Quarterly Friendship Sundays in 2012!
Just the other day in the office I said to Celeste, “We haven’t been doing many covered dish lunches. Why not? Have I been dropping the ball on this?” It was with a rather playful spirit, I admit, but a serious question nonetheless! After talking it over with some staff members, we feel the church family needs to celebrate fellowship and food and friendship on a more “Methodical” basis! Hey, we HAVE to be true to who we are, right?
So, in the months in 2012 that have five Sundays (there’s one every quarter) we will have what we’re calling, “Friendship Sunday.” On Friendship Sunday we will have our regular Sunday School hour, but just one Worship Service at 11AM so our 9AM Worshippers will not have to make an additional trip back to the church for lunch!
I sure hope you enjoy this plan for sharing time together, good food together, and of course, lots of conversation and laughter, too. So, get out those recipe and cook books! It’s covered dish time at Redwine!
The first 5th Sunday is THIS month: two weeks from today, January 29. The church will provide the drinks. The church family brings meats, vegetables, breads, desserts, etc. for sharing! Come Sunday, January 29th ready to share Friendship and Food and Faith right after the 11AM Worship Hour! Personally, I can’t wait. Would anyone notice if I’m first in line?
Christmas Eve’s Generous Offering to Action Ministries
If you came to church on Christmas Eve, you know the sanctuary was packed and that we had a blessed and joyous time of worship celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You also know that our evening offering was designated for Action Ministries. You gave $450 on Christmas Eve! I cannot express how touched my heart is that the church family and friends gave so generously for Action Ministries.
You may not know that Action Ministries began almost fifty years ago partnering largely with the Methodist Church to serve the hunger, housing, and education needs of people in North Georgia. Today, there are AM offices located in Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Gainesville, and Rome. Thousands of volunteers from congregations, businesses and community organizations help support the programs that make it possible for those in need to rebuild their lives and thrive.
I praise the Lord for your generosity. I just have a feeling 2012 is truly going to be a great Year to Remember in the life of Redwine United Methodist Church. God bless us as we follow the steps and serving spirit of Jesus.
Your Pastor and Friend, Mark