Inside this Issue Volume 9, Issue 5
Volume 9, Issue 5
Inside this Issue Birth of the Church at Pentecost
1, 3
Word 4 Month
2
May Birthdays
2
May Anniversaries
2
Teen Sunday School
4
Thought for Month
4
Memorial Day, 2012
4
WinGS: First, Second, Third Class Christians
5,12
Wednesday Night Alive Bible Study at Bojangles
6-9
Honor Thy Mother
10,11
On The Lighter Side
13
Bread of Life Ministry
13
“Nothing But Nets” a Malaria Initiative
14
Charlotte Walk for Lupus Now
15
Heaven and Earth Day
16,17
Congregation for Kids
18
GVUMC Fundraising Policy
19
Stewardship Moment
20
S
unday, May 27, 2012, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the great birthday of the Church, Pentecost. It may be one of the most neglected of the church’s feast days. We don’t hang lights, as we do at Christmas, and we don’t wear fancy hats or eat lots of candy, as we do at Easter. There are no big Pentecost sales at Macy’s. But maybe there should be. I don’t think we give this feast the credit or attention it deserves. Part of that may be because the one who dwells at the center of this great feast, the Holy Spirit, is surprisingly low key. Despite arriving with a roaring of wind and tongues of fire, the Spirit is very much someone who likes to stay in the background. He works behind the scenes. To many of us, the Holy Spirit seems to be the quietest member of the Blessed Trinity. After all, in sacred scripture, the Father speaks often, and so does Jesus. But you’d be hard-pressed to find famous quotes from the Holy Spirit. It sometimes seems as if the Spirit is the Trinity’s silent partner. I’d like to suggest that, in fact, the Spirit does speak. Eloquently, Passionately, Fearlessly. And He continues to be heard, even today. It began in the Acts of the Apostles, and the account of Pentecost: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” Moments after His descent, the Spirit gave the disciples a voice – a voice that could not be contained in that upper room. A voice that needed to be spread to the wider world. Despite the wide range of cultures and languages —continued on page 3
A
mother’s love; what can compare? When we think of the sacrifices they make for their children, could it fill a book?. They give up time, sleep, sometimes food; they shed tears, and they wake to meet so many needs of the day for so many people. They run households, they attend meetings, meet with teachers, plan meals, they go beyond the call of duty, especially if they happen to be grandmothers or even great grandmothers. Their days seem to never end. What makes Moms so wonderful? God must have placed special ingredients in them. They seem to have the ability to cram more in one 24-hour time period, with all the tasks they have to do, that anyone else can accomplish. They have stamina to endure pain when they see their children suffer from a physical condition or an emotional hurt. They toil day and night for such little reward, so on Mother’s Day we the recipients of their love, sacrifices and dedication, must rise to the occasion to say in some small way simply, “Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for us.” Boxes of chocolates, flowers, a card with money or a dinner invite will never make up for the sacrifices they have made. It is the thought, the expression that lets her know she is not forgotten and that she is loved. This is the day to say, "Mom, you are a treasure." So let us rise to the occasion. God will smile on you because you have invested in one of His prized possessions. God's love is the only real true comparison for all the sacrifices He has made for His children. Perhaps this special occasion finds you feeling lonely because your mother has gone on to heaven or perhaps you don’t have children. If you have a sister or a girlfriend, take her by the hand; find someone to share the day with in some special way. You may be a mother who will be alone and your children aren’t able to join you. Remember God loves you, so you are never alone. —By Cathy Irvin
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Ex.20:12 2 5 6 8 9 13
14 15 17
Aba Hutchison Reginald Withers Shirley Fowler Donna Wells Terrance Jackson Jr Marie Parrott-Withers Paul Glenn David Keane Chase Mason Greg McLean Darren Thomas Darryl Johnson Joshua Branche Drew Jackson
5/28/77
(35)
5/29/93 5/30/97
(19) (15)
—continued from page 1,
Pentecost
gathered in Jerusalem that day, everyone there heard and understood. Someone even exclaims, incredulously: “We hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” God’s great work transcends time, place, language, culture. It is infinite. It is “catholic” in the truest sense of what that word means: it is universal. And it is courageous. If you keep reading this chapter from Acts, the next important voice belongs to Peter. The apostle who only weeks before had publicly denied even knowing Jesus was transformed by the Spirit. On Pentecost, Peter stood before the world and began to preach the good news without hesitation or qualification or fear. “Let this be known to you,” he said. “Listen to my words.” And so it began. The Holy Spirit has spent the ensuing centuries expressing the inexpressible – from the mouths of saints and the pens of popes and prophets, gently but insistently making sure that the world continues to hear, in every language, in every medium, across every barrier, the good news about the “the mighty acts of God.” The Holy Spirit has worked to inspire, to encourage, to uplift. He has inflamed hearts, again and again, to preach and to proclaim, to counsel and console. Just before his Ascension, Christ described the Spirit as our “Advocate.” And so He is. This member of the Blessed Trinity stands with us and beside us, pleading our cause, acting on our behalf. He helps to lead us where God wants us to go, to help fulfill His holy will. Every one of you has a vocation, a call to live out your lives in a particular way as Catholic Christians. This moment, literally, confirms it. On this Pentecost morning, you may not see tongues of fire fall. But pray for the light – and for the heat. Welcome the Spirit’s warmth and friendship. Turn to Him. Call upon Him. Ask Him for guidance and direction. He will always answer. Pray that the one who gave voice to Peter will also give YOU a voice, so you can share in your own way, in your own lives, all that you know of “the mighty acts of God.” Birthdays, of course, are a time we look forward to receiving gifts. So, too, with Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church, when we recall the gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord. Those really are gifts that keep on giving. You may not see any “Happy Pentecost” cards in the Hallmark store. And tomorrow, you won’t find Pentecost decorations that are half off at Rite Aid. But this great feast, this great holy day, stands as a towering and enduring moment, the day when our Church was born. Celebrate this day of days. Give thanks for it. And give thanks, as well, for the one who seems to be the silent partner in the Blessed Trinity – the quiet Spirit who, despite what we may think, is often the one who speaks the loudest.
SCHEDULE FOR TEEN SUNDAY SCHOOL
APRIL, 2012 SUNDAY
TEEN SUNDAY SCHOOL —1ST AND 3RD TEENS TALK! - 2ND AND 4TH
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. WHAT DO PEOPLE DO? It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year. PUBLIC LIFE Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed BACKGROUND Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.
2012 Theme: Faith
and Deeds—Reaching Outward.”
