Burns Connection February 2015

Burns Connection

Happy Birthday

FBUMC Mission Statement: The mission of Francis Burns United

Methodist Church is to glorify God, to spread the Good News of

Jesus Christ and to make Christian disciples through worship and

praise, nurture, outreach and witness.

FBUMC Vision Statement: The vision of Francis Burns United

Methodist Church is to be in covenant with God and to connect

with God's people through ministries that meet human needs.

01 Jaila Donnielle Evans

O2 Johnnie Johnson

03 Harold Murray, Jr.

03 Idi-Imiri Murray

04 Jaylin Williams

05 Reginald Mack

05 Brandi Guinyard

05 Roz Coleman

06 Kailey Young

07 Chantell Payne

08 Adrienne Lynn

08 Minnie Johnson

08 Emma J. Martin

11 Willie Howard

11 Eric Jeffries

12 Fred Brandyburg

13 Preston Cobb

14 Shania C. Sprouts

15 Shane Johnson

17 Michael Scott

19 Breonna Truesdale-

Richardson

20 Teresa Holland

20 Brandi Bell

20 Willie Lakin

21 Dominick Bailey

21 Julius Cave

21 Doris McNair

23 Sharon Wilson

23 Paul L. Jenkins

23 Ahisha Gunn

23 Shiitra Praylow

24 Bryan Brunson

24 D’Rell Coe

27 Xavier Howell

27 Tesh Johnson

27 Kimberly Mikell

28 Laura Gary

28 Bernetta Cooper

28 Alexandria White

28 Dinease Jones

5 February - Patrick and Zina Hudson

12 February – Earl and Ava Doby

17 February - Odell and Linda Kennedy

Happy Anniversary

To update your birthday or anniversary information,

contact Inez Benjamin at 736-1008 or

email [email protected]

Life is not about waiting for the storm to end.

Life is about learning to dance in the rain.

On The Light Side

“UMW” from page 3

The Global Dreamers Project, Founder Linda Luna

(Los Angeles, CA) - TGDP is a U.S. based global

organization that provides a diverse range of

opportunities designed to empower the lives and

propel the dreams of disadvantaged youth

throughout the world. With a fund-raising format,

the foundation creates programs and resources

that support this vision and mission. Programs and

resources will focus on mentorship, education,

careers, sports, life skills and leadership. Our

primary goal is to see the youth of our next global

generation live out their dreams and God-given

purpose.

Along with the United Methodist Women, Rhonda

and Sharee will coordinate fundraising activities in

the coming months that will directly impact the kids

lives. As the twins anticipated their return to the

'Motherland', they have tentatively outlined one

day with the kids that will consist of a tour to

Robben Island, Table Mountain, lunch at a

restaurant on the V&A Wharf, a 'brown bag' of

grocery, and a book bag full of school & art

supplies, and some basic clothing. Rhonda and

Sharee are also seeking to appeal to area youths

(including FB Youth Ministry) to become pen pals

with the kids from South Africa so that they can

teach the South African kids the gospel and in the

not too distant future, a travel exchange between

youths in the two countries.

Next meeting: A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial with

Grace UMC; hosted by Francis Burns UMC on Feb.

15 at 4PM in the fellowship hall.

Save the date: Women's Weekend- March 14 and

15. All women invited to attend and participate.

February 2015 Volume 2015 Issue 2

Burns Connection

Francis Burns UMC

5616 Farrow Rd.

Columbia, SC 29203

(803) 754-1760

Rev. Ernest C. Etheredge

Pastor

Francis Burns Members Attend Columbia District’s

Bishop’s Road Show

On January 24th the Columbia District of the South

Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist

Church hosted the 10th round of the Bishop’s Road Show.

Bishop Jonathan Holston and his team have planned

visits to all 12 Districts of the South Carolina Annual

Conference. The purpose of these gatherings is to afford

members of the laity an opportunity to meet and greet

the Bishop in a more relaxed environment. It also serves

as a means for Bishop Holston to emphasize the

importance of team work and the fact that each member

of the team is important.

10 members of the Francis Burns family braved the

chilly, damp morning to make their way to Shandon UMC

for the 9:00-2:00 session. Those persons were: Nettie

Green, Ollie Benners, Carol Singletary, Harold Murray,

Carrie Murray, Melagne Yed, Jean-Michee Yed, Delaine

Frierson, Beverly Frierson and Nancy Bradshaw.

Some of the points Bishop Holston emphasized during his

presentations included: 1) We must work on becoming

disciples God can use. 2) The key word is “together”: We

worship together; we are the church together; we are all

in the faith together. 3) What are we going to do

together? 4) The question is asked, “Can we trust each

other? God wants us to trust Him and learn to trust each

other more. 5) We are in conflict because we aren’t in

relationship. 6) We were not called to be members, we

were called to be disciples and to make disciples. 7) We

must all realize that the only right way is God’s way. 8)

What is it that God is calling you to do? What is it that

our church community needs us to do? 9) Remember, “I

(We) can do all things (together) through Christ who

strengthens me (us.)

