MPC Monthly Newsletter

May 2019

The Morning After Staff

Rev. Dr. Nicole Lock

Interim Pastor

Destiny Williams

Director of Youth Ministry

Sophe Pope

Director of Children’s Ministry

Julie Garcia

Director of Children’s Choir

Janet Hurst

Assistant Treasurer

Tammy Hortman

Administrative Assistant

Jason Montague

Director of Music

Jane Robinson

Organist

Greg Smith

Pianist

ELDERS

Dottie Wise,

Clerk

Danny Brown

Ellen Foster

Julie Garcia

Priti Griffin

Heidi Hicks

(Youth)

James Livermont

Mary Plishker

Chuck Standard

Eddy Smith

George Stellings

Kara Rogers

John Wadsworth

James Withers

DEACONS

Ruth Rucker,

Chairman

Micky Camp

JG Humphries

Christy Maddox

Tony Okrutny

Bob Phillips

Dusty Pope

Judy Prophet

Jerry Repp

Jill Shedd

Christina Snider

(Youth)

Ruth Rucker

Jean Williams

Tim Wirt

(This is the devotional we sent to the congregation last year on Easter Monday.)

The new Easter dresses and ties have been put in the hamper. The Easter ham has been turned

into leftover sandwiches. The last Easter egg has been found – or, if it hasn’t, the nose will find

it on that first hot day. The Peep-induced sugar crash has (almost) subsided. Easter is over.

It’s the morning after.

We can now indulge in chocolate or Facebook or whatever else we gave up for Lent and go

back to our normal routine. Even we church leaders may find ourselves relieved to go back to

life as normal, now that the work of Easter is over.

But, thanks be to God, it is not.

Every year around Easter many documentaries and news articles, secular and otherwise,

address the question: Do we believe Jesus rose from the dead? It’s an important question. But

Duke Divinity School professor and author Stanley Hauer challenges us to consider another

question that is equally important, if not more so: “The problem, after all, is not belief in the

resurrection, but whether we live lives that would make no sense if, in fact, Jesus has not been

raised from the dead.”

On the secular calendar, Easter is just a day. On the church calendar, it is a season. But for the

follower of Jesus, Easter is a lifestyle. In other words, it is our “normal” routine.

Because Jesus calls us, not just to believe the resurrection, but to live it.

He even gives us a specific place where we are to live the resurrection. When the women arrive

at the tomb and hear that Jesus has been raised, they are told: “But go, tell his disciples and

Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told

you’” (Mark 16:7).

Why Galilee?

Galilee was the hometown of the women and the disciples. It was the place of their daily

routine – their chores, their work, their studies, their mealtimes, their family relationships, their

waking and their sleeping. But in addition to being their home base, “Galilee of the

Gentiles” (Matthew 4:15) was also the launch pad for Jesus’ mission to make disciples of all

nations. That’s where we are sent to live the resurrection – in the Galilees of our homes and the

Galilees of our community and world. In the places in our lives and in the world’s lives, in

every place where hope seems dead, we are called to declare the tomb is empty – by daring to

live in ways that make no earthly sense, save that the Savior lives.

Howard Thurman’s powerful poem “The Work of Christmas” reminds us that Christmas does

not end on the day after Epiphany. His message is equally timely on this day after Easter:

When the last note of “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” has been sung,

When the last chocolate bunny has been eaten,

When the lilies begin to wilt,

…the work of Easter begins.

It’s time to go meet Jesus in Galilee. -Nicole Lock

May 2019

ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNION: The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will

be celebrated on Sunday, May 5th.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: The monthly men's breakfast will be held at

8:30 am on Saturday, May 11th, in the

Anchor. Men of all ages are invited for

food and fellowship.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: will be Tuesday, May 28th, from

2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

BULLETIN DEADLINE:

Church Office will finalize the weekly

bulletins at 2:00 pm on Wednesdays.

MESSENGER DEADLINE:

Church Office will finalize the weekly

Messenger on Mondays by 12:00 pm

Thank You

Thank You, Emily!

The Children's Choir and I want to thank Emily Crowe for her years of dedicated

service to the choir as our accompanist. She is so talented and eager to serve our music

program, and she has been a wonderful partner in shaping our young singers.

We congratulate you on your graduation and wish you all the best as you head to

college in the fall.