James 2:14-18 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
here are a good many Christians who have been aroused to say, "I want to do some service for Christ." Well, Christ says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." There is no Christian who cannot help to bring someone to the Savior. Christ says, "And I, if I be lifted up…, will draw all men unto me;” and our business is just to lift up Christ. Our Lord said, "Follow me, Peter, and I will make you a fisher of men"; and Peter simply obeyed. On that day of Pentecost we see the result. I doubt if Peter ever caught so many fish in one day as he did men on that day. It would have broken every net they had on board if they had had All church to drag up three thousand fish. members ought to I heard this story recently and thought I would share it. be third-class Some time ago a man bought passage on a stagecoach; passengers–ready purchasing a Third Class ticket as it was cheapest. There to dismount and were first-, second- and third-class passengers. But when he push with a will. looked into the coach, he saw all the passengers sitting together without distinction. He could not understand it. Naturally, as we have been socialized to believe, is that First Class is always better and preferable. They soon came to a hill. The coach stopped. The driver called out, "First-class passengers keep your seats. Second-class passengers get out and walk. Third-class passengers get behind the coach and push." In the church we have no room for first-class passengers–people who think salvation means an easy ride all the way to Heaven. We have no room for second-class passengers–people who are carried most of the time, and who, when they should be showing their faith by their works, go trudging on giving never a thought to helping their fellow man or woman along. All church members ought to be Third-Class ticketholders–ready to dismount and push with a will. —continued on page 12
The Adult Bible Study took it to the next level with food, fun and fellowship at its first “Wednesday Night Alive” Bible study. The Lords Prayer was examined for its deeper meaning as the group enjoyed some Bojangle’s chicken and sides. The study was held at Highland Creek’s Bojangles, located at 5732 Prosperity Church Road on Wednesday April 18, 2012 from 7:00 – 8:00. Many of the participants proudly wore their GV shirts. Wallace Branche led the study with ten participants.
It contains a short Preface and Seven Petitions.
Matthew, Chapter 6, verses 7 through 13. 7 And
when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This,
then, is how you should pray:
1. Our Father 2. which art in Heaven, 3. hallowed be Thy Name. 4. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. 5. Give us this day our daily bread. 6. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 7. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. —continued on page 7
Our Father: These words describe God's nature and character and summarize the truth of being. In this clause Jesus establishes once and for all that the relationship between God and Man is that of Father and Son. Man by being God's son becomes participant of his/her nature, "as the father, so the son". And as God is Divine Spirit, so man too, independent of illusory appearances on the contrary. God is a merciful Father of humanity eliminating the belief of the old theology of a vengeful and punishing God. If we meditate in this fact diseases in our lives and all that is apparently negative would start to lose meaning and power , since their roots are based on fear. If we are conscious of these truths our existence would be converted in a demonstration of our perfect spiritual condition. By saying Our Father we are revealing the fact of the brotherhood of men. This dissipates the illusion that men of a particular race, nation or color be superior to others. And when pronounced this prayer not only are we praying for ourselves but for all humanity, "we are truly members of just one body". Which art in Heaven: Jesus explains that God's nature is to be in Heaven and man's to be on Earth, because God is cause and man effect or manifestation. Here the word "Heaven" means Presence of God, and the word "Earth" means manifestation. The function of man is to express or manifest God, express means take it out, take it to the light. Hallowed be Thy Name: The name of a thing represents its essential nature and character. Jesus says that the nature of God is "hallowed (sanctified)", whose etymological origin means "holy", "whole", "to heal". In this manner God's nature is revealed to us as perfect and eternally good. An effect is always of the same nature as the cause that produces it, as such all that comes from God cannot be less sanctified that Him/Her. Your nature is essentially good, and you are creator of the perfect good. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven: Man as manifestation of God has an unlimited destiny. His work is to consciously express the abstract ideas that God supplies to him. Man in himself is a individualized creating consciousness, "there exist as many universes as individuals, which are conceived by the only fact of thinking them". "Thy Kingdom come" is our mission to manifest God's ideas in the material planes. If we just discover the plan that He/ She has individually outlined for us and accomplish it, all doors would open before us, all obstacles would vanish, and in consequence we would enjoy happiness, success, money and all of the Father's virtues. We must harmonize ourselves to that end with God's Superior Will because in His/Her Will is our Peace. Give us this day our daily bread: We are the children of a Father that loves us, and we can naturally expect from Him/Her all we need as in a natural and spontaneous manner children expect to receive from their parents. It is God's Will that our lives be abundant. Our financial resources are not more than natural channels through which come to us what the Eternal Source supplies. The number of channels is infinite, but the source is one alone, God. For that end we should put our mind beyond the apparent material channels, changing our limited belief and placing our consciousness in the only Infinite Source that is God. In this way, the belief of limitation and scarcity will be dissipating and disappearing. "As you thought it, so it will be." And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors: Sin is the sensation of being separated from God, and the cause of all suffering, it comes of that feeling of separation. It is the sensation of an absolutely personal existence, while the truth of Self is that everything is One. Evil, selfishness and all suffering come form the negation of not recognizing this idea, since what you do to others you are doing to yourself. The purpose of forgiveness is to make disappear the illusion of separateness, and with this to come closer to God and our neighbor dissipating all blames that tie us to an unnecessary suffering. Forgiveness is the escape of limitation and blame. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: In this clause we ask to be freed of all difficulties, remembering this sentence: "No plague will touch your dwelling, I AM with you always, even unto the end of the world." —continued on page 8
—continued from page 7
What do we ask for in the First Petition: 'Hallowed be Thy name'? That the name of God may never be profaned or blasphemed, but that God may be rightly known, loved, and honored by us and by all men. Why is this the First Petition? Because we are to esteem the honor and glory of God more than all things else. What do we ask for in the Second Petition: 'Thy Kingdom come'? (1.) That the kingdom of God, the Church, may be more and more extended upon earth; (2.) That the kingdom of divine, grace and love may now be established in our hearts, in order that, (3.) After this life, we may all be admitted into the kingdom of Heaven. What is the meaning of the Third Petition: 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven'? We ask that we and all men may do the will of God on earth as faithfully and cheerfully as the Angels and Saints do it in Heaven; and We profess that, in all things, we submit ourselves to the holy will of God. What do we ask for in the Fourth Petition: 'Give us this day our daily bread'? We ask that God would give us all that is daily necessary for our soul and body. Why does Christ bid us ask for our daily bread? To teach us that we should wish only for necessaries, not for riches and abundance. "Having food and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content." (1 Tim. 6:8). What do we ask for in the Fifth Petition: 'Forgive us our trespasses, as We forgive them that trespass against us'? That God would so forgive us all our sins as we forgive others who have offended us. (See Luke 6:37.) May those who do not forgive expect forgiveness themselves? No; on the contrary, they pass judgment upon themselves as often as they say the Lord's Prayer. "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (See Mark 11:25) What do we ask for in the sixth Petition: 'Lead us not into temptation'? We ask that God would remove from us all temptations and all the dangers of sin, or, at least, give us grace sufficient to resist them. By whom are we tempted to sin? (1.) By our own flesh or concupiscence; 'for the flesh lusts against the spirit' (Gal. 5:17) (2.) By the World, i.e., by its vain pomp, bad example, and wicked maxims; —continued on page 9
—continued from page 8
and (3.) By the Devil, 'who, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour' (1 Pet. 5:8). Why does God permit us to be tempted? (1.) To keep us humble; (2.) To try our faithfulness or to punish our unfaithfulness; and (3.) To increase our zeal for virtue, and our merits. 'Lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me' (2 Cor. 12:7). 2. "For the Lord your God tries you, that it may appear whether you love him with all your heart, and with all your soul, or not." (Deut. 13:3). 'Blessed is the man that endures temptation; for when he bath been proved he shall receive the crown of life, which God bath promised to them that love him' (James 1:12). Is temptation in itself a sin? Temptation in itself is not a sin; but to expose ourselves heedlessly to temptation, or to yield to it, is a Sin. For our consolation and Instruction, Christ Himself allowed the Devil to tempt Him (See Matt. 4:1-11) What must we do in order that we may not yield? We must especially watch and pray, as Christ our Lord says: 'Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation' (Matt. 26:41). What do we ask for in the Seventh Petition: 'But deliver us from evil' That God would preserve us from all evil of soul and body, especially from sin and eternal damnation. Why do we add the word 'Amen'? To express by it our ardent desire, and also our confidence of being heard. Always say the Lord's Prayer with reverential attention, remembering that we have received it from our Divine Redeemer Himself.
