AFUMC E-News, June 2

June 2, 2017

School is out, and the vacation season is in full swing. Gone to the beach, gone to the mountains, gone to see family and home. I hope you have a blast. Some of my dearest memories are from the vacation days at Hilton Head Island when the boys were children. So, go make memories and get some rest. You need and deserve the time away.

Rest is a necessary ingredient in the recipe of life, says Genesis. The Sunday Sabbath was God's first gift to us. Ease your foot off the accelerator, trusting that God has the whole world in his caring hands. The world does not hinge on our frantic activity and the completion of our to-do lists.

Jesus echoed this truth when he said, "Come to me, all of you who are frustrated and have had a bellyful, and I will give you zest. Get in the harness with me and let me teach you, for I am trained and have a cooperative spirit and you will find zest for your lives. For my harness is practical and my assignment is joyful." (Matthew 11:28, Cotton Patch version). Jesus' statement takes us into the deeper water of how we live when we return home from our vacation. His teaching indicates that the rest we long for is not found in doing nothing, but in living a life that matters. Jesus knows that wheels spinning in the sand are tiresome and purposeless. He teaches and coaches us into a life that gets traction and has focus. He helps us to see that love matters most. He served and healed and helped people every day and never lacked for strength. He knew and taught that helping others for love's sake is energizing.

Being worn out and tired are two very different realities. I've returned from the Ranch in Honduras very tired but miles away from weary. Experience has taught you the same. A life invested in God's will is showered in glad moments.

"I spend the most of my time with the people who matter least to me and the least of my time with the people who matter most to me," a friend said to me after Sunday worship. She nailed it. So, may I encourage you to spend an hour thinking about the life you will begin when your vacation is over. A life of devotion to Christ is the harness that guarantees zest.

Dr. Don Martin, Senior Pastor

Registration opens for 2017-18 Children's Choirs

For age 2 (by September 1) through 5th grade

Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., September 13-April 25

One-time fee for choir cross: $5

T-shirts: $2-5 (previous year shirts), $10 (new shirts)

Register your child here.

Registration for Children's Choirs for the 2017-18 year is now open. Alpharetta Methodist offers up to 14 choirs for eight age groups that include children as young as 2 though those in 5th grade. Children who participate in choir also develop self-confidence, as they learn new musical and social skills. Our Children's Choirs teach kids about Jesus and his love. All choir kids will participate in the Children's Nativity in December and in Children's Music Sunday in April.

Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., September 13 through April 25. A kick-off party to celebrate the beginning of the choir year is scheduled for August 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Trinity Hall.

Participation in Children's Choirs requires no registration fee. Children will need a choir T-shirt, which costs $10 per new shirts or $2-$5 per used/previous-year T-shirt. Choir T-shirts will be available for purchase at the Children's Choir Kick Off Party on August 30. A one-time fee of $5 is also required for children age 3 years and older who are new to the Children's Choirs program, to defray the cost of a choir cross.

You do not have to be a church member to join the choir program. Scholarships are available if needed.

If you have any questions about the Children's Choirs, please contact Director of Children's Music Ann Hudson or Music Administrator Cindy Poelking or visit our website.

Seat and Feet lets you experience local missions in a new way

This summer, experience local missions in a brand-new way. Witness how three area organizations serve people who are in need, and then "walk in the shoes" of the disadvantaged to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face every day. The Missions Committee invites you to participate in Seat and Feet: A Local Missions Experience on two Wednesday evenings this summer.

On June 28, take a bus tour to three area nonprofit organizations and witness the many ways they serve people who are in need. Then on July 26, "Walk in Their Shoes" and experience, through a poverty simulation, how disadvantaged people living in North Fulton County survive each day.

Learn more about Seat and Feet here. To participate, first select and register for one of two bus tours. Both bus tours are on Wednesday, June 28 -- 4-6 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Then register for the poverty simulation, which will be held in Trinity Hall on Wednesday, July 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Must be age 12 or older to participate in the poverty simulation.)

All Seat and Feet activities occur in conjunction with our two summer Wednesday Night Suppers, so join us for a good meal and fellowship with friends. We'll enjoy grilled burgers and hot dogs, prepared by the Journey Men, on June 28, and we'll serve a Chick-fil-A meal on July 26. See full menus and m ake meal reservations here.

Operation Oreo & Habitat for Humanity

Renovation project on home of church member, Air Force veteran

This year in conjunction with Operation Oreo, we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia to renovate the Alpharetta home of Mrs. Mary Ellen Wilcox, who served in the U.S. Air Force 60 years ago. Demolition work began on her home in April during the Great Day of Service. The following Saturday workdays are scheduled to finish up the demo work and for rebuilding:

June 24:	Insulation
July 1:	Drywall
July 8:	Drywall and siding
July 22:	Siding
July 29 and August 5:	Painting
August 12:	Landscaping

Weekday volunteer opportunities may also be available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. In addition, Saturday, August 19, has been designated as a tentative workday, if required for project completion. Click here to sign up for one or more work days.

Pick up your VBS kit this Sunday

Vacation Bible School is just a week away (June 12-15). Have you picked up your VBS kit? Each kit includes a T-shirt, a nametag lanyard, a schedule, information about the VBS mission project and a music CD. Pick up your family's VBS kit in Mod 4, located behind Trinity Hall near the playground this Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Other dates when kits will be available for pick up are:

Monday, June 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday, June 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, June 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, June 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

New Bible studies start in the fall; registration open

Registration is open for Bible studies that will be offered in the fall. Check out these new studies and sign up!

Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues
Wednesdays, August 16-November 1
6:30-7:45 p.m., T351

The seven deadly sins are those great spiritual blocks that inhibit our flourishing in relationship with God and one another -- pride, envy, anger, sloth, gluttony, greed and lust. The seven lively virtues offer antidotes to each of these patterns of dysfunction and help set us on the right path to healing and happiness. This 8-week study is facilitated by Discipleship Director Wes Maston. Workbooks cost $15. Register here.

Love & Respect

Wednesdays, August 16-October 25

6:30-8 p.m., MS212

This 10-week course to improve marriage is based on a simple premise: Love best motivates a woman and respect most powerfully motivates a man. Why do we negatively react to each other in marriage? How can I motivate my spouse? What if my spouse doesn't respond to me? These are some of the fundamental questions raised in the course "Love and Respect." Is your marriage stable? Then come and make it even better.

Led by Associate Pastor Rev. Brad Greene . Workbooks cost $14 per person. Register here.

Epic of Eden

Mondays, August 21-November 20
10-11:30 a.m., T353

Does your knowledge of the Old Testament feel like a grab bag of people, books, events and ideas? In this video study, Dr. Sandra Richter powerfully communicates a history of God's redeeming grace, weaving together a story that runs from the Garden of Eden to the garden of the New Jerusalem. Take the journey with Associate Pastor Rev. Terri Henkel. Materials cost $25. Register here.

Disciple Bible Studies

Are you looking for answers? For a change? Are you wondering what God's Word has to say about your life, your future, your purpose? Disciple is a life-changing, in-depth exploration of the Bible. You'll read and learn daily from the Bible and meet weekly in a small-group setting for discussion and fellowship. Three Disciple Bible studies begin in August: Disciple 2 (Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m.), Disciple 4 (Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.) and Christian Believer (Wednesdays, 9:15 a.m.). Disciple 1 is a prerequisite. Get details and register here.

Childcare is available during each these classes when you make arrangements with Nursery Director Helena Manning.

Thank you, Alpharetta Methodist

I am having a hard time putting to words how much I have loved working for Alpharetta Methodist. The staff is amazing and so much fun to work with. And you, the members of this wonderful church, are exceptional. I have enjoyed getting to know you, and I can only hope I have given you everything you needed and wanted.

It has been an exceptional 16 years: The Academy, building out Old Fellowship Hall, buying the MYC, building out Trinity Hall, replacing the floor in Fellowship Hall, the building project to relocate the water in the back (we called it the hole in the back yard), and the Special Needs playground. So many campaigns, and you stepped up to every one, and here you are again, facing the largest building challenge. I can't wait to come back and see what you have accomplished!

The best part though was working with all of you. It has been an amazing journey for me, and I leave with wonderful memories. Thank you all for the love and generosity you have shown me. I will carry it with me always.

Connie Powell

Student Ministry VBS training June 7

VBS Teen Volunteer Training & Pizza Party: Wednesday, June 7, 6:45-8 p.m., Methodist Youth Center. All students who plan to volunteer during Vacation Bible School, June 12-15, must attend this training session.

Bowling & Lunch: Thursday, June 29, 12-3 p.m., Roswell Brunswick Lanes, 785 Old Roswell Rd. Catch up with friends, throw some strikes and enjoy lunch. Students must provide their own transportation and money for lunch and bowling. Pay when you arrive. No pre-registration required. Grades 6-12. Learn more.

Night at Stone Mountain: Saturday, July 8, 6-11 p.m. It's a southern tradition. Join the Roots Student Ministry for a picnic, some Frisbee and a great time hanging out in community. $10. Sign up and pay online by July 2. Grades 6-12.

Click here to see more of the Roots Student Ministry summer schedule.

New & ongoing service opportunities

Make a #doorstory! Here are a few ways you can serve others in Christ's name.

Give a church member a lift! LIFTFull Care is a Congregational Care ministry providing rides for church members who can't drive themselves. Drivers are needed. To volunteer, contact Julia England.

If you need a ride for local appointments, doctors' visits or to run errands during the week, or if you need a ride to church on Sunday, contact Julia to request a ride.

Save pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House. So far, our church has collected over 300 pounds of pop tops this year. Pop tops from all types of aluminum cans (beverages, dog food, soup, vegetables, tennis balls, etc.) are needed. Big or small, we'll take them all. Drop off your pop top donation in the designated c ollection box in Trinity Hall. If you have questions about how the pop tops help the Ronald McDonald House or the types of pop tops to collect, please contact Patti Fredlund.

Sing in the Patriotic Sunday Choir! The Chancel Choir and Testify is preparing for Patriotic Sunday, July 2. If you'd like to sing with the choir on this special day, simply come to one of the weekly rehearsals and stay for the patriotic portion. Rehearsal are on Mondays at 6:15 p.m. or Wednesdays at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Music Director Barbara Holbrook.

Bring cookies to the church for Operation Oreo. Our goal this year is to send 5 tons of cookies to military personnel serving in the Middle East. Drop off packages of Oreos at the Main Street reception

desk Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., or Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Or bring them on Patriotic Sunday, July 2, to place at the altar. Please attach a note of appreciation or encouragement to each package of Oreos.

If you have a family member stationed in a combat zone who would appreciate receiving Oreos, please send the service member's name, unit and address to Operation Oreo coordinator Ralph Jordan.

Help children attend summer camp. Action Ministries recently started an after-school program at Vickery Mill Elementary School. Students who attend the program during the school year have been invited to attend the YMCA Waller Park camp during the summer. The cost is $65 per week for each child. The school has asked members of our church to help by sponsoring a child for at least a week of camp. To give, please write your check to AFUMC and designate "Actions Ministries Summer Camp" on the memo line.

Make lunches for hungry children this summer. We'll join Roswell UMC in making over 25,000 lunches this summer for children who receive free and reduced lunches during the school year. Contact Deedee Muehlbauer to set a date for your small group, family or friends to help.