Thank you and best of luck! We will miss you...

Julie Garcia, Children's Choir Director

MCYOUTH MAY DATES

1- Youth Sunday Practice (6:30-8:30 pm)

3- Youth Sunday Practice (5-7 pm)

4- Cap South Shred Event/ VMO (8:30 am

-12:30 pm)

4- Triennium Commission at Presbytery

Meeting

4- Confirmation Dinner (5:00-6:30 pm)

5- Youth Sunday (7:30 am)

6- The Grove

8- Messy Game Night & Senior night

15- End of School Year Cookout & Game

Night

15- Montreat Forms and Final Payment

due

24- Henry County Schools Graduation

26- Move up day for Rising 6th graders

YOUTH SUNDAY

Join us in celebrating God's faithfulness as our middle and high school youth take part

in leading both worship services. We will also recognize all of our graduates (high

school and college graduates) at both services. Nursery will be extended to age 4 and

will not have Children's Chapel. Children are encouraged to stay in worship.

HONDURAS HAPPENINGS

Beth Gansel and Jill Stroud teamed up with folks from South Carolina and Florida to

carry out an exciting and productive mission week in Honduras. Four dentists ,

assistants ( including wonderful Beth), adult helpers and teens filled the days with

dental procedures , VBS, dental hygiene , and feeding the children of Tejeras.

Approximately 65 children were seen for dental work by the dentists. Some traveled 2

hours to reach the clinic for a filling, cleaning or extraction. Fifty to sixty-five Tejeras

children were fed each evening. A very blessed trip with hugs, smiling faces, and

COOL weather, that we did not expect. Many heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our

church family for the continue support of the Honduran people. Look for future news

for a power point presentation of the trip. Dios te ama!

SAVING GRACE CIRLCE

Saving Grace circle will meet on Thursday, May 9th at

5:00 pm at the home of Linda Desmond. For more

information please contact Kaye Repp at

klrepp@yahoo.com or 770-653-7454

STEPHEN MINISTRY CORNER

by Vivian Smith:

Did you know mouth appliances can affect how your

food tastes? Whether the appliance is a partial or full

dentures, it can block part of the palate and dull one’s

ability to taste fully with gusto and pleasure. Chewing

and manipulating food takes more conscious effort and

more time. So much of our social life centers around

eating and has time constraints. Talking while eating

(not to mention the increasing difficulty of manipulating

forks, knives and paper plates) loses the automatic

pleasure enjoyed for so many years.

Reach out to a Stephen Minister.

Call (770) 820-8710.

May 2019

SEW COMFY SESSION Don’t miss the next Sew Comfy session on May 7th at 6:30 pm in the

Adult Sunday School wing. This will be the last session before our

summer break so don’t miss out! Please join us for fun fellowship while

we make mastectomy pillows for those recovering from cancer surgery.

No sewing skills necessary and we really need people to stuff pillows! The

pillows are gifted to women and men having surgery at Piedmont Henry

Hospital and to other friends or family of church members upon request.

Monetary donations for supplies are also appreciated. Contact Debra

Brown at 770-820-8710 or Lynn Lowrey at 770-468- 1478 for more

information.

FINANCIAL PEACE Could you use a little financial peace? We all need a plan for our money.

Financial Peace University created by Dave Ramsey is that plan. It teaches

God’s way of handling money through video, instruction, class discussions

and interactive small group activities. This 13-week seminar presents

biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve

dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt,

manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more.

The cost for the class is $75 per couple/family. If you are interested in

participating in this class in the fall, please contact the church office.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE Friendship Circle will not be meeting again until August.

Have a great summer!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

VBS is next month! June 3rd-7th, from 9:00am to noon daily. Join us as a

participant (ages 4-5th grade) or a volunteer (middle school and older) to

learn that no matter what life brings, God is good! You can register

at https://vbspro.events/p/events/mcdonoughpres or

mcdonoughpresbyterian.com. Contact Sophe Pope with any questions!

FROM A JOYFUL RING We have had a lovely season and look forward to sharing in Worship with

you on May 19th. A HUGE thank-you to our "Handbell Heroes" Dusty

Pope, Caleb Boggus, Dave Womack, Bob Crane, Martin Griffin, Danny

Brown and so many others who have so faithfully moved our tables to and

from the Sanctuary. Without you wonderful people, we would not be able

to ring during services as often. A hearty tintinnabulating hug to each of

you!!