An interesting find on the front of the building by Pastor Anthony on Heaven and Earth Day.
May 13, 2012 Since time began, there have been maybe six billion mothers. Every story of motherhood is different. Each one is valuable. Each of you has your own. Today is a day for remembering those stories. Mothers, we honor you this day and every day. We thank you, and we thank God for giving you to us and for endowing you with the spirit of giving, caring, nurturing, loving, and (when necessary) letting go.
Let us pray. God our Mother and Father, rid our hearts and minds of all feelings and attitudes which do not reflect your loving kindness. Bless all mothers. Reward them for their sacrifice and their faithfulness to your image. Give them the strength to endure the pain that often accompanies the task of mothering. We thank you for our mothers and for that part of you we have received through them. Finally, we pray that you will never let us forget the stories which remind us how much our mothers have given us. We ask this, emboldened by your Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Laurette Hall
Gladys F. Anthony
My Mom is the best! She is very caring, giving and listens to me! Jordan Hall
She’s a wonderful Mom— she is IT! Felix Anthony
Belinda Alexander Everyday I thank God for my mom because she is always there for me whenever I need her. She always loves me and helps me. I feel that I am the luckiest daughter in the whole world because I have the best Mom in the whole world." Bria Alexander —continued on page 11
—continued from page 10
Robin Joseph
Carol Walters-Glenn
My Mom is pretty! Taylor Joseph
My Mom is very supportive and a good listener! Jannel Adamson
Cherene Joyce
Myrna Cooper
My Mom cares for and loves me! Dayshon Joyce
My Mom is smart and funny! Jeffrey I. Cooper, II
Jannel Adamson She disciplines me and is ALWAYS there for me! Kyree Howe She makes sacrifices, she is very giving and does things for me that I don’t ask for! Kameron Howe
—continued from page 5, Stagecoach Christians John Wesley’s definition of a church: "All at it and always at it." Every Christian is to be a worker. He need not be a preacher or an evangelist to be useful. There is one reason–and a great reason–why so many do not succeed at Christian service. "Why is it we don’t have any results? We work hard, pray hard, preach hard, yet success does not come." "Don’t spend all your time mending nets; this may be why you never catch anything." Give invitations and compel sinners to come, and then pull the net in and see if you have caught anything. If you are always mending and setting the net, you won’t catch many fish. Who ever heard of a man going out to fish and setting his net, then letting it stop there and never pulling it in? Everybody would laugh at such a man’s folly. Many people have objections to giving invitations, but I urge the importance of offering people the chance to make a decision. I heard a story that a minister said, "I never pulled in my net; but I will try next Sunday." He did so, and eight anxious inquirers went into his study. The next Sunday he said he had never had such a Sunday in his life. He had met with marvelous blessings. The next time he drew the net, there were forty. And later, he said joyfully, "I have had eight hundred conversions this last year! It is a great mistake I did not begin earlier to pull in the net." My sisters and brothers, if you want to catch men, just present the Gospel and pull in the net. If you only catch one, it will be something. God uses the weak things of this world to confound the mighty. God’s promise is as good as money. And, here is one of Christ’s promissory notes: ‘If you follow Me, I will make you fishers of men.’ Will you not take hold of the promise and trust it and follow Him now? If a man preaches the Gospel faithfully, he ought to expect results then and there. It is the privilege of God’s children to reap the fruit of their labor three hundred sixty-five days in the year. Is there not a sowing time as well as a harvest?" Yes, there is; but then, you can sow with one hand and reap with the other. What would you think of a farmer who went on sowing all the year round and never thought of reaping? I repeat: we want to sow with one hand and reap with the other. And if we look for the fruit of our labors, we shall see it. "If I be lifted up…, will draw all men unto me." We must lift Christ up, then seek men out and bring them to Him. If we are going to be successful in catching men, we must preach Christ crucified –not His life only, but His death. And if we are only faithful in doing this, we shall succeed. Why? Because there is His promise: ‘If you follow Me, I will make you fishers of men.’ That promise holds just as good to you and me as it did to His disciples and is as true now as it was in their time. So, what type of “Stagecoach Christian” do you choose to be? First Class, Second Class or Third Class? As for, me I choose Third Class. When my Savior claims me and he looks at what I have done, may the service I give speak for me.
Marie
K
yree Howe, a youth, is the newest member of the Bread Ministry. For the past several weeks, he has been assisting with the packaging of bread that we distribute each Sunday. We were short of help one Sunday. Reginald Withers approached the youth and asked if he would help. He said, “Sure.” He soon found that he was doing more than just bagging bread; it was much more. Kyree felt good about making a difference in someone’s life that would consume the bread. He has faithfully assisted every Sunday and is waiting on his official apron! We invite other youth to assist with this ministry if they are so led. Praise God from Whom all Blessings flow.
The People of the United Methodist Church The people of the United Methodist Church are being invited to participate with the Nothing But Nets partners to help stop a deadly disease — malaria. In subSaharan Africa, a child dies every 45 seconds from this preventable disease. This is a statistic that the world must pay attention to according to Bishop Joao Somane Machado, leader of the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. “This is not an African issue,” said Machado. “It’s not only for poor countries. It’s global.” Just $10 buys a bed net, distributes it to a family and provides education on how to use it. By answering Jesus' call to "minister to the least of these who are members of our family," we can beat this awful disease and save future generations. So give a child the opportunity to live a life of health and happiness. Pray. Communicate the need. Buy a bed net. And save a life. To learn more about malaria initiatives of The United Methodist Church, visit http://www.umc.org
Briana Creech Please join with the ReThink Church Committee in this extremely important mission project. The ministry is chaired by Mike Gresham. To learn more on how to support this effort, please contact him.
P
lease support Jannel Adamson and the 45,000 North Carolina residents living with lupus. Jannel was diagnosed with Lupus in 1996. In addition to participating in the activities listed below, your tax-deductible contributions are also welcome and greatly appreciated. In North Carolina Governor, Beverly Purdue, has proclaimed May as Lupus Awareness Month. The month's activities include participation opportunities that range from the easy in nature like messaging through an individual's own social media networks to the grander in scale such as the purple lighting of the Duke Energy Center building in Uptown Charlotte on Tuesday, May 10th in celebration of World Lupus Day. Possibly the most notable this year, the LFA is asking the public to Put On Purple for lupus awareness by wearing purple and telling people why they are showing their support for all people affected by this disease. Put On Purple Day is an awareness initiative started in North Carolina and has been expanded nationwide campaign this year. Put On Purple Day will take place on Friday, May 18, 2012, and is one of many programs taking place during May. Other notable activities throughout the month include: May 5th - Charlotte Walk For Lupus Now - More than 1,500 people will gather for the largest annual awareness & fundraising event in the state of North Carolina to support lupus. 3:30pm, Symphony Park. Walk with team Nelly & Friends. May 10th - Purple Lighting of Duke Energy Center - The building will be purple an hour before sunrise & again 30 minutes before sunset until midnight. May 18th - Put On Purple Day - Thousands of people from around the country will "put on purple" in order to spread awareness of lupus. Every Thursday in May - TCBY Lupus Awareness Nights - Enjoy TCBY at one of eight Charlotte area TCBY's and a portion of the proceeds will go to the LFAPC's local support services and national research initiatives. —Submitted by Carol Walters=Glenn
—continued on page 17
C
ongregations for Kids, a program of the Department of Social Services of Mecklenburg County’s Youth and Family Services, held its Annual Luncheon on April 18, 2012. Grace Covenant Church of Cornelius, North Carolina hosted the event. Greater Vision’s Geoffrey and Leisa Huntley with daughter Stacey, participated on the panel to share their experience with adoption. Pastor Alexis Anthony and Marie Parrott-Withers were present to support Geoff, Leisa and Stacey. Greater Vision was honored with a plaque for their support of and participation in Congregations for Kids. If you would like to know more about adopting or fostering, contact Geoff and Leisa Huntley or you may call Tammera Nelson, Recruitment/Adoptions Supervisor at 704-336-4972.
HERE ARE A FEW MYTHS ABOUT ADOPTION: MYTH: No person over 55 can provide a healthy and loving environment for an adopted child. FACT: This belief is held erroneously by 635 of Americans. In truth, almost one in four adopted children lives happily with an adopted parent 55 years and older. MYTH: A single parent can’t provide a healthy environment for an adopted child. FACT: A single parent can provide a loving stable home. In fact, as the number of two-parent families decline, an increasing number of children live in single-parent homes. MYTH: Foster care adoption may cost less than private infant or international adoption, but it’s still expensive. FACT: Foster care adoption normally costs little or nothing.
The following guidelines are in compliance with the United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline, Sections 256 and 258, Paragraph 4. The policies are expanded by the United Methodist Guidelines booklet and were reinforced by the Conference Treasurer at the District Leadership Conference January 12, 2012. Per United Methodist Policy all money raised in the name or support of the church must be accounted for through either the Finance Committee, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, or United Methodist Youth. Currently Greater Vision United Methodist Church only has a Finance Committee as the official financial management committee. Where a church organization raises funds, those funds will be delivered to Finance. This is necessary in order to be in compliance with United Methodist policy, and to support the basic costs of the church that enable all programs. All fundraising activities should be pre-approved by the Stewardship Committee or Administrative Council. This is to avoid conflicts with other organizations’ plans, and to ensure alignment with church policies and strategies. Where church organizations collect money for any purpose, the sponsoring group must comply with these fundraising guidelines. That includes providing receipts to those whose money is collected; providing a written accounting of 100% of the money collected; and turning in 100% of the money collected to the Finance Committee. All funds needed for ministries, missions and other activities must be authorized by the Administrative Council and provided by Finance. In consideration of a group's efforts the Administrative Council will consider how much a group has raised or expects to raise when determining whether or how much the group will be authorized to receive. The Administrative Council may allocate a limited amount of money in advance to a group to increase flexibility and reduce administrative burdens. Whether allocated in advance for specific events or purchase, all money spent MUST be accounted for with receipts, and the balance returned to Finance. For events with refreshment sales the ticket concept will be used. Cash will be exchanged for tickets at a designated location(s). The tickets can then be exchanged at a predetermined rate for refreshments at the vending locations. Please contact any member of the Finance or Stewardship Committees with questions. —Approved by the Administrative Council
Stewardship Moment Newsletter Editor and Publisher:
The Stewardship of Money and One’s Personal Finances
Newsletter Printers
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Marie Parrott-Withers Belinda Huntley Carol Walters-Glenn Kevin Wideman
If you wish to contribute an article or pictures to “The Vision” please e-mail them to Marie Parrott-Withers at gvthevision.com no later than the 20th of the month. “The Vision” is published the first Sunday of each month. Articles and pictures for inclusion must be received no later than the 20th of each month. Every effort will be made to include your submission. The Publisher reserves the right to make final decisions on the appropriateness of submission and when it will be used. All articles are subject to editing for size and clarity. Copyrighted material will not be included without a proper release.
Claimed, Gathered, Transformed, Sent 11901 Eastfield Road Huntersville, NC 28078 Mailing Address: POB 562615 Huntersville, NC 28256 Church Office: 704-947-8228 Website: [email protected]
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the “Our Daily Bread” from the Literature Rack outside the Narthex. This is a wonderful resource to use for your daily devotion.
G
ive opportunity to all church members to give the best of their time, talents, and resources. Encourage them to be good stewards in all facets of their life. The ministry of money and the management of one’s personal finances are connected in the lives of all who practice Christian stewardship. How people handle their personal finances and how they use their money are concerns in modern society. More than two hundred years ago these issues were also concerns of John Wesley, the father of Methodism. He was concerned about the poor and preached to them “where they were.” Wesley was also concerned about those followers who did not have money, how they acquired it, what they did with it, and the effect of their buying and selling on the whole society. Wesley, in his sermon “The Good Steward,” declared that God has entrusted us with our souls, our bodies, our goods, and whatever other talents we have received. The church today can provide its people with a valuable service in two particular areas of financial stewardship. First, the stewardship guidance give to persons within the church enables them to establish a healthy relationship with money and material possessions in their own lives. Help in personal financial stewardship encourages individuals to become faithful stewards of their money. Secondly, the generous giver of financial resources within the church makes possible a strong ministry of outreach to the community.
It is a quick read with a big message! The book covers March, April and May.
—Matt 6:21
Regular and Proportionate Giving Encourage church members to study scriptures and learn what Jesus teaches about giving and sharing one’s resources as part of one’s spiritual growth. Provide opportunities for church members to respond regularly to fund the various ministries of the church locally, nationally and globally, through envelopes and special offerings for specific needs. Make these moments invitational rather than coercive.