Each church group present was then given 15 minutes to

come up with a plan that they would carry out in the next

3-6 months. Keep your eyes and ears open to see and

hear what our group came up with.

Tuesday

February 17

6:30 PM

Wednesday,

February 18

6 PM

Begins Wednesday,

February 25

12:00 noon to 1:15 PM

Contact Connie Glenn

803 206-6627)

for more information

Church Women United of Columbia Annual World Day of Prayer

Friday, March 6

10:30 A.M. Refreshments

11:00 A.M. Celebration

Emphasis: Women of the Bahamas

Scripture: Jesus asked His Disciples: “Do you

Understand What I have Done for You?”

John 13:1-17

Grace United Methodist Church

410 Harbison Blvd

Columbia, SC 29212

February 8th

Burns Connection

Lectionary February 2015

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 1, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1

Corinthians 8:1-13. Mark 1:21-28

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 8, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c, 1

Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39

Last Sunday after Epiphany, Transfiguration Sunday

February 15, 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2


First Sunday in Lent

February 22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter

2014 Budget Information

Administrative $295,992.18 Council on Ministries $123,763.00 Committee on Finance $ 250.00 Board of Trustees $157,400.00 Total 2014 Budget $577,405.18 Weekly Amount Needed $11,103.95 Monthly Amount Needed $48,117.10 Amount Received in December $47,999.99 Thank You

United Methodist Men Update

Meeting February 14 2015

8:30 AM

Fellowship Hall

Meet the Choir

Name: Stephen L. Jamison

Choir Section: Tenor

Affiliations: American Legion Riders member and Air Force veteran Hobbies/Interests: Enjoys singing,

motorcycle riding, and working in the yard

Perhaps! The key factor in the

growth and development of the

local church is centered on its

spirituality. The spiritual

foundation of the church is our

faith and the prayer life of the

congregation. The leadership and

members must be actively

involved in the prayer life of the

church.

James Banks wrote these words: “True Praise – praise

with an active faith that is greater than only emotion –

is a daring thing. It challenges us to leave old paths of

a human heart behind and reach for something beyond

ourselves, giving ourselves up to God. “(Taken from

Discovery Series: Let’s Pray: Talking to God with the

words of the Bible).

In James 5:16, we find these words: Therefore confess

your sins to one another and pray for one another, so

that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is

powerful and effective.

The words we submit to God are more important than

we realize. As the people of God, we must remember

to stay in relationship with God through the prayer life

we live.

Grace and Peace

Ernest C. Etheredge

Remember In Your Prayers

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. “ The

prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will

raise him up. ...The effective, fervent prayer of a

righteous man avails much.” James 5:15, 16.

Mr. Willie Howard ● Mrs. Martha Hayes (gradmother of Gwen

Etheredge)● Mr. Joey (son of Trudie Reed) ●Mr. Corey Spann

(son in law of Cephus and Pam Thomas) ● Ms. Ruby Hendrix

(sister of Bettye Marshall Augustus) ● Mr. Hosea Henry (step

-father of Shemega Tyson and brother in law of Virginia

Goodman) ● Mr. James Tony Kennedy, Sr. (brother of

Valerie Kennedy-Robinson) ● Mr. James Mixon (son of

Sammie and Girlene Mixon ● Mr. John Myers (father of Sam

Myers) ● Rev. Calvin Washington ● Mrs. Gertrude Kinney

(mother of Kenneth Kinney) Ms. Margaret Brown (aunt of

Kenneth Kinney) ●Ms. Patricia Squire (sister of Bernice

Kinney) ●Bishop Theodore and Mrs. Nan Myers ● Mrs. Ella

Mae Eaddy (mother of Karone Johnson)● Rev. Dr. Sheila

Elliott

Page 5 Burns Connection

way people learn about the importance of moral

character. On Martin Luther King Day, some of the

youth helped feed the homeless. We baked cakes and

served them to the homeless during lunch at

Washington Street UMC's Soup Cellar. This experience

showed me how much I am truly blessed. I sometimes

complain because I do not get everything that I want,

but my parents are able to provide the basic needs of

life and much more.

When we served the homeless it did not matter what

the color of their skin was or if they were a girl or a

boy. Our goal was to help people who were in need of

help. Proverbs 21:13 states "He who shuts his ears to

the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of

need." One day I may need help, and I do not want to

be denied assistance because I was bitter to someone

else's need. I always try to be nice and help people

even if they are mean to me, because I never know

when I am going to need their help. John 15:12

states, "This is my commandment, that you love one

another as I have loved you...." We should treat all

people, even the those we do not know, how God treats

us. God does not treat us mean and ugly. He loves and

cares about us and only wants the very best for us. For

some people it is going to be hard to treat people the

way God treats us. But we have to remember that we

knowingly and sometimes unknowingly dishonor God

and commit sin almost everyday. In spite of that, God

finds a way to forgive us. So if God can do it, then we

can too. We should all follow the example of Dr. King to

show God's love for our neighbor as God first loved us.

-Rachel Forrest

Dr. Martin Luther King,

Jr. proudly stood for his

values and principles and

never let anyone steer

him away from what he

believed. Dr. King

dreamed of a nation for

his children where "they

would be judged not by

the color of their skin but

by the content of their character." Dr. King wanted

equality for all Americans and for them to share equal

inalienable rights.

In 1961, Dr. King spoke at Lincoln University and stated

in his speech, "that each individual had certain basic

rights that are neither conferred by nor derived from the

state. The American dream reminds us that every man is

heir to the legacy of worthiness." I completely agree with

Dr. King and believe everybody has the right to be who

they want to be and not be judged because of it. It is

wrong to see people for just their color because there's

so much more to a person besides the color of their skin.

It's sad to see that more than 50 years later we still have

some of the same problems that Dr. King had during his

era.

Dr. King believed in the importance of faith and moral

character. He often spoke of self- improvement and self-

help. He spoke against crime and disorderly conduct and

believed that churches and other faith-based associations

were necessary for the revival of the American culture. I

think church is a good foundation for the building of

moral character, but it is not and should not be the only

Missions Ministry has been encouraged and inspired by your strong, unwavering support of Missions

Programs and activities over the years. The Missions Ministry solicits your continued prayers and support of our

homeless students in Richland School Districts One and Two. Please keep in mind that Missions Ministry has

adopted this outreach as a permanent, year-round effort. Below is a 2013- 2014 report from Richland District

Two of 523 Students identified as homeless during the 2013-14 school year

Items requested by Richland One include: Book bags - all levels, Scientific calculators, Mechanical pencils,

Notebook paper - college and wide ruled, 1 1/2 and 2 inch binders, Crayons - 24 pack, Black pens, Post -it

notes, Index Cards

Items requested by Richland Two include: gloves, hats, shampoo and conditioner, detergent, deodorant, body

wash, soap, and under garments.

School Level Child Development Centers

Elementary School

Middle School High School Unaccompanied Youth

2013-14 10 (1%) 215 (41%) 102 (19%) 196 (37%) 122 (23%)

2012-13 8 (1%) 257 (46%) 119 (21%) 170 (31%) 82 (14%)

Nighttime Residence

Doubled Up Hotel Shelter Unsheltered/Substandard

2013-14 382 (73%) 80 (15%) 38 (7%) 14 (2%)

2012-13 388 (70%) 73 (13%) 46 (8%) 23 (4%)

Burns Connection

Health Notes February2015

The Health & Welfare Ministry’s/Healthy Eating And Living in the Spirit (H.E.A.L.S) vision for the

Francis Burns church family is to become A

Healthier Congregation

Heart Health- Spotlight on Heart Disease

It’s not just a man’s disease. 1 in 3 women die of heart

disease or stoke. But it can be prevented. Make a

change. Know your numbers, eat healthy,

exercise and make a play date for some fun and

relaxation.

Hungry for better health? Crack open a nut…I love

nuts. So here is the truth about the salty snack. Not

all salty snacks are created equal. Eating one and a

half ounces per day of almonds, pecans, or walnuts

might actually reduce your risk to heart disease, says

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That’s provided

they’re part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Nuts

boast heart-healthy fats, fiber, and key vitamins and

minerals. But they do contain a fair number of calories,

too. Keep portions in check with this guide to healthful

servings.

Almond: 23 nuts. Rich in vitamin E and

magnesium, almonds may help control cholesterol and

blood sugar for hours.

Pecans: 19 halves. The antioxidants their mellow

sweet flesh seem to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

Pistachios:49 nuts. These brightly colored nuts

are bursting with potassium and vitamin K. The fact

that pistachios are served in shells makes them more

difficult to overeat. Plus, they may lower your blood

pressure.

Walnuts:14 halves. A part of the heart-healthy

Mediterranean diet, walnuts stand as an excellent

source of alpha-linoleic acid. That’s the plant-based

version of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish. Go nuts and

happy eating.

Information obtained from National Go Red Foundation and STRIVE

newsletter for Healthy Living

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 6,

2015. All women wanting to participate in Go Red

Sunday are asked to wear red Sunday, February

22nd during the morning worship services.

Monthly Meeting: Our next meeting is scheduled

for Monday, February 16th at 6 pm. Everyone desiring

to embrace a healthier lifestyle are invited to join this

on-going health ministry.

Free monthly blood pressure screenings w ill be

available the 4th Sunday immediately after worship

services in the Fellowship Hall.ealHHhh

Aim for Wholeness,

Health & Welfare Ministry/H.E.A.L.S.

Status And Role Of Women

By Teresa Holland

The beauty of a woman

isn't in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair.


must be seen from in her eyes;

Because that's the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.


isn't in a facial mole;

But true beauty in a woman,

is reflected by her soul.

It's the caring that she cares to give,

the passion that she shows;

And the beauty of a woman

with passing years only grows

One March 22, 2015, the Status and Role we will host

a special service entitled You Are A Queen Sunday. We

will invite other women who have come out of Francis

Burns that have made a name for themselves,

successful in their professions, still in school, etc. to

come back home just to show our young ladies that

the church has released a lot of powerful, wonderful,

Godly women in the world as an example of what they

can be. Please provide the name and contact

information to Teresa Holland by February 20, 2015,

[email protected] so we can send a special

invitation to these women. Thanks for any help you

can provide.

Burns Connection

Christian Education Corner

God and the Gaps - Melagne Yed

There is a gap in our knowledge of God; there is also a

gap in our understanding of the purposes of God; and,

thirdly, there is a Gap when his presence is suppressed by

our preoccupation.

Presence suppressed by Preoccupation

Acts 17:24-28. The God who made the world and

everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does

not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by

human hands, as if he needed anything, because he

himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

From one man he made every nation of men, that they

should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the

times set for them and the exact places where they

should live. God did this so that men would seek him and

perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not

far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and

have our being.

The Apostle Paul tells us here that in the natural

framework of existence, even our being and movement

occur because God pervades the very reality in which we

live. He made each of us to dwell in a certain land by

design. He raised you in America and you are not far from

him. He raised me in the Ivory Coast and I was not far

from him. From Africa, from the Americas, from Asia,

from Australia, from Europe we hear stories, again and

again, of men and women raising their countenance to cry

out and finding out that God has been nearer to them

than they have ever realized.

But his presence is suppressed by preoccupation. English

Baptist Preacher, F.W. Boreham says that there has been

two basic heresies right from the beginning of human

existence. First is the heresy of there-ness, and second is

the heresy of here-ness. The heresy of there-ness,

Boreham says, comes from Adam. God is out there but

not here; so Adam hid from him. The heresy of here-ness,

he continues, comes from Cain. God is here but not out

there; so Cain tries to go out from the presence of the

Lord. But David, as a friend of God, finds out that there is

no place where God’s presence is not: “Where can I go

from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? …

even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will

shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Nebuchadnezzar, as an enemy of God, comes to the same

conclusion when he realizes that there is an unexpected

fourth personage right in the midst of the flames.

God’s presence is nearer to you than you can ever

imagine. From the very womb where he lays you to the

ethnicity he gives you, he tells you: “I am not far from

you”. But our busy-ness and obstinacy to go in a certain

direction often provoke us either to doubt or ignore his

presence, and perhaps to formulate this prayer: “Your

ways mystify me, oh Lord. In some journeys I feel you all

the way without a doubt. But sometimes you seem to

vanish halfway along the journey. And other times you

appear to me at the very last moment. And you

know Lord, sometimes I actually fear that you’ll let

me go over the edge.” And perhaps God would say

in response: “You are very unique my child. And I

will help you learn of me with that uniqueness in

mind. You see, if I took everybody all the way,

where is the room for their faith? If I took everybody

more than half the way, where is the room for their

love? If I did not let you at times, feeling even

abandoned, where is the room for my cross? You are

not what you will someday be. I AM WHO I AM. And

I know how to get you from who you are to who I

am. If you do not understand this, where is your

hope?”

The day will come when, from strength to strength

and from glory to glory, we will, not only have the

knowledge, not only understand the purposes, but

also understand the methods of God.

To be continued…

United Methodist Women

Officer Induction and Presentation

The Francis Burns United Methodist Women

inducted its new slate of officers for 2015 on

Sunday, January 18. Debra Schooler was present

to lead the induction ceremony and gave out a

dozen miniature shepherd staffs as a reminder to

lead in their designated positions.

The 2015 officer slate are:President- Gladys Morgan

Bell, V. President- Janice E. Bogan , Secretary-

Carrie Murray, Treasurer- Maeward Belk, Historian-

Girlene Mixon*, Publicity/PR/Communication-

Rhonda & Sharee Washington, Spiritual Growth-

Betty Mack, Membership N&O- Ollie Benners,

Social Action- Nettie Green, Education - Rebecca W.

Eleazer, Committee on Nominations, Class of 2015-

Charlotte Johnson Class of 2015- Sheila

Humphrey Class of 2016- Annie Gathers , Class of

2017- Diane James Class of 2017- Pam Thomas.

*until replacement elected

At the conclusion of the evening, Rhonda and

Sharee Washington shared a brief presentation of

their October South Africa trip and their forthcoming

return in November 2015. During their initial trip

they were able to volunteer and film some local kids

from impoverished communities. These kids

participate in an outreach center that assists them

with their academics and provides surfing as

recreation. Rhonda and Sharee will be joining the

foundation board set up by one of the volunteers to

further help the kids in the Cape Town townships of

Capricorn and Sea Winds. Here is an excerpt of the

organization and it's mission:

“See “UMW” page 6

mailto:[email protected]

Burns Connection

Health Notes February2015

The Health & Welfare Ministry’s/Healthy Eating And Living in the Spirit (H.E.A.L.S) vision for the

Francis Burns church family is to become A

Healthier Congregation

Heart Health- Spotlight on Heart Disease

It’s not just a man’s disease. 1 in 3 women die of heart

disease or stoke. But it can be prevented. Make a

change. Know your numbers, eat healthy,

exercise and make a play date for some fun and

relaxation.

Hungry for better health? Crack open a nut…I love

nuts. So here is the truth about the salty snack. Not

all salty snacks are created equal. Eating one and a

half ounces per day of almonds, pecans, or walnuts

might actually reduce your risk to heart disease, says

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That’s provided

they’re part of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Nuts

boast heart-healthy fats, fiber, and key vitamins and

minerals. But they do contain a fair number of calories,

too. Keep portions in check with this guide to healthful

servings.

Almond: 23 nuts. Rich in vitamin E and

magnesium, almonds may help control cholesterol and

blood sugar for hours.

Pecans: 19 halves. The antioxidants their mellow

sweet flesh seem to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol.

Pistachios:49 nuts. These brightly colored nuts

are bursting with potassium and vitamin K. The fact

that pistachios are served in shells makes them more

difficult to overeat. Plus, they may lower your blood

pressure.

Walnuts:14 halves. A part of the heart-healthy

Mediterranean diet, walnuts stand as an excellent

source of alpha-linoleic acid. That’s the plant-based

version of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish. Go nuts and

happy eating.

Information obtained from National Go Red Foundation and STRIVE

newsletter for Healthy Living

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 6,

2015. All women wanting to participate in Go Red

Sunday are asked to wear red Sunday, February

22nd during the morning worship services.

Monthly Meeting: Our next meeting is scheduled

for Monday, February 16th at 6 pm. Everyone desiring

to embrace a healthier lifestyle are invited to join this

on-going health ministry.

Free monthly blood pressure screenings w ill be

available the 4th Sunday immediately after worship

services in the Fellowship Hall.ealHHhh

Aim for Wholeness,

Health & Welfare Ministry/H.E.A.L.S.

Status And Role Of Women

By Teresa Holland


isn't in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair.


must be seen from in her eyes;

Because that's the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.


isn't in a facial mole;

But true beauty in a woman,

is reflected by her soul.

It's the caring that she cares to give,

the passion that she shows;

And the beauty of a woman

with passing years only grows

One March 22, 2015, the Status and Role we will host

a special service entitled You Are A Queen Sunday. We

will invite other women who have come out of Francis

Burns that have made a name for themselves,

successful in their professions, still in school, etc. to

come back home just to show our young ladies that

the church has released a lot of powerful, wonderful,

Godly women in the world as an example of what they

can be. Please provide the name and contact

information to Teresa Holland by February 20, 2015,

[email protected] so we can send a special

invitation to these women. Thanks for any help you

can provide.

Page 3 Burns Connection

Christian Education Corner

God and the Gaps - Melagne Yed

There is a gap in our knowledge of God; there is also a

gap in our understanding of the purposes of God; and,

thirdly, there is a Gap when his presence is suppressed by

our preoccupation.

Presence suppressed by Preoccupation

Acts 17:24-28. The God who made the world and

everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does

not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by

human hands, as if he needed anything, because he

himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

From one man he made every nation of men, that they

should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the

times set for them and the exact places where they

should live. God did this so that men would seek him and

perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not

far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and

have our being.

The Apostle Paul tells us here that in the natural

framework of existence, even our being and movement

occur because God pervades the very reality in which we

live. He made each of us to dwell in a certain land by

design. He raised you in America and you are not far from

him. He raised me in the Ivory Coast and I was not far

from him. From Africa, from the Americas, from Asia,

from Australia, from Europe we hear stories, again and

again, of men and women raising their countenance to cry

out and finding out that God has been nearer to them

than they have ever realized.

But his presence is suppressed by preoccupation. English

Baptist Preacher, F.W. Boreham says that there has been

two basic heresies right from the beginning of human

existence. First is the heresy of there-ness, and second is

the heresy of here-ness. The heresy of there-ness,

Boreham says, comes from Adam. God is out there but

not here; so Adam hid from him. The heresy of here-ness,

he continues, comes from Cain. God is here but not out

there; so Cain tries to go out from the presence of the

Lord. But David, as a friend of God, finds out that there is

no place where God’s presence is not: “Where can I go

from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? …

even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will

shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

Nebuchadnezzar, as an enemy of God, comes to the same

conclusion when he realizes that there is an unexpected

fourth personage right in the midst of the flames.

God’s presence is nearer to you than you can ever

imagine. From the very womb where he lays you to the

ethnicity he gives you, he tells you: “I am not far from

you”. But our busy-ness and obstinacy to go in a certain

direction often provoke us either to doubt or ignore his

presence, and perhaps to formulate this prayer: “Your

ways mystify me, oh Lord. In some journeys I feel you all

the way without a doubt. But sometimes you seem to

vanish halfway along the journey. And other times you

appear to me at the very last moment. And you

know Lord, sometimes I actually fear that you’ll let

me go over the edge.” And perhaps God would say

in response: “You are very unique my child. And I

will help you learn of me with that uniqueness in

mind. You see, if I took everybody all the way,

where is the room for their faith? If I took everybody

more than half the way, where is the room for their

love? If I did not let you at times, feeling even

abandoned, where is the room for my cross? You are

not what you will someday be. I AM WHO I AM. And

I know how to get you from who you are to who I

am. If you do not understand this, where is your

hope?”

The day will come when, from strength to strength

and from glory to glory, we will, not only have the

knowledge, not only understand the purposes, but

also understand the methods of God.

To be continued…

United Methodist Women

Officer Induction and Presentation

The Francis Burns United Methodist Women

inducted its new slate of officers for 2015 on

Sunday, January 18. Debra Schooler was present

to lead the induction ceremony and gave out a

dozen miniature shepherd staffs as a reminder to

lead in their designated positions.

The 2015 officer slate are:President- Gladys Morgan

Bell, V. President- Janice E. Bogan , Secretary-

Carrie Murray, Treasurer- Maeward Belk, Historian-

Girlene Mixon*, Publicity/PR/Communication-

Rhonda & Sharee Washington, Spiritual Growth-

Betty Mack, Membership N&O- Ollie Benners,

Social Action- Nettie Green, Education - Rebecca W.

Eleazer, Committee on Nominations, Class of 2015-

Charlotte Johnson Class of 2015- Sheila

Humphrey Class of 2016- Annie Gathers , Class of

2017- Diane James Class of 2017- Pam Thomas.

*until replacement elected

At the conclusion of the evening, Rhonda and

Sharee Washington shared a brief presentation of

their October South Africa trip and their forthcoming

return in November 2015. During their initial trip

they were able to volunteer and film some local kids

from impoverished communities. These kids

participate in an outreach center that assists them

with their academics and provides surfing as

recreation. Rhonda and Sharee will be joining the

foundation board set up by one of the volunteers to

further help the kids in the Cape Town townships of

Capricorn and Sea Winds. Here is an excerpt of the

organization and it's mission:

“See “UMW” page 6

mailto:[email protected]

Burns Connection

Lectionary February 2015

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 1, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1

Corinthians 8:1-13. Mark 1:21-28

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

February 8, Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-11, 20c, 1


Last Sunday after Epiphany, Transfiguration Sunday

February 15, 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2


First Sunday in Lent

February 22, Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter

2014 Budget Information

Administrative $295,992.18 Council on Ministries $123,763.00 Committee on Finance $ 250.00 Board of Trustees $157,400.00 Total 2014 Budget $577,405.18 Weekly Amount Needed $11,103.95 Monthly Amount Needed $48,117.10 Amount Received in December $47,999.99 Thank You

United Methodist Men Update

Meeting February 14 2015

8:30 AM

Fellowship Hall

Meet the Choir

Name: Stephen L. Jamison

Choir Section: Tenor

Affiliations: American Legion Riders member and Air Force veteran Hobbies/Interests: Enjoys singing,

motorcycle riding, and working in the yard

Perhaps! The key factor in the

growth and development of the

local church is centered on its

spirituality. The spiritual

foundation of the church is our

faith and the prayer life of the

congregation. The leadership and

members must be actively

involved in the prayer life of the

church.

James Banks wrote these words: “True Praise – praise

with an active faith that is greater than only emotion –

is a daring thing. It challenges us to leave old paths of

a human heart behind and reach for something beyond

ourselves, giving ourselves up to God. “(Taken from

Discovery Series: Let’s Pray: Talking to God with the

words of the Bible).

In James 5:16, we find these words: Therefore confess

your sins to one another and pray for one another, so

that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is

powerful and effective.

The words we submit to God are more important than

we realize. As the people of God, we must remember

to stay in relationship with God through the prayer life

we live.

Grace and Peace

Ernest C. Etheredge

Remember In Your Prayers

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. “ The

prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will

raise him up. ...The effective, fervent prayer of a

righteous man avails much.” James 5:15, 16.

Mr. Willie Howard ● Mrs. Martha Hayes (gradmother of Gwen

Etheredge)● Mr. Joey (son of Trudie Reed) ●Mr. Corey Spann

(son in law of Cephus and Pam Thomas) ● Ms. Ruby Hendrix

(sister of Bettye Marshall Augustus) ● Mr. Hosea Henry (step

-father of Shemega Tyson and brother in law of Virginia

Goodman) ● Mr. James Tony Kennedy, Sr. (brother of

Valerie Kennedy-Robinson) ● Mr. James Mixon (son of

Sammie and Girlene Mixon ● Mr. John Myers (father of Sam

Myers) ● Rev. Calvin Washington ● Mrs. Gertrude Kinney

(mother of Kenneth Kinney) Ms. Margaret Brown (aunt of

Kenneth Kinney) ●Ms. Patricia Squire (sister of Bernice

Kinney) ●Bishop Theodore and Mrs. Nan Myers ● Mrs. Ella

Mae Eaddy (mother of Karone Johnson)● Rev. Dr. Sheila

Elliott

Burns Connection

way people learn about the importance of moral

character. On Martin Luther King Day, some of the

youth helped feed the homeless. We baked cakes and

served them to the homeless during lunch at

Washington Street UMC's Soup Cellar. This experience

showed me how much I am truly blessed. I sometimes

complain because I do not get everything that I want,

but my parents are able to provide the basic needs of

life and much more.