COOKOUT AND FAMILY GAME NIGHT Mark your calendar for our final Wonderful Wednesday

of the school year on May 15th, at 5:30 pm. Please join

Christian Education for hamburgers and hotdogs, chips,

salad and dessert. After dinner we will enjoy indoor and

outdoor games – checkers, cards, bingo, corn hole and

even kick ball! All ages are invited for the fun!

SOLDIERS’ ANGELS Soldiers’ Angels was canceled for this month and will

resume in September. If you have any questions, please

contact Mary Mellott.

RELAY FOR LIFE We had a successful Relay for Life, raising almost

$15,000. The 2019 Henry County Relay for Life

Commemorative quilt will be on display at MPC for the

month of May. Thank you all for the wonderful support

of our fight against cancer. Mary Mellott

McDonough Presbyterian Church

427 McGarity Rd.

McDonough, GA 30252

“Serving Others

Beyond Sunday Morning”

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

McDonough Presbyterian Church

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Worship: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:40 a.m.

Church Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Phone: (770) 957-9890 * Website: www.mcdonoughpresbyterian.com

https://onrealm.org/mcdonoughpresbyterian/

“Vacation Bible School is right around the corner! June 3-7 from 9:00 to 12:00 every day. We will welcome children from

our church family along with children from our community to join us in a fun-filled week of learning about how good our

God is! The theme this year is ROAR! Life is wild, God is good! With the help of our incredible volunteers, the kids will

learn that no matter what life brings, God is good!

Speaking of volunteers, none of this is possible without you! There is a place for volunteers of all ages from middle

schoolers through our wisest, most seasoned members. Regardless of your experience level, we can find a place for you to

serve!

It’s truly a rewarding experience to spend the week alongside these young people. If you feel like the Lord is calling you

to join us in any way, you can register at https://vbspro.events/p/events/mcdonoughpres or simply call or email me at

678-758-9089 or mckids@mcdonoughpresbyterian.com.

Thank you for all of your support! “

-Sophe Pope, Director of Children’s Ministries

SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS

OFFICERS ON-CALL

FINANCIAL UPDATE

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

ACOLYTE CROSS BEARER May 5 Communion Kyndall Caudill

May 12 Aidan Livermont Emmaline Livermont

May 19 Arthur Duke Jamie Gibson

May 26 Taylinn Rohwedder Madison Rohwedder

NURSERY VOLUNTEER

May 5 Doris Griffin

May 12 Catherine Engelbracht

May 19 Ginger Irby

May 26 Kimberly Bowler

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL VOLUNTEER

May 5 Sydney Standard

May 12 Lucinda Wirt

May 19 Barbara Tinley

May 26 Kara Welch

ELDERS DEACONS

May

Danny Brown

Eddy Smith

Judy Prophet

Christy Maddox

8:30 11:00

May 5 Youth Sunday Youth Sunday

May 12 Lucinda & Tim Wirt David & JG Humphries, Bobbie Wingo,

& Debra Brown

May 19 Ann & Bill Cook Nola & Bob Crane, Deric Garcia, and

Bob Prophet

May 26 Melissa & John

Wadsworth

Todd & Melanie Harvey, & Deric

Garcia

USHERS

MAY BIRTHDAYS

May 2019

April 2019

8:30 11:00

7-Apr 41 121

14-Apr 48 167

21-Apr 108 348

28-Apr 39 146

Total 236 782

Avg 59 196

Maundy

Thur 55

Good Fri 103

Actual YTD 03/31/2019

Budget YTD 03/31/2019 Difference

General Fund Receipts $ 146,003 $ 148,123 $ (2,120)

Disbursements:

Operating Expenses 45,948 55,885 (9,937)

Personnel 82,844 86,259 (3,416)

Programs & Missions 13,512 17,633 (4,122)

Payment on Debt 13,652 13,653 (1)

Total Disbursements 155,955 173,431 (17,476)

03/31/19 12/31/18 Difference

Debt (Journey of Faith)

Long Term (Building) 56,594 117,957 (61,363)

Total Debt 56,594 117,957 (61,363)