Inside this Issue Birth of the Church at Pentecost
1, 3
Word 4 Month
2
May Birthdays
2
May Anniversaries
2
Teen Sunday School
4
Thought for Month
4
Memorial Day, 2012
4
WinGS: First, Second, Third Class Christians
5,12
Wednesday Night Alive Bible Study at Bojangles
6-9
Honor Thy Mother
10,11
On The Lighter Side
13
Bread of Life Ministry
13
“Nothing But Nets” a Malaria Initiative
14
Charlotte Walk for Lupus Now
15
Heaven and Earth Day
16,17
Congregation for Kids
18
GVUMC Fundraising Policy
19
Stewardship Moment
20
S
unday, May 27, 2012, we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the great birthday of the Church, Pentecost. It may be one of the most neglected of the church’s feast days. We don’t hang lights, as we do at Christmas, and we don’t wear fancy hats or eat lots of candy, as we do at Easter. There are no big Pentecost sales at Macy’s. But maybe there should be. I don’t think we give this feast the credit or attention it deserves. Part of that may be because the one who dwells at the center of this great feast, the Holy Spirit, is surprisingly low key. Despite arriving with a roaring of wind and tongues of fire, the Spirit is very much someone who likes to stay in the background. He works behind the scenes. To many of us, the Holy Spirit seems to be the quietest member of the Blessed Trinity. After all, in sacred scripture, the Father speaks often, and so does Jesus. But you’d be hard-pressed to find famous quotes from the Holy Spirit. It sometimes seems as if the Spirit is the Trinity’s silent partner. I’d like to suggest that, in fact, the Spirit does speak. Eloquently, Passionately, Fearlessly. And He continues to be heard, even today. It began in the Acts of the Apostles, and the account of Pentecost: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” Moments after His descent, the Spirit gave the disciples a voice – a voice that could not be contained in that upper room. A voice that needed to be spread to the wider world. Despite the wide range of cultures and languages —continued on page 3
A
mother’s love; what can compare? When we think of the sacrifices they make for their children, could it fill a book?. They give up time, sleep, sometimes food; they shed tears, and they wake to meet so many needs of the day for so many people. They run households, they attend meetings, meet with teachers, plan meals, they go beyond the call of duty, especially if they happen to be grandmothers or even great grandmothers. Their days seem to never end. What makes Moms so wonderful? God must have placed special ingredients in them. They seem to have the ability to cram more in one 24-hour time period, with all the tasks they have to do, that anyone else can accomplish. They have stamina to endure pain when they see their children suffer from a physical condition or an emotional hurt. They toil day and night for such little reward, so on Mother’s Day we the recipients of their love, sacrifices and dedication, must rise to the occasion to say in some small way simply, “Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for us.” Boxes of chocolates, flowers, a card with money or a dinner invite will never make up for the sacrifices they have made. It is the thought, the expression that lets her know she is not forgotten and that she is loved. This is the day to say, "Mom, you are a treasure." So let us rise to the occasion. God will smile on you because you have invested in one of His prized possessions. God's love is the only real true comparison for all the sacrifices He has made for His children. Perhaps this special occasion finds you feeling lonely because your mother has gone on to heaven or perhaps you don’t have children. If you have a sister or a girlfriend, take her by the hand; find someone to share the day with in some special way. You may be a mother who will be alone and your children aren’t able to join you. Remember God loves you, so you are never alone. —By Cathy Irvin
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Ex.20:12 2 5 6 8 9 13
14 15 17
Aba Hutchison Reginald Withers Shirley Fowler Donna Wells Terrance Jackson Jr Marie Parrott-Withers Paul Glenn David Keane Chase Mason Greg McLean Darren Thomas Darryl Johnson Joshua Branche Drew Jackson
5/28/77
(35)
5/29/93 5/30/97
(19) (15)
—continued from page 1,
Pentecost
gathered in Jerusalem that day, everyone there heard and understood. Someone even exclaims, incredulously: “We hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” God’s great work transcends time, place, language, culture. It is infinite. It is “catholic” in the truest sense of what that word means: it is universal. And it is courageous. If you keep reading this chapter from Acts, the next important voice belongs to Peter. The apostle who only weeks before had publicly denied even knowing Jesus was transformed by the Spirit. On Pentecost, Peter stood before the world and began to preach the good news without hesitation or qualification or fear. “Let this be known to you,” he said. “Listen to my words.” And so it began. The Holy Spirit has spent the ensuing centuries expressing the inexpressible – from the mouths of saints and the pens of popes and prophets, gently but insistently making sure that the world continues to hear, in every language, in every medium, across every barrier, the good news about the “the mighty acts of God.” The Holy Spirit has worked to inspire, to encourage, to uplift. He has inflamed hearts, again and again, to preach and to proclaim, to counsel and console. Just before his Ascension, Christ described the Spirit as our “Advocate.” And so He is. This member of the Blessed Trinity stands with us and beside us, pleading our cause, acting on our behalf. He helps to lead us where God wants us to go, to help fulfill His holy will. Every one of you has a vocation, a call to live out your lives in a particular way as Catholic Christians. This moment, literally, confirms it. On this Pentecost morning, you may not see tongues of fire fall. But pray for the light – and for the heat. Welcome the Spirit’s warmth and friendship. Turn to Him. Call upon Him. Ask Him for guidance and direction. He will always answer. Pray that the one who gave voice to Peter will also give YOU a voice, so you can share in your own way, in your own lives, all that you know of “the mighty acts of God.” Birthdays, of course, are a time we look forward to receiving gifts. So, too, with Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church, when we recall the gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord. Those really are gifts that keep on giving. You may not see any “Happy Pentecost” cards in the Hallmark store. And tomorrow, you won’t find Pentecost decorations that are half off at Rite Aid. But this great feast, this great holy day, stands as a towering and enduring moment, the day when our Church was born. Celebrate this day of days. Give thanks for it. And give thanks, as well, for the one who seems to be the silent partner in the Blessed Trinity – the quiet Spirit who, despite what we may think, is often the one who speaks the loudest.
SCHEDULE FOR TEEN SUNDAY SCHOOL
APRIL, 2012 SUNDAY
TEEN SUNDAY SCHOOL —1ST AND 3RD TEENS TALK! - 2ND AND 4TH
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formally known as Decoration Day and commemorates all men and women, who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season. WHAT DO PEOPLE DO? It is traditional to fly the flag of the United States at half mast from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day has become less of an occasion of remembrance. Many people choose to hold picnics, sports events and family gatherings on this weekend. For the fashion conscious, it is seen as acceptable to wear white clothing, particularly shoes from Memorial Day until Labor Day. However, fewer and fewer people follow this rule and many wear white clothing throughout the year. PUBLIC LIFE Memorial Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential Government offices are closed BACKGROUND Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers, who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women, who died in any war or military action. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. The current name for this day did not come into use until after World War II. Decoration Day and then Memorial Day used to be held on May 30, regardless of the day of the week, on which it fell. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill was passed as part of a move to use federal holidays to create three-day weekends. This meant that that, from 1971, Memorial Day holiday has been officially observed on the last Monday in May. However, it took a longer period for all American states to recognize the new date.
2012 Theme: Faith
and Deeds—Reaching Outward.”
