 am - 12 noon

Children ages 4 through 5th Grade are cordially invited to a join us on "A Wild Ride Through God's Word."  We'll round up in the Christian Life Center.  There is no registration fee but we do ask for early registrations to ensure that each child will have a T-shirt.

Please print and submit to church office or contact the church office for a form.

Name:______________________________________________ Age:__________

Street address:________________________________________________________

City:___________________________ State:_____________ ZIP:_____________

Home telephone: (________)____________________________________________

Cell telephone:________________________________________________________

Home e-mail address:__________________________________________________

Date of birth:__________________________________________________________

Last school grade completed:___________________________________________

In case of emergency, contact:__________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Mother:_______________________________________________________________

Father:________________________________________________________________

Other:________________________________________________________________

Allergies or other medical conditions:___________________________________

Home church:_________________________________________________________

Ranch Crew number (for church use only):______________________________

Name of a special friend your child might like to be with:________________

Women of Faith

Amazing Freedom Conference

October 26—27, 2007

Charlotte, North Carolina

 

“So if the Son makes you free you will be truly free.” 

- John 8:36

 

     What would it be like to be truly FREE?  Can you imagine it?  Are you ready to LIVE it?  This year Women of Faith is all about the biggest, boldest promise in the Bible—the promise of freedom.

 

     Join a group of St. Luke Women of Faith in October.  We have purchased a block of 25 tickets to the conference.  It is already sold out, so reserve your tickets now. ($45.00)