1 Greg Cannon 14 Kathi Lee

1 Erika Livermont 14 Kiefer Wirt

2 John Wadsworth 17 Karen Hinton

3 Brian Andrews 18 Sally Hale

3 Tyra Crowe 18 Bob Phillips

3 Jeanette Smoot 19 Bruce Dickerson

4 Rodney Bowler 20 Jennifer Owens

4 Celeste Crane 23 Sonny Copelan

5 Jennifer Jones 23 Allen Pace

6 Arch Brown 23 Matt Portwood

6 Suzan Chick 25 Tom Green

9 Jonah Campbell 25 Amanda Standard

9 Emerson Elliott 27 Patrick Healy

9 Amanda Okrutny 29 Bob Crane

9 Angie Ross 29 Hayden Morgan

9 Todd Schmidt 29 Mary Jane Portwood

10 Caleb Boggess 30 James Withers

10 Margaret Craig 31 Peggy Minter

10 Marjorie Lacy 31 William Reit

11 Kyle Bowler 31 Rita Steele

12 Vincent Montague

JOURNEY OF FAITH UPDATE Thanks to your faithfulness we have lowered

our building debt tremendously. As of March

31, 2019, we owe $56,594.23 on Journey of

Faith. Please continue to support us on our

mission to becoming debt free!

May 2019

Presented to Mary Plishker and J.G. Humphries

For those who were not able to join us for worship on March 3, when we presented the awards, below are the

manuscripts of the speeches given to recognize the awardees. Since one award was presented at each service, we wanted

to share them in our newsletter so all have a chance to hear both amazing stories.

Mary Plishker (presented at 8:30)

Mary Plishker was born and raised in McDonough, and was baptized at McDonough Presbyterian on the Square when

she was a child. That same day, Jeff Ward and Bobby Foster were also baptized.

After graduating from Henry High School and then earning her undergraduate degree at Emory, she left McDonough for

North Carolina to earn a PhD in biophysical chemistry and met her future husband. They married and moved to Houston

where she did research, taught chemistry and became Associate Dean of the Chemistry Department at Sam Houston

University. She has a son and two stepdaughters and is the proud grandmother of 7.

Nine years ago, they moved back to McDonough to be close to family, and since her husband’s death after a lengthy

illness, she has selflessly done so much good for others in our community.

She has been a volunteer at Helping in His Name Food Pantry, has been a Deacon and Elder, and is currently an Elder.

As Deacon she was in charge of Wednesday Night Suppers and keeping the kitchen stocked. She has visited shut-ins

several times a month and continues to do so. She has always been the first to volunteer whenever and wherever help is

needed.

She is a member of the Early Risers Circle, the Good News Sunday school class, and the Knitting Ministry and is a very

active member of the Relay for Life church team. She has hosted a table at the First Readers luncheon for six years and

has mentored at an elementary school for eight years. It is not hard to see why this member is being awarded the

Lifetime Achievement Award. I am honored to present my friend, Mary Plishker.

Presented by Mary Mellott

J.G. Humphries (presented at 11:00)

Jeanette Humphries came to MPC in 2008 by letter of transfer from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.

She has many aliases – just to mention a few, “Jemimah Gertrude,” “Just Gorgeous,” “The Lady with the Orange Hair.”

We all know her as J.G.

J.G. jumped in the waters of MPC without hesitation. Within a year she had raised money to buy handbells and formed a

hand bell choir. She didn’t stop. She spent many tireless hours working with others to open a free health care clinic for

the indigent of Henry County called the Hands of Hope clinic, which began in the Hunter Welch Wing of MPC.

She just kept on working. J.G. and two other ladies founded the “Blue Denim Supper Club.” The supper club provides

social interaction for members of all ages. She is a member of the Friendship Circle and presently serves as Treasurer of

the Saving Grace Circle. Both J.G. and her husband, David, are active members of the Go-Go’s. Her talents in the

kitchen provide Wonderful Wednesdays with a tasty meal. She is a member of the Kitchen Class that meets on Sunday

mornings. She served as a Deacon, on the Resurrection Garden Committee, and is an active Stephen Minister.

J.G. has participated in Habitat for Humanity and Master Gardeners. She is presently a Deacon in active service.

Presented by Debby Stellings

2019 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD