The Trumpet

January 2003

The Pastor's Column
by Rodney Newman

A Year of Blessing

As we make the turn into a new year, we pause to give thanks to God for the blessings our church enjoyed in 2002. At our recent Charge Conference, Dennis Moore, lay leader of our congregation, reported on some of the highlights of the year.

Ministry and Mission

  • Continued our fine music program with cantatas during Lent and Advent and other special musicians throughout the year.
  • Supported Skyline Urban Ministry by collecting over 600 cans of food and sponsoring 35 children through the Angel Tree at Christmas.
  • Encouraged fellowship through sports teams and meals such as Souper Sunday and an ice cream social.
  • Dr. Amy Oden presented the Holland Lectures.
  • Continued our van ministry and Mobile Meals.
  • Launched a new website and introduced a new logo for the church.
  • Started a new Sunday School class for young adults and enjoyed it continued growth.

Children and Youth

  • Welcomed Amy Curran as the new minister for children and youth with the goal of making this a full-time position.
  • The youth participated in mission trips to Washington D.C. and Clinton, Oklahoma.
  • Continued the summer programs of a music camp and Vacation Bible School.
  • Installed a new pager system for the nursery.
  • Renovated the nursery and toddler areas.
  • Held a garage sale to raise money for new choir robes for the children.

Numerical Growth

  • The church is alive with an increase in our worship attendance including a sharp increase in the number of children.
  • Financial contributions continue to increase and our pledge campaign for 2003 evidenced an 11% increase over 2002.
  • We received 20 new members, 6 by profession of faith, and we baptized 9 persons including 2 adults.

Of course, this is only part of the story. It doesn’t include all the phone calls made to say a word of thanks or to comfort those in need. It doesn’t document the lives changed and insights gained. The impact of these experiences are known only to God. What a joy it is to be part of a congregation of people who love God, love being together, and who are committed to sharing God’s love with others. All blessings to everyone in the new year.
 

Church Officers for 2003

Administrative Council Chairperson - Marsha Funk
Lay Leader - Dennis Moore
Lay Member Annual Conference - Bob Anthony
Alternate Member - John Amick
Council Secretary - Kitty Ogburn
Staff-Parish Relations - Paige Selby
Church Treasurer - Charlotte Peavler
Finance Committee - Mike Brown
Education Committee - Ann Newman
Fellowship Committee - Joy Robison
Worship Committee - Elizabeth Anthony
Care Committee - Julie Williams
Mission Committee - Janet Kingsolver
Evangelism Committee - Dillon Curran
UMW President - Charlene Jones
Church Historians - Bill and Charlotte Peavler

 

This Month in Worship

The German theologian Karl Barth understood the Bible to be a book of questions rather than a book of answers. Instead of a list of conclusions and lists on how we should behave and what we should believe, the Bible invites us into a relationship with God where we explore the mysteries and meaning of life.

During the season of Epiphany, we’ll look at some of the questions asked in the Bible and the truths to which they point us.

Reverend Newman

Sermon Titles & Scripture Texts

  • Jan 5 - Where Are You?
    Genesis 1:8-13
    Epiphany of the Lord
     
  • Jan 12 - Where Can I Flee From Your Presence?
    Psalm 139:1-12
    Baptism of the Lord
     
  • Jan 19 - Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
    Genesis 4:1-16
    Second Sunday After the Epiphany
     
  • Jan 26 - Who Am I That I Should Go?
    Exodus 3:1-12
    Third Sunday After the Epiphany
     

Youth News

Happy New Year!!! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas Break. The youth group will be taking a special trip January 3 to the Ice Rink in front of the Civic Center. Meet at the church at 3:00 pm and bring $5.00 and a friend. This will be a great reason to get out of the house after two weeks at home.

I am also excited to announce that the Super Bowl is scheduled for January 26. Mark your calendars now for the annual Super Bowl Party.

I have a lot of exciting things planned for youth group and Sunday school this month, so come…bring a friend…and enjoy.

The youth group is planning to attend Youth2003, July 22-28, 2003. Youth2003 takes place at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. We will take the church bus and spend one night on the way there and the way home in Memphis. Youth2003 is designed for youth ages 12-18 and their adult leaders. Call Amy for more information. Registration is due January 26 to the church office.

Also, be sure to check out the web site crownheightsumc.org for pics of all of our events. There is a particularly entertaining photo of your parents from the Halloween party.


Children's Ministry News

Things are going smoothly for the children’s ministry here at Crown Heights. Michaela and Amy have things covered in the nursery, and the Sunday school teachers are doing awesome. The entire congregation loved the children’s participation in the Christmas Cantata. Thank you to all who participated.

The Children’s Council met on December 18. Items discussed included updating the Sunday school tables and chairs, ideas for fundraising, maintaining the children’s pages on our website, and much more.

Amy
 
In Our Prayers

Jerry Wetmore at home recovering from heart bypass surgery.

 

Transitions

Deaths

  • Evelyn Smith passed away December 7, 2002.
     
  • Alice Eddings passed away December 13, 2002.
     

New Members

  • Tim and Bridgid Cook joined December 8, 2002 by profession of faith.
     
  • Bill and Phyllis Henry joined by transfer December 22, 2002.
     

United Methodist Women

The UMW executive committee will meet on Wednesday, January 8, 2003 @ 5:30 p.m. in the Fishermen classroom. This will be our 2003 budget and planning meeting. All officers and circle chairpersons are requested to attend.
 

Music Ministry

Christmas Cantata

What a glorious Sunday for everyone. The orchestra, expanded chancel choir, soloists, combined children's choir and our bell choir. are to be congratulated for a superb musical worship experience for us all! Videotapes of this cantata are being edited now and information concerning purchase will be available soon.

Winter Rehearsals

Chancel and bell choir resumes rehearsals on Wednesday, January 8. Thinking about joining the choir? Bell Choir rehearsals begin at 6:30 p.m. and the chancel choir @ 7:30 p.m. Child care is provided.

Should there be inclement weather in the coming months, call George at home and you will hear a recorded message concerning any rehearsal cancellations.
 


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