James 2:14-18 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
here are a good many Christians who have been aroused to say, "I want to do some service for Christ." Well, Christ says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." There is no Christian who cannot help to bring someone to the Savior. Christ says, "And I, if I be lifted up…, will draw all men unto me;” and our business is just to lift up Christ. Our Lord said, "Follow me, Peter, and I will make you a fisher of men"; and Peter simply obeyed. On that day of Pentecost we see the result. I doubt if Peter ever caught so many fish in one day as he did men on that day. It would have broken every net they had on board if they had had All church to drag up three thousand fish. members ought to I heard this story recently and thought I would share it. be third-class Some time ago a man bought passage on a stagecoach; passengers–ready purchasing a Third Class ticket as it was cheapest. There to dismount and were first-, second- and third-class passengers. But when he push with a will. looked into the coach, he saw all the passengers sitting together without distinction. He could not understand it. Naturally, as we have been socialized to believe, is that First Class is always better and preferable. They soon came to a hill. The coach stopped. The driver called out, "First-class passengers keep your seats. Second-class passengers get out and walk. Third-class passengers get behind the coach and push." In the church we have no room for first-class passengers–people who think salvation means an easy ride all the way to Heaven. We have no room for second-class passengers–people who are carried most of the time, and who, when they should be showing their faith by their works, go trudging on giving never a thought to helping their fellow man or woman along. All church members ought to be Third-Class ticketholders–ready to dismount and push with a will. —continued on page 12
The Adult Bible Study took it to the next level with food, fun and fellowship at its first “Wednesday Night Alive” Bible study. The Lords Prayer was examined for its deeper meaning as the group enjoyed some Bojangle’s chicken and sides. The study was held at Highland Creek’s Bojangles, located at 5732 Prosperity Church Road on Wednesday April 18, 2012 from 7:00 – 8:00. Many of the participants proudly wore their GV shirts. Wallace Branche led the study with ten participants.
It contains a short Preface and Seven Petitions.
Matthew, Chapter 6, verses 7 through 13. 7 And
when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 “This,
then, is how you should pray:
1. Our Father 2. which art in Heaven, 3. hallowed be Thy Name. 4. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. 5. Give us this day our daily bread. 6. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 7. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. —continued on page 7
Our Father: These words describe God's nature and character and summarize the truth of being. In this clause Jesus establishes once and for all that the relationship between God and Man is that of Father and Son. Man by being God's son becomes participant of his/her nature, "as the father, so the son". And as God is Divine Spirit, so man too, independent of illusory appearances on the contrary. God is a merciful Father of humanity eliminating the belief of the old theology of a vengeful and punishing God. If we meditate in this fact diseases in our lives and all that is apparently negative would start to lose meaning and power , since their roots are based on fear. If we are conscious of these truths our existence would be converted in a demonstration of our perfect spiritual condition. By saying Our Father we are revealing the fact of the brotherhood of men. This dissipates the illusion that men of a particular race, nation or color be superior to others. And when pronounced this prayer not only are we praying for ourselves but for all humanity, "we are truly members of just one body". Which art in Heaven: Jesus explains that God's nature is to be in Heaven and man's to be on Earth, because God is cause and man effect or manifestation. Here the word "Heaven" means Presence of God, and the word "Earth" means manifestation. The function of man is to express or manifest God, express means take it out, take it to the light. Hallowed be Thy Name: The name of a thing represents its essential nature and character. Jesus says that the nature of God is "hallowed (sanctified)", whose etymological origin means "holy", "whole", "to heal". In this manner God's nature is revealed to us as perfect and eternally good. An effect is always of the same nature as the cause that produces it, as such all that comes from God cannot be less sanctified that Him/Her. Your nature is essentially good, and you are creator of the perfect good. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven: Man as manifestation of God has an unlimited destiny. His work is to consciously express the abstract ideas that God supplies to him. Man in himself is a individualized creating consciousness, "there exist as many universes as individuals, which are conceived by the only fact of thinking them". "Thy Kingdom come" is our mission to manifest God's ideas in the material planes. If we just discover the plan that He/ She has individually outlined for us and accomplish it, all doors would open before us, all obstacles would vanish, and in consequence we would enjoy happiness, success, money and all of the Father's virtues. We must harmonize ourselves to that end with God's Superior Will because in His/Her Will is our Peace. Give us this day our daily bread: We are the children of a Father that loves us, and we can naturally expect from Him/Her all we need as in a natural and spontaneous manner children expect to receive from their parents. It is God's Will that our lives be abundant. Our financial resources are not more than natural channels through which come to us what the Eternal Source supplies. The number of channels is infinite, but the source is one alone, God. For that end we should put our mind beyond the apparent material channels, changing our limited belief and placing our consciousness in the only Infinite Source that is God. In this way, the belief of limitation and scarcity will be dissipating and disappearing. "As you thought it, so it will be." And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors: Sin is the sensation of being separated from God, and the cause of all suffering, it comes of that feeling of separation. It is the sensation of an absolutely personal existence, while the truth of Self is that everything is One. Evil, selfishness and all suffering come form the negation of not recognizing this idea, since what you do to others you are doing to yourself. The purpose of forgiveness is to make disappear the illusion of separateness, and with this to come closer to God and our neighbor dissipating all blames that tie us to an unnecessary suffering. Forgiveness is the escape of limitation and blame. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: In this clause we ask to be freed of all difficulties, remembering this sentence: "No plague will touch your dwelling, I AM with you always, even unto the end of the world." —continued on page 8
—continued from page 7
What do we ask for in the First Petition: 'Hallowed be Thy name'? That the name of God may never be profaned or blasphemed, but that God may be rightly known, loved, and honored by us and by all men. Why is this the First Petition? Because we are to esteem the honor and glory of God more than all things else. What do we ask for in the Second Petition: 'Thy Kingdom come'? (1.) That the kingdom of God, the Church, may be more and more extended upon earth; (2.) That the kingdom of divine, grace and love may now be established in our hearts, in order that, (3.) After this life, we may all be admitted into the kingdom of Heaven. What is the meaning of the Third Petition: 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven'? We ask that we and all men may do the will of God on earth as faithfully and cheerfully as the Angels and Saints do it in Heaven; and We profess that, in all things, we submit ourselves to the holy will of God. What do we ask for in the Fourth Petition: 'Give us this day our daily bread'? We ask that God would give us all that is daily necessary for our soul and body. Why does Christ bid us ask for our daily bread? To teach us that we should wish only for necessaries, not for riches and abundance. "Having food and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content." (1 Tim. 6:8). What do we ask for in the Fifth Petition: 'Forgive us our trespasses, as We forgive them that trespass against us'? That God would so forgive us all our sins as we forgive others who have offended us. (See Luke 6:37.) May those who do not forgive expect forgiveness themselves? No; on the contrary, they pass judgment upon themselves as often as they say the Lord's Prayer. "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (See Mark 11:25) What do we ask for in the sixth Petition: 'Lead us not into temptation'? We ask that God would remove from us all temptations and all the dangers of sin, or, at least, give us grace sufficient to resist them. By whom are we tempted to sin? (1.) By our own flesh or concupiscence; 'for the flesh lusts against the spirit' (Gal. 5:17) (2.) By the World, i.e., by its vain pomp, bad example, and wicked maxims; —continued on page 9
—continued from page 8
and (3.) By the Devil, 'who, as a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour' (1 Pet. 5:8). Why does God permit us to be tempted? (1.) To keep us humble; (2.) To try our faithfulness or to punish our unfaithfulness; and (3.) To increase our zeal for virtue, and our merits. 'Lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me' (2 Cor. 12:7). 2. "For the Lord your God tries you, that it may appear whether you love him with all your heart, and with all your soul, or not." (Deut. 13:3). 'Blessed is the man that endures temptation; for when he bath been proved he shall receive the crown of life, which God bath promised to them that love him' (James 1:12). Is temptation in itself a sin? Temptation in itself is not a sin; but to expose ourselves heedlessly to temptation, or to yield to it, is a Sin. For our consolation and Instruction, Christ Himself allowed the Devil to tempt Him (See Matt. 4:1-11) What must we do in order that we may not yield? We must especially watch and pray, as Christ our Lord says: 'Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation' (Matt. 26:41). What do we ask for in the Seventh Petition: 'But deliver us from evil' That God would preserve us from all evil of soul and body, especially from sin and eternal damnation. Why do we add the word 'Amen'? To express by it our ardent desire, and also our confidence of being heard. Always say the Lord's Prayer with reverential attention, remembering that we have received it from our Divine Redeemer Himself.
