January 2008 Newsletter

Pastor’s Page

BECAUSE WE THE CHURCH BELIEVE the church is the body of Christ in the world, I will try as a member of that body to be worthy of this high calling.

This statement is found in the Christian Believer manual under the heading “The Body of Christ.” Christian believers are “a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17) and we make up “the household of God.” (1 Peter 4:12) We, the Church, are the physical presence of Christ in the World. Paul helps us to remember our local unit is part of a larger whole.

The Beehive is a modern symbol of the church-like bees in the beehive, the church is characterized by order, activity, and devotion to the cause, with each member contributing skills and abilities to the work of the community.

 In reviewing our year’s activities in preparation for the Annual Church Conference, I indeed realized that in 2007 we have been as busy as bees. Please feel free to pick up a Church Conference booklet to see all that our congregation has accomplished in Christ’s name. It is a review of the past, and information as to goals, budget and leadership for 2008.

 We welcome several new people to our leadership teams. Danna Segrest will chair Christian Education. Jo Page returns to Membership Care and Outreach and will chair that committee once again. Carol Gorham is the new United Methodist Women president.

With our eyes on a new future we have two new committees: Building Committee and Building Finance Committee.
 
God has called us to this moment. May we be worthy of this high calling. May we give generously in time, talent, gifts, and service. May we hold our church and its mission and ministry always in prayer.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Alice

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Report on Christmas Donations

Thanks to everyone who helped decorate the Fellowship Hall Tree with gifts. Peggy and Andy Fraser delivered to the Stockbridge Community Outreach the following items:

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Finance
Facing 2008

Any note about church finances must begin by thanking everyone who faithfully supports the ministries of our church. Worship attendance remains consistent, pledges and offerings have been generous. Over-and-above giving has allowed us to contribute to missions, purchase hand bells, and add to the building fund.

However some seasonal shortfalls made it necessary to “consume” the $7500 general operating funds surplus from 2006 and to dip into our discretionary fund - never an easy decision. In addition, the hoped for congregational growth this year did not occur, and was weakened by changing circumstances for some of our church families. If nothing changes, we will start 2008 with a nearly empty checking account.

This is not a crisis, but it does make it more difficult for us to fund and plan our ongoing programs and growth. This past year we chose to spend below the budget when the money wasn’t there, and prioritized paying our apportionments in full. The whole picture is not grim, but it is important to recognize the financial realities that are facing us.

We cannot continue indefinitely borrowing money from our discretionary fund to pay for our current expenses, so we must consider one of two options: either increase the level of giving, or decrease our expenses. Your prayers about these two possibilities are greatly appreciated.

 If you can catch up on your intended giving or make an extra gift for this year, that will help us to finish the year in a much stronger position, and help us restore our discretionary funds. Please carefully and Intentionally consider this request.

Denise Schuh
Treasurer@NorthLakeUMC.org

Have you made your 2008 Commitment to North Lake Church? If you have misplaced your commitment letter, they may be obtained at the church office (475-7569).

Please, prayerfully consider your part in God’s Kingdom ministry.
Contact Denise if you wish to participate in electronic banking.
 
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Upcoming dates for 2008…
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Care and Outreach
 I wish to thank the Membership Care and Outreach Committee for being a strong support in fulfilling our purpose statement and mission. Once again we are a spotlight church. We welcome the community to be a part of us by offering various events throughout the year.

I am happy to pass the baton to Jo Page, who will return as the chair person. She has set January 16 at 7:15 P.M. for the first committee meeting. Come with new ideas, and let us continue to be a light in the North Lake Community as we reach out to a world in need of a Savior.

Alice Sheffield, 2007 chairperson

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Worship Committee News

Beginning January 6, 2008  the music for hymns will be played using CDs for the 9:00 am service. 
The clavinova will continue to be played for the 10:45 am service. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact Dawn Brennan, Worship Committee Chair.

Don’t forget…

January 6, 2008 – Unhanging of the Greens The Christmas decorations will be taken down following the church service.  Pizza will be provided.  Many hands make light(er) work!

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United Methodist Women
 
Eight members visited the Methodist Children's Home Society on December 15. They presented them with Christmas gifts and gift cards for the residents, and with a $300 check.  

Mission donations include: Dates to Remember:

UMW meeting - January 19 10:00 AM at Sandy Eisele's (weather permitting)
Valentine Day dinner - February 14, 2008
Meeting on April 19, 2008 at 10:00 AM program on genealogy
Women's Tea - May 3, 2008

Sandy Eisele
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Education

C.O.O.L. J Sunday school
Anger Management will be the new study beginning on Sunday, January 6th. Begin the new year learning about this topic.

