Live Gold, Love Purple...to sunset, a baseball would be flying through the air. I must also confess...
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May has always been my favorite month of the year. Growing up it marked the beginning of summer vacation and baseball— seven days a week, all day long. As the fourth of five boys, there was always someone to pitch to or against. May meant that from sunrise to sunset, a baseball would be flying through the air. I must also confess that I love May because Jenn’s birthday falls on the 8 th and mine follows on the 9 th . As a Methodist preacher’s kid and a Methodist preacher myself, May brings news of possible relocation and new church homes. Jenn and I will move our family that was created here in Villa Rica for the first time. This May, we have begun looking for a new place to call home. Second confession: this is the hardest transition I can remember. How do I prepare to leave people that changed my life in so many ways? How do I adequately find the words to communicate all the feelings of love and gratitude that are swirling within me? This article is 12 days late because I couldn’t hit send. The feeling of inadequately conveying my emotions loomed over me. Well, here it goes… We will live out this change by telling and laughing at new stories, as well as old. We will remember the profound love that you have shared with each of us. We will stop and celebrate Nancy Wise being crazy enough to start a thrift store in a town covered up in thrift stores. We will smile as we remember Linda Rogers telling the Trustees she has 26 people ready to start working a brand new community vegetable garden. We will laugh at Bob and Larry arguing in the middle of a field that appeared empty, but was blanketed in the Holy Spirit. We will pause for a moment of silence as we remember the first time we heard Rick play “Amazing Grace,” the first time we heard Chris and Allison sing anything together, the buzz in the sanctifiteria of Bay Springs Middle School as 70 people put together chairs and set up for VRFUMC’s first Sunday in over a 100 years not at 206 North Avenue, and the Saints who have entered the Church Triumphant over the last seven years. I will laugh as I tell the boys, for at least the 50 th time, about Betty Vonkleeck worried that I would find someone else to start our new food pantry as she prepared for major heart surgery. Tim Jeffers praying with me the night we voted to accept the offer on 206 North Avenue. Villa Rica lighting candles and praying with us as we mourned and cried at Jayla’s death. The longest five minute drive to the church last Memorial Day weekend as I was late to officiate Michael and Amanda Miller’s wedding. The staff retreats. The staff that works entirely too hard for the little money they make. The wise counsel I’ve received from Scott Swafford and Jackie Waldrop. The grateful faces dotting trailer parks and lost neighborhoods whenever we delivered lunches. Tristan’s face as it shone with delight as he told me about the Youth Counselor, Lloyd, who kept mooning the boys. Charlotte Barber saving my hide and for telling the best joke ever told. Although I can go on for dozens of pages, let me tell you about our new chapters. Travis is looking forward to being in college without us in the community. Tristan and Shane are preparing to start new chapters of their own in colleges this Fall. Brendan continually reminds us that when school starts back in the Fall, he will be two years from college and we need to be ready to be empty nesters. Please pray that we make it. Jenn and I will hold hands, and each other, as we walk into this next chapter better and stronger because of the purple and gold blood that will forever flow through our veins. Forever, we are VR. This May, I hope you experience the blessings of family and ministry. It is my prayer for us all that we have a May that brings countless memories and joys that we will laugh about for the rest of our lives. We have five more Sundays together and I am praying that something will happen that we talk about for years. I promise to give everything I have and everything I am. May you know the love of God, and God’s children, in amazing ways this month. We love each of you very much. In the hollow of His Hand, Derek Villa Rica First United Methodist Church May, 2017 Live Gold, Love Purple
Transcript of Live Gold, Love Purple...to sunset, a baseball would be flying through the air. I must also confess...