When we served the homeless it did not matter what

the color of their skin was or if they were a girl or a

boy. Our goal was to help people who were in need of

help. Proverbs 21:13 states "He who shuts his ears to

the cries of the poor will be ignored in his own time of

need." One day I may need help, and I do not want to

be denied assistance because I was bitter to someone

else's need. I always try to be nice and help people

even if they are mean to me, because I never know

when I am going to need their help. John 15:12

states, "This is my commandment, that you love one

another as I have loved you...." We should treat all

people, even the those we do not know, how God treats

us. God does not treat us mean and ugly. He loves and

cares about us and only wants the very best for us. For

some people it is going to be hard to treat people the

way God treats us. But we have to remember that we

knowingly and sometimes unknowingly dishonor God

and commit sin almost everyday. In spite of that, God

finds a way to forgive us. So if God can do it, then we

can too. We should all follow the example of Dr. King to

show God's love for our neighbor as God first loved us.

-Rachel Forrest

Dr. Martin Luther King,

Jr. proudly stood for his

values and principles and

never let anyone steer

him away from what he

believed. Dr. King

dreamed of a nation for

his children where "they

would be judged not by

the color of their skin but

by the content of their character." Dr. King wanted

equality for all Americans and for them to share equal

inalienable rights.

In 1961, Dr. King spoke at Lincoln University and stated

in his speech, "that each individual had certain basic

rights that are neither conferred by nor derived from the

state. The American dream reminds us that every man is

heir to the legacy of worthiness." I completely agree with

Dr. King and believe everybody has the right to be who

they want to be and not be judged because of it. It is

wrong to see people for just their color because there's

so much more to a person besides the color of their skin.

It's sad to see that more than 50 years later we still have

some of the same problems that Dr. King had during his

era.

Dr. King believed in the importance of faith and moral

character. He often spoke of self- improvement and self-

help. He spoke against crime and disorderly conduct and

believed that churches and other faith-based associations

were necessary for the revival of the American culture. I

think church is a good foundation for the building of

moral character, but it is not and should not be the only

Missions Ministry has been encouraged and inspired by your strong, unwavering support of Missions

Programs and activities over the years. The Missions Ministry solicits your continued prayers and support of our

homeless students in Richland School Districts One and Two. Please keep in mind that Missions Ministry has

adopted this outreach as a permanent, year-round effort. Below is a 2013- 2014 report from Richland District

Two of 523 Students identified as homeless during the 2013-14 school year

Items requested by Richland One include: Book bags - all levels, Scientific calculators, Mechanical pencils,

Notebook paper - college and wide ruled, 1 1/2 and 2 inch binders, Crayons - 24 pack, Black pens, Post -it

notes, Index Cards

Items requested by Richland Two include: gloves, hats, shampoo and conditioner, detergent, deodorant, body

wash, soap, and under garments.

School Level Child Development Centers

Elementary School

Middle School High School Unaccompanied Youth

2013-14 10 (1%) 215 (41%) 102 (19%) 196 (37%) 122 (23%)

2012-13 8 (1%) 257 (46%) 119 (21%) 170 (31%) 82 (14%)

Nighttime Residence

Doubled Up Hotel Shelter Unsheltered/Substandard

2013-14 382 (73%) 80 (15%) 38 (7%) 14 (2%)

2012-13 388 (70%) 73 (13%) 46 (8%) 23 (4%)

Burns Connection

Happy Birthday

FBUMC Mission Statement: The mission of Francis Burns United

Methodist Church is to glorify God, to spread the Good News of

Jesus Christ and to make Christian disciples through worship and

praise, nurture, outreach and witness.

FBUMC Vision Statement: The vision of Francis Burns United

Methodist Church is to be in covenant with God and to connect

with God's people through ministries that meet human needs.