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Puppet Team
headed by Diane Tandy  & Ann Beyer meets from 6-7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 9, 16 & 30,  . Any questions call Diane Tandy

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Yes! Adults do go to Sunday School!
At 9:00 a.m., every Sunday morning, parents and other adults are welcome to join an interesting discussion group. This fall, beginning September 9, we will gather in Fellowship Hall around the television for a series of short film clips by contemporary pastor Rob Bell. This group of NOOMA short film DVD’s were purchased by Jeff and Heather Campbell for your spiritual enrichment. The titles are interesting, like: Rain, Flame, Trees, Noise, Dust, Rhythm, Rich, and Breath (to name a few). Try us out! We are currently about halfway through the set, but each session is independent of the others.

Remember! If it’s important for you, it will be important for the children. Be a leader in your child’s spiritual development. Go to Sunday school and Worship every week.

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Youth Sunday School
class is lead by Sandy Eisele & John Tandy II. They are competing with other groups in The Amazing Bible Race. Each day they have opportunities to earn points for their team by reading Bible chapters and taking short quizzes on the internet.  Each Sunday the class talks about what they have read.  The race willcontinue in 13 week increments through 2009.  By the time they are done, the students will have read most of the Bible. It is a fun way to expand their spiritual lives. Please help cheer them on.

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From Bishop Judith Craig Children’s Village in Monrovia, Liberia
Dear Officers and Members,
I bring you warm Christian greetings on behalf of all of the children who are benefactors of your Christian generosity, in the precious name of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have just received the July report from the Advance with your generous donation and want to express our thanks and appreciation. I also want to say that you are a life-saver; because every time you send a gift like this, you prevent 100 war orphans from hunger, sickness, homelessness, illiteracy and hopelessness.

GOOD NEWS: Since we commenced the operation of the orphanage in 2000, we have been operating the school in ten of the 19 cottages that were meant for dwelling purposes. We are running the school from kindergarten to 9th grade. By October of this year an eight classroom school building will be dedicated by use by the orphanage. Funds for this project are being provided by both your gifts and that of the Peach Tree City United Methodist Church of Georgia. We want you to be part of this great joy and achievement. May God richly bless you.

Yours in Christ,
Samuel J. Quire, Jr. (Rev.)
Director, BJCCV

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 Reflections on the Charge Conference

I just got home from my second Charge Conference. I have been a United Methodist since the 10th grade and never knew that Charge Conference was something good for all members to go to. Some of you might not realize that either. I am so happy Pastor Alice asked me last year.

I always thought it was some haughty meeting of the "Elder's Council" or a boring talk of how much money we need. Instead it was a lovely overview of all that we have accomplished over the past year, a presentation of what the committees have been working on, and a vision for the future.

Superintendent Tom Macaulay really cares about North Lake Church and  how we are doing and is genuinely impressed with all that our small, but active, church does here and around the world.

I thank all of the 22 members who were there tonight and encourage everyone else to put it on the calendar for next time.

God Bless You, 
Danna Segrest
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Deaths

Our sympathy goes to the family and friends of Rose DeGrow who passed away on Thursday, Nov. 29th. The funeral was at North Lake Church on Monday, Dec. 3 at 11a.m.

Thank You

Dear Friends,

It’s impossible to express all the gratitude that is in my heart. God Bless you ALL for your kindness. Thank you all so much for your cards, thoughts, and prayers and the beautiful prayer shawls. You are a special group.

Pam and Cody Dalton

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Together we can make a Difference

Raise money for North Lake UMC!
Together we can work to make a difference in our church. It's easy, just save UPC barcodes for cash. When we receive the checks, the church is free to spend the money any way we want.

Save Our Family UPC barcodes.... It's that easy!

Just save the barcodes from Our Family products (at both Country Market and Polly's Stores). Your church earns $25.00 in cash for each bundle of 500 UPC barcodes sent to us. There is a container in the grange hall. Thanks!

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E-mail Addresses
wanted for:
Send your email address to church email address.

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The Official Church Calendar is on the office wall.

Each committee is responsible for recording all dates of meetings and events.
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Wanted: Church Keys

If you have a church key that you no longer use, please return it so it can be given to current church officers and teachers

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PRAYER CHAIN
Many of our church families participate in the North Lake Prayer Chain. The Chain goes into action when there is a need for prayer. Bob Burrows is the Chair of the Prayer Chain. Calls go to him, and from that six calls are made to activate the chain in six directions.

The prayer chain is a good way to be involved in prayer ministry. If you are not a part of the Prayer Chain, we invite you to sign up today. If for any reason you no longer wish to be a part of the chain, you may ask to be removed from your obligation to it. For more information, contact Bob Burrows.
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E-Mail Prayer Chain!
What a wonderful way to extend our prayer ministry. If you are interested in receiving prayer requests and joys by e-mail so you can be a part of a vital ministry, please let Pastor Alice know. You can e-mail her at: pastor's email

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The church's email address: contact@northlakeumc.org.
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The Sunday School hour is the most wasted hour of the week -- for the people who aren't there.
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