May has always been my favorite month of the year. Growing up it marked the beginning of summer vacation and baseball—
seven days a week, all day long. As the fourth of five boys, there was always someone to pitch to or against. May meant that from sunrise
to sunset, a baseball would be flying through the air. I must also confess that I love May because Jenn’s birthday falls on the 8th and mine
follows on the 9th. As a Methodist preacher’s kid and a Methodist preacher myself, May brings news of possible relocation and new church
homes. Jenn and I will move our family that was created here in Villa Rica for the first time. This May, we have begun looking for a new
place to call home. Second confession: this is the hardest transition I can remember. How do I prepare to leave people that changed my
life in so many ways? How do I adequately find the words to communicate all the feelings of love and gratitude that are swirling within
me? This article is 12 days late because I couldn’t hit send. The feeling of inadequately conveying my emotions loomed over me. Well, here
it goes…
We will live out this change by telling and laughing at new stories, as well as old. We will remember the profound love that you
have shared with each of us. We will stop and celebrate Nancy Wise being crazy enough to start a thrift store in a town covered up in thrift
stores. We will smile as we remember Linda Rogers telling the Trustees she has 26 people ready to start working a brand new community
vegetable garden. We will laugh at Bob and Larry arguing in the middle of a field that appeared empty, but was blanketed in the Holy
Spirit. We will pause for a moment of silence as we remember the first time we heard Rick play “Amazing Grace,” the first time we heard
Chris and Allison sing anything together, the buzz in the sanctifiteria of Bay Springs Middle School as 70 people put together chairs and
set up for VRFUMC’s first Sunday in over a 100 years not at 206 North Avenue, and the Saints who have entered the Church Triumphant
over the last seven years.
I will laugh as I tell the boys, for at least the 50th time, about Betty Vonkleeck worried that I would find someone else to start our
new food pantry as she prepared for major heart surgery. Tim Jeffers praying with me the night we voted to accept the offer on 206 North
Avenue. Villa Rica lighting candles and praying with us as we mourned and cried at Jayla’s death. The longest five minute drive to the
church last Memorial Day weekend as I was late to officiate Michael and Amanda Miller’s wedding. The staff retreats. The staff that works
entirely too hard for the little money they make. The wise counsel I’ve received from Scott Swafford and Jackie Waldrop. The grateful
faces dotting trailer parks and lost neighborhoods whenever we delivered lunches. Tristan’s face as it shone with delight as he told me
about the Youth Counselor, Lloyd, who kept mooning the boys. Charlotte Barber saving my hide and for telling the best joke ever told.
Although I can go on for dozens of pages, let me tell you about our new chapters.
Travis is looking forward to being in college without us in the community. Tristan and Shane are preparing to start new chapters
of their own in colleges this Fall. Brendan continually reminds us that when school starts back in the Fall, he will be two years from college
and we need to be ready to be empty nesters. Please pray that we make it. Jenn and I will hold hands, and each other, as we walk into this
next chapter better and stronger because of the purple and gold blood that will forever flow through our veins. Forever, we are VR.
This May, I hope you experience the blessings of family and ministry. It is my prayer for us all that we have a May that brings
countless memories and joys that we will laugh about for the rest of our lives. We have five more Sundays together and I am praying that
something will happen that we talk about for years. I promise to give everything I have and everything I am. May you know the love of
God, and God’s children, in amazing ways this month. We love each of you very much.
In the hollow of His Hand,
Derek
Villa Rica First United Methodist Church
May, 2017
Live Gold, Love Purple
3 Aaron & Judy Beck 4 Brian & Hanne Willoughby 12 Richard & Jean Freeman 12 Jason & Brittney Tullis 14 Dustin & Kimberly Thomas 18 Mkyl & Laurie Klingenberg 18 Terry & Heather Shead 19 Douglas & Lilly McMane 19 Amanda Pollard & Scott Thomas 20 Thom & Pamela Baxter 21 Frank Jr. & Toni Gallo 23 Brent & Erin Price 25 Don & Dorothy Jones 26 Matt & Katie Fowler 28 Michael & Amanda Miller 30 Michael & Alicia Pope 31 Michael & Shelley Burnaman
May Anniversaries
Circle 3 UMW Circle III will not meet until further notice. For more information contact:
Beverly Swafford 770.598.0242
The Royal Circle
The Royal Circle meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30pm. Childcare is provided. All women are welcome.