01 Jaila Donnielle Evans

O2 Johnnie Johnson

03 Harold Murray, Jr.

03 Idi-Imiri Murray

04 Jaylin Williams

05 Reginald Mack

05 Brandi Guinyard

05 Roz Coleman

06 Kailey Young

07 Chantell Payne

08 Adrienne Lynn

08 Minnie Johnson

08 Emma J. Martin

11 Willie Howard

11 Eric Jeffries

12 Fred Brandyburg

13 Preston Cobb

14 Shania C. Sprouts

15 Shane Johnson

17 Michael Scott

19 Breonna Truesdale-

Richardson

20 Teresa Holland

20 Brandi Bell

20 Willie Lakin

21 Dominick Bailey

21 Julius Cave

21 Doris McNair

23 Sharon Wilson

23 Paul L. Jenkins

23 Ahisha Gunn

23 Shiitra Praylow

24 Bryan Brunson

24 D’Rell Coe

27 Xavier Howell

27 Tesh Johnson

27 Kimberly Mikell

28 Laura Gary

28 Bernetta Cooper

28 Alexandria White

28 Dinease Jones

5 February - Patrick and Zina Hudson

12 February – Earl and Ava Doby

17 February - Odell and Linda Kennedy

Happy Anniversary

To update your birthday or anniversary information,

contact Inez Benjamin at 736-1008 or

email [email protected]

Life is not about waiting for the storm to end.

Life is about learning to dance in the rain.

On The Light Side

“UMW” from page 3

The Global Dreamers Project, Founder Linda Luna

(Los Angeles, CA) - TGDP is a U.S. based global

organization that provides a diverse range of

opportunities designed to empower the lives and

propel the dreams of disadvantaged youth

throughout the world. With a fund-raising format,

the foundation creates programs and resources

that support this vision and mission. Programs and

resources will focus on mentorship, education,

careers, sports, life skills and leadership. Our

primary goal is to see the youth of our next global

generation live out their dreams and God-given

purpose.

Along with the United Methodist Women, Rhonda

and Sharee will coordinate fundraising activities in

the coming months that will directly impact the kids

lives. As the twins anticipated their return to the

'Motherland', they have tentatively outlined one

day with the kids that will consist of a tour to

Robben Island, Table Mountain, lunch at a

restaurant on the V&A Wharf, a 'brown bag' of

grocery, and a book bag full of school & art

supplies, and some basic clothing. Rhonda and

Sharee are also seeking to appeal to area youths

(including FB Youth Ministry) to become pen pals

with the kids from South Africa so that they can

teach the South African kids the gospel and in the

not too distant future, a travel exchange between

youths in the two countries.

Next meeting: A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial with

Grace UMC; hosted by Francis Burns UMC on Feb.

15 at 4PM in the fellowship hall.

Save the date: Women's Weekend- March 14 and

15. All women invited to attend and participate.

February 2015 Volume 2015 Issue 2

Burns Connection

Francis Burns UMC

5616 Farrow Rd.

Columbia, SC 29203

(803) 754-1760

Rev. Ernest C. Etheredge

Pastor

Francis Burns Members Attend Columbia District’s

Bishop’s Road Show

On January 24th the Columbia District of the South

Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist

Church hosted the 10th round of the Bishop’s Road Show.

Bishop Jonathan Holston and his team have planned

visits to all 12 Districts of the South Carolina Annual

Conference. The purpose of these gatherings is to afford

members of the laity an opportunity to meet and greet

the Bishop in a more relaxed environment. It also serves

as a means for Bishop Holston to emphasize the

importance of team work and the fact that each member

of the team is important.

10 members of the Francis Burns family braved the

chilly, damp morning to make their way to Shandon UMC

for the 9:00-2:00 session. Those persons were: Nettie

Green, Ollie Benners, Carol Singletary, Harold Murray,

Carrie Murray, Melagne Yed, Jean-Michee Yed, Delaine

Frierson, Beverly Frierson and Nancy Bradshaw.

Some of the points Bishop Holston emphasized during his

presentations included: 1) We must work on becoming

disciples God can use. 2) The key word is “together”: We

worship together; we are the church together; we are all

in the faith together. 3) What are we going to do

together? 4) The question is asked, “Can we trust each

other? God wants us to trust Him and learn to trust each

other more. 5) We are in conflict because we aren’t in

relationship. 6) We were not called to be members, we

were called to be disciples and to make disciples. 7) We

must all realize that the only right way is God’s way. 8)

What is it that God is calling you to do? What is it that

our church community needs us to do? 9) Remember, “I

(We) can do all things (together) through Christ who

strengthens me (us.)

Each church group present was then given 15 minutes to

come up with a plan that they would carry out in the next

3-6 months. Keep your eyes and ears open to see and

hear what our group came up with.

Tuesday

February 17

6:30 PM

Wednesday,

February 18

6 PM

Begins Wednesday,

February 25

12:00 noon to 1:15 PM

Contact Connie Glenn

803 206-6627)

for more information

Church Women United of Columbia Annual World Day of Prayer

Friday, March 6

10:30 A.M. Refreshments

11:00 A.M. Celebration

Emphasis: Women of the Bahamas

Scripture: Jesus asked His Disciples: “Do you

Understand What I have Done for You?”

John 13:1-17

Grace United Methodist Church

410 Harbison Blvd

Columbia, SC 29212

February 8th

Burns Connection February 2015

Documents

Transcript of Burns Connection February 2015