An interesting find on the front of the building by Pastor Anthony on Heaven and Earth Day.
May 13, 2012 Since time began, there have been maybe six billion mothers. Every story of motherhood is different. Each one is valuable. Each of you has your own. Today is a day for remembering those stories. Mothers, we honor you this day and every day. We thank you, and we thank God for giving you to us and for endowing you with the spirit of giving, caring, nurturing, loving, and (when necessary) letting go.
Let us pray. God our Mother and Father, rid our hearts and minds of all feelings and attitudes which do not reflect your loving kindness. Bless all mothers. Reward them for their sacrifice and their faithfulness to your image. Give them the strength to endure the pain that often accompanies the task of mothering. We thank you for our mothers and for that part of you we have received through them. Finally, we pray that you will never let us forget the stories which remind us how much our mothers have given us. We ask this, emboldened by your Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Laurette Hall
Gladys F. Anthony
My Mom is the best! She is very caring, giving and listens to me! Jordan Hall
She’s a wonderful Mom— she is IT! Felix Anthony
Belinda Alexander Everyday I thank God for my mom because she is always there for me whenever I need her. She always loves me and helps me. I feel that I am the luckiest daughter in the whole world because I have the best Mom in the whole world." Bria Alexander —continued on page 11
—continued from page 10
Robin Joseph
Carol Walters-Glenn
My Mom is pretty! Taylor Joseph
My Mom is very supportive and a good listener! Jannel Adamson
Cherene Joyce
Myrna Cooper
My Mom cares for and loves me! Dayshon Joyce
My Mom is smart and funny! Jeffrey I. Cooper, II
Jannel Adamson She disciplines me and is ALWAYS there for me! Kyree Howe She makes sacrifices, she is very giving and does things for me that I don’t ask for! Kameron Howe
—continued from page 5, Stagecoach Christians John Wesley’s definition of a church: "All at it and always at it." Every Christian is to be a worker. He need not be a preacher or an evangelist to be useful. There is one reason–and a great reason–why so many do not succeed at Christian service. "Why is it we don’t have any results? We work hard, pray hard, preach hard, yet success does not come." "Don’t spend all your time mending nets; this may be why you never catch anything." Give invitations and compel sinners to come, and then pull the net in and see if you have caught anything. If you are always mending and setting the net, you won’t catch many fish. Who ever heard of a man going out to fish and setting his net, then letting it stop there and never pulling it in? Everybody would laugh at such a man’s folly. Many people have objections to giving invitations, but I urge the importance of offering people the chance to make a decision. I heard a story that a minister said, "I never pulled in my net; but I will try next Sunday." He did so, and eight anxious inquirers went into his study. The next Sunday he said he had never had such a Sunday in his life. He had met with marvelous blessings. The next time he drew the net, there were forty. And later, he said joyfully, "I have had eight hundred conversions this last year! It is a great mistake I did not begin earlier to pull in the net." My sisters and brothers, if you want to catch men, just present the Gospel and pull in the net. If you only catch one, it will be something. God uses the weak things of this world to confound the mighty. God’s promise is as good as money. And, here is one of Christ’s promissory notes: ‘If you follow Me, I will make you fishers of men.’ Will you not take hold of the promise and trust it and follow Him now? If a man preaches the Gospel faithfully, he ought to expect results then and there. It is the privilege of God’s children to reap the fruit of their labor three hundred sixty-five days in the year. Is there not a sowing time as well as a harvest?" Yes, there is; but then, you can sow with one hand and reap with the other. What would you think of a farmer who went on sowing all the year round and never thought of reaping? I repeat: we want to sow with one hand and reap with the other. And if we look for the fruit of our labors, we shall see it. "If I be lifted up…, will draw all men unto me." We must lift Christ up, then seek men out and bring them to Him. If we are going to be successful in catching men, we must preach Christ crucified –not His life only, but His death. And if we are only faithful in doing this, we shall succeed. Why? Because there is His promise: ‘If you follow Me, I will make you fishers of men.’ That promise holds just as good to you and me as it did to His disciples and is as true now as it was in their time. So, what type of “Stagecoach Christian” do you choose to be? First Class, Second Class or Third Class? As for, me I choose Third Class. When my Savior claims me and he looks at what I have done, may the service I give speak for me.
Marie
K
yree Howe, a youth, is the newest member of the Bread Ministry. For the past several weeks, he has been assisting with the packaging of bread that we distribute each Sunday. We were short of help one Sunday. Reginald Withers approached the youth and asked if he would help. He said, “Sure.” He soon found that he was doing more than just bagging bread; it was much more. Kyree felt good about making a difference in someone’s life that would consume the bread. He has faithfully assisted every Sunday and is waiting on his official apron! We invite other youth to assist with this ministry if they are so led. Praise God from Whom all Blessings flow.
The People of the United Methodist Church The people of the United Methodist Church are being invited to participate with the Nothing But Nets partners to help stop a deadly disease — malaria. In subSaharan Africa, a child dies every 45 seconds from this preventable disease. This is a statistic that the world must pay attention to according to Bishop Joao Somane Machado, leader of the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. “This is not an African issue,” said Machado. “It’s not only for poor countries. It’s global.” Just $10 buys a bed net, distributes it to a family and provides education on how to use it. By answering Jesus' call to "minister to the least of these who are members of our family," we can beat this awful disease and save future generations. So give a child the opportunity to live a life of health and happiness. Pray. Communicate the need. Buy a bed net. And save a life. To learn more about malaria initiatives of The United Methodist Church, visit http://www.umc.org
Briana Creech Please join with the ReThink Church Committee in this extremely important mission project. The ministry is chaired by Mike Gresham. To learn more on how to support this effort, please contact him.