Katie Fowler [email protected]
770.265.3763
Mission Opportunities
May Meals on Wheels
Summer Lunch Program
Ongoing
Backpacks God’s Food Pantry
Two Shirts Thrift Store
Happy Birthday, Everyone
3 Tim Frier 3 Norma Gray 4 Amanda Dickerson 4 Heather Shead 5 Madison Bass 5 Annabelle Bradley 5 Nikki Crowe 5 Matthew Williams 6 Lindsey Edwards 6 Marissa Seaman 8 Jennifer Porter 9 Derek Porter 10 Will Bissell 12 Linda Martin 13 Harlan McClure 13 Codie Messel 14 Christine Hunt 14 Olivia Mote 15 Tanner Allen 17 Ken Duncan 17 Karleigh Livingston 17 Grace Williams 18 Erin Pitts 19 Charlotte Barber 19 Savannah Mayfield 20 Shane Hupp 22 Brad Edwards 23 Tom Dickerson 24 Bonnie Gosdeck 24 Ronald Horton 25 Jacqueline Atkinson 25 Danya Johnson 26 Ethan Price 27 Susan Jordan 28 Jean Freeman 28 Fred Riggs 28 David Searl 29 Danny Williams 30 Eddie Bradley Jr. 31 Mackenzie McIntosh 31 Gayla Mealer
May
Birthdays
Grief Ministry
How We Heal
You are very special. Remember
how much God cares for you by
taking care of yourself. What do you
need right now? A nap? A good
dinner? More exercise? Treat your
body kindly. Grieving is difficult
work.
6 Sunday Service Times Fellowship: 8:30
First Service: 9:00 Connect Groups 10:00
Second Service: 11:00
Mortgage Balance
Through 4/24/2017
$568,471.23
For more information please contact
Sharon Jeffers [email protected]
God’s Food Pantry For the month of March we served 22 clients, 52 household members, and 496 lbs of food. In April, we served 44 clients, 119 household members, and 939 lbs of food.
Donations of food, money, and time are needed and appreciated.
Please pray for each family served.
George Eidson, Director [email protected]
Church Work Day
Saturday, June 17th
9am-Noon
Pastoral Transition Events
June 11th There will be a brief reception and gift presentation for Pastor Derek and his family after the 11:00 service. If you would like to contribute, please note Pastor’s Farewell Offering on your check. June 18th There will be a drop-in fellowship brunch between services to offer our best wishes to Rev. Klingenberg and Mkyl on their move to Mt. Pleasant UMC in Rome. Please bring a breakfast item to share. June 25th To welcome our new pastor, we will be presenting the Mays family with a welcome wreath adorned with gift cards. Please drop off gift cards that can be attached to the wreath by Wednesday, June 21st to the church office.
Feel free to contact Sami Glisson, 678.230.6313, if you have any
questions.
Check Out the Website
See bulletins, newsletters, current
calendars and upcoming church
events on our website.
villaricafumc.net
Men’s Fellowship
The Men’s Huddle meets the second
Monday of every month at 6:30pm.
All men are welcome.
Chuck Standridge [email protected]
What We Believe
Creed: What Christians Believe and Why by Adam Hamilton
Have you ever wondered why we say
“The Apostles Creed” each week in
worship? Have you ever wondered
where it came from? Have you ever
wondered what it all means? Join our
small group as we explore with Adam
Hamilton not only what Christians
believe but why it matters.
D.I.G. has moved back into the
upstairs Sunday School classroom.
Linda Rogers 770.948.5666
D.I.G. (Delighting in God)
Connect Group Sundays at 10am
Missions 2017
Doing what we can, where we are, with what we have!
Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer,
“Truly, I say to you, as you did for the least of these you did for me.”
Summer Means Summer Lunches!
By His Hands Summer Lunch Program needs volunteers to make, package,
and deliver lunches this summer. VRFUMC will be doing summer lunches
May 30th-June 2nd and July 17th-21st. If you can’t volunteer, but would still
like to help, donations are always welcome! For more information or to
volunteer, contact:
Kim Collins Katie Fowler 770.265.3763 404.771.3030
Develop a recreational activity
your family can do together,
and then enjoy it regularly.
Two Shirts Thrift Store A Mission of VRFUMC
If you have Two Shirts, share with someone who has none. - Luke 3:11
How do you know if your mission on earth is finished?
If you’re alive, it isn’t.
TSTS Giving History
January - March 2017 - $2,000.00 Total Giving from 10/1/13 - 3/31/17 - $42,500.00
TSTS is open the first Saturday each month from 12 to 2PM.
June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2 Come shop and / or volunteer.
Can’t volunteer your time? Help in other ways.
Store Needs: 16x25x1 furnace filters, one and two gallon baggies, Coke, Coke Zero or Sprite in cans.
Volunteers are needed to help with grounds maintenance including grass cutting, weed eating and brush trimming.
Remember when donating clothing: Swim suits in summer, snow suits in winter.
As always, volunteers are greatly needed.
To join this exciting and vital mission, please contact us.
Chris Obenauer Nancy Wise 770.367.1978 404.374.4154
Please remember that we request NO electronics.
Atheism is a non-prophet organization!
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels meal preparation is every
Friday morning in May. Please meet at the
church by 8:30AM. All volunteers are
welcome. Contact Jackie B. Waldrop for
more information at 770.789.9892.
CHILDREN and YOUTH
Register for VBS Today!
villaricafumc.net
June 5th-9th
9am-12pm
Youth Opportunities
We are excited to offer so many exciting mission, worship, and educational opportunities for our youth. We hope you will fellowship with us. If you have questions please contact Jason or Erin Backus at:
[email protected] or http://www.facebook.com/VRyouth
Sign up for our Remind text service by sending “@ VRyouth” to 81010**
Jason & Erin Backus
Upcoming Events May 17th ~ CRUD Night
July ~ River of Life
VBS Crafting Needs
Crafting project needs:
toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes
of all sizes, and at least two
refrigerator boxes.
CMO Annual Trike-A-Thon
The students of VRFUMC CMO/Preschool participated in their annual Trike-a-Thon to raise awareness and money for the Carroll County Relay for Life. The children were able to donate $357 this year. Thank you to everyone for supporting this event!
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 6:30PM ~ Royal Circle
2 10AM~ Creative Care Crafting 4PM ~ Good’s Food Pantry 6:30PM ~ Boy Scouts
3 6PM~ The Village & Supper
4 6PM~ Boy Scout Camp Planning 6:30PM~Safety Ministry Meeting 7PM~Adult Choir
5 8:30AM ~ Meals on Wheels 6PM ~ Ithica Elementary Road Runner Banquet
6
7 1PM~Youth Band
8 6:30PM ~ Men’s Huddle
9 10AM~ Creative Care Crafting 6:30PM ~ Boy Scouts
10 6PM~ The Village & Supper
11 6:30PM~CMO End of Year Program 7PM~Adult Choir
12 8:30AM ~ Meals on Wheels
13
14 Don’t Trade Ruth!!! 12:30PM~VBS Leaders Meeting & VBS Training 1PM~Youth Band
15 6PM~ Glanton-Hindman Road Runner Banquet
16 10AM~ Creative Care Crafting 4PM ~ Good’s Food Pantry 6:30PM ~ Boy Scouts
17 6PM~ Youth CRUD Night
18 6PM~ Boy Scout Camp Planning 6:30PM~Safety Ministry Meeting 7PM~Adult Choir
19 8:30AM ~ Meals on Wheels
20
21 Where Is Timothy? 1PM~Youth Band
22 23 10AM~ Creative Care Crafting 6:30PM ~ Boy Scouts
24 25 6PM~ Boy Scout Camp Planning 6:30PM~Safety Ministry Meeting 7PM~Adult Choir
26 8:30AM ~ Meals on Wheels
27
28 29 30 10AM~ Creative Care Crafting
31
Need Prayer? Call the prayer chain hotline. Irma Andrews 770.459.1816 or Sonja Bradley 770.459.6012
I know that when I pray something wonderful happens.
2017 MAY SERVANTS & SCHEDULES 2017
2015
Greeters @ 9:00
7th ~ Juanita Eberhart 14th ~ Juanita Eberhart 21st ~ Juanita Eberhart 28th ~ Juanita Eberhart Greeters @ 11:00
Greeters Needed
COUNTING SCHEDULE 7th ~ Linda Martin & Barbara Myers
14th ~ Sandra Brown & Dixie Tackett 21st ~ Opal Spake & Nancy Wise
28th ~ Linda Rogers & Jackie B. Waldrop
CHILDREN’S MOMENT
7th ~ Communion 14th ~ Jason Backus
21st ~ Bible Presentation 28th ~ Mykl Kligenberg
USHERS @ 9:00
Bob Bradley
Ron Eberhart
USHERS @ 11:00
Casey Bass
Ricky Harrelson
Ricky Lewis
OPEN & CLOSE
Open: Kip Tackett Close: Carlos Morales or Marcus Newman
Sunday Fellowship
Join us for Coffee and Conversation at 8:30
ADMINISTRATIVE Board Members
Committee Chair Committee Contact Info
Hubert Blankenship Administrative Board [email protected]
Beverly Swafford UMW President [email protected]
Sharon Jeffers Council on Ministries [email protected]
Larry Boggs Long Range Planning [email protected]
Danny Waldrop Lay Leader [email protected]
Stewart Glisson Finance [email protected]
Mike Cowan Finance [email protected]
Carlos Morales Trustees [email protected]
Erin Backus Student Ministries Coordinator / Staff [email protected]
Jenna Blair CMO Director / Staff [email protected]
Halie Bissell Children’s Morning Out [email protected]
Jackie B. Waldrop Treasurer [email protected]
Jason Backus Youth Director / Staff [email protected]
Brittney Tullis Children [email protected]
Sami Glisson Worship Arts [email protected]
Lauren Turner Missions [email protected]
Luz & Carlos Morales Boy Scouts [email protected]
Scott Swafford SPRC [email protected]
Chuck Standridge UMM President [email protected]
VRFUMC Office Contact Information: Administrative Coordinator: Stephanie Tullis
1789 Carrollton-Villa Rica Hwy, VR 30180
Phone: 770.459.3067 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.villaricafumc.net
Office Hours: Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 9AM to 3PM Wed. & Fri. 9AM to Noon
Church Staff
Ministers of Faith ~ Our Congregation
Rev. Derek Porter, Pastor: 770.235.2246 or [email protected] Rev. Laurie Klingenberg, Director of Congregational Care: [email protected]
Rick Quinton, Pianist: [email protected]
Erin Backus, Student Ministries Coordinator: [email protected]
Matt & Allison Williamson, Worship Leaders: [email protected]
Jason Backus, Youth Director: [email protected]
Amanda Miller, JAM Coordinator: [email protected]
Jenna Blair, CMO Director: [email protected]
Jane Young, Financial Secretary: [email protected]
Kip Tackett, Church Caretaker ~ (404) 723-3023
Volunteer Communications Staff
Lowdown with Lauren & Luz: Lauren Turner & Luz Morales Lauren: [email protected]
Luz: [email protected]
Adult Connect Groups Delighting in God
(D.I.G.) Teacher Linda Rogers
Martha Blake Teacher: Robert Pitts
Outreach Teacher Rotation
Reba Roberds Teacher: Danny Waldrop
College Age: Basic Gift
Teachers: Melody & Jerry Crowe
Youth (6th – 12th grade):
Teachers: Casey Bass
Children (3 yr. – 5th grade)
Children’s Worship Ages 3 – 3rd grade
9:15 & 11:15
Sunday School & Children’s Church
Su