P
lease support Jannel Adamson and the 45,000 North Carolina residents living with lupus. Jannel was diagnosed with Lupus in 1996. In addition to participating in the activities listed below, your tax-deductible contributions are also welcome and greatly appreciated. In North Carolina Governor, Beverly Purdue, has proclaimed May as Lupus Awareness Month. The month's activities include participation opportunities that range from the easy in nature like messaging through an individual's own social media networks to the grander in scale such as the purple lighting of the Duke Energy Center building in Uptown Charlotte on Tuesday, May 10th in celebration of World Lupus Day. Possibly the most notable this year, the LFA is asking the public to Put On Purple for lupus awareness by wearing purple and telling people why they are showing their support for all people affected by this disease. Put On Purple Day is an awareness initiative started in North Carolina and has been expanded nationwide campaign this year. Put On Purple Day will take place on Friday, May 18, 2012, and is one of many programs taking place during May. Other notable activities throughout the month include: May 5th - Charlotte Walk For Lupus Now - More than 1,500 people will gather for the largest annual awareness & fundraising event in the state of North Carolina to support lupus. 3:30pm, Symphony Park. Walk with team Nelly & Friends. May 10th - Purple Lighting of Duke Energy Center - The building will be purple an hour before sunrise & again 30 minutes before sunset until midnight. May 18th - Put On Purple Day - Thousands of people from around the country will "put on purple" in order to spread awareness of lupus. Every Thursday in May - TCBY Lupus Awareness Nights - Enjoy TCBY at one of eight Charlotte area TCBY's and a portion of the proceeds will go to the LFAPC's local support services and national research initiatives. —Submitted by Carol Walters=Glenn
—continued on page 17
C
ongregations for Kids, a program of the Department of Social Services of Mecklenburg County’s Youth and Family Services, held its Annual Luncheon on April 18, 2012. Grace Covenant Church of Cornelius, North Carolina hosted the event. Greater Vision’s Geoffrey and Leisa Huntley with daughter Stacey, participated on the panel to share their experience with adoption. Pastor Alexis Anthony and Marie Parrott-Withers were present to support Geoff, Leisa and Stacey. Greater Vision was honored with a plaque for their support of and participation in Congregations for Kids. If you would like to know more about adopting or fostering, contact Geoff and Leisa Huntley or you may call Tammera Nelson, Recruitment/Adoptions Supervisor at 704-336-4972.
HERE ARE A FEW MYTHS ABOUT ADOPTION: MYTH: No person over 55 can provide a healthy and loving environment for an adopted child. FACT: This belief is held erroneously by 635 of Americans. In truth, almost one in four adopted children lives happily with an adopted parent 55 years and older. MYTH: A single parent can’t provide a healthy environment for an adopted child. FACT: A single parent can provide a loving stable home. In fact, as the number of two-parent families decline, an increasing number of children live in single-parent homes. MYTH: Foster care adoption may cost less than private infant or international adoption, but it’s still expensive. FACT: Foster care adoption normally costs little or nothing.
The following guidelines are in compliance with the United Methodist Church’s Book of Discipline, Sections 256 and 258, Paragraph 4. The policies are expanded by the United Methodist Guidelines booklet and were reinforced by the Conference Treasurer at the District Leadership Conference January 12, 2012. Per United Methodist Policy all money raised in the name or support of the church must be accounted for through either the Finance Committee, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, or United Methodist Youth. Currently Greater Vision United Methodist Church only has a Finance Committee as the official financial management committee. Where a church organization raises funds, those funds will be delivered to Finance. This is necessary in order to be in compliance with United Methodist policy, and to support the basic costs of the church that enable all programs. All fundraising activities should be pre-approved by the Stewardship Committee or Administrative Council. This is to avoid conflicts with other organizations’ plans, and to ensure alignment with church policies and strategies. Where church organizations collect money for any purpose, the sponsoring group must comply with these fundraising guidelines. That includes providing receipts to those whose money is collected; providing a written accounting of 100% of the money collected; and turning in 100% of the money collected to the Finance Committee. All funds needed for ministries, missions and other activities must be authorized by the Administrative Council and provided by Finance. In consideration of a group's efforts the Administrative Council will consider how much a group has raised or expects to raise when determining whether or how much the group will be authorized to receive. The Administrative Council may allocate a limited amount of money in advance to a group to increase flexibility and reduce administrative burdens. Whether allocated in advance for specific events or purchase, all money spent MUST be accounted for with receipts, and the balance returned to Finance. For events with refreshment sales the ticket concept will be used. Cash will be exchanged for tickets at a designated location(s). The tickets can then be exchanged at a predetermined rate for refreshments at the vending locations. Please contact any member of the Finance or Stewardship Committees with questions. —Approved by the Administrative Council
Stewardship Moment Newsletter Editor and Publisher:
The Stewardship of Money and One’s Personal Finances
Newsletter Printers
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Marie Parrott-Withers Belinda Huntley Carol Walters-Glenn Kevin Wideman
If you wish to contribute an article or pictures to “The Vision” please e-mail them to Marie Parrott-Withers at gvthevision.com no later than the 20th of the month. “The Vision” is published the first Sunday of each month. Articles and pictures for inclusion must be received no later than the 20th of each month. Every effort will be made to include your submission. The Publisher reserves the right to make final decisions on the appropriateness of submission and when it will be used. All articles are subject to editing for size and clarity. Copyrighted material will not be included without a proper release.
Claimed, Gathered, Transformed, Sent 11901 Eastfield Road Huntersville, NC 28078 Mailing Address: POB 562615 Huntersville, NC 28256 Church Office: 704-947-8228 Website: [email protected]
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the “Our Daily Bread” from the Literature Rack outside the Narthex. This is a wonderful resource to use for your daily devotion.
G
ive opportunity to all church members to give the best of their time, talents, and resources. Encourage them to be good stewards in all facets of their life. The ministry of money and the management of one’s personal finances are connected in the lives of all who practice Christian stewardship. How people handle their personal finances and how they use their money are concerns in modern society. More than two hundred years ago these issues were also concerns of John Wesley, the father of Methodism. He was concerned about the poor and preached to them “where they were.” Wesley was also concerned about those followers who did not have money, how they acquired it, what they did with it, and the effect of their buying and selling on the whole society. Wesley, in his sermon “The Good Steward,” declared that God has entrusted us with our souls, our bodies, our goods, and whatever other talents we have received. The church today can provide its people with a valuable service in two particular areas of financial stewardship. First, the stewardship guidance give to persons within the church enables them to establish a healthy relationship with money and material possessions in their own lives. Help in personal financial stewardship encourages individuals to become faithful stewards of their money. Secondly, the generous giver of financial resources within the church makes possible a strong ministry of outreach to the community.
It is a quick read with a big message! The book covers March, April and May.
—Matt 6:21
Regular and Proportionate Giving Encourage church members to study scriptures and learn what Jesus teaches about giving and sharing one’s resources as part of one’s spiritual growth. Provide opportunities for church members to respond regularly to fund the various ministries of the church locally, nationally and globally, through envelopes and special offerings for specific needs. Make these moments invitational rather than coercive.
