September 29, 2020
Kairos Vol. 5, Issue #33
SLUMC Building Front
Friends,
 
Once again it is that time of the year as summer winds down with fall just around the corner. Through the years of my ministry, church programming, and activities were minimal during the summer as people were traveling, etc. As a result of the pandemic, we have experienced a decline in office traffic and church activities. In your newsletter today you will see a variety of opportunities to become part of a study group via Zoom. We will also be holding church meetings via Zoom. If you are not able to connect with Zoom we hope to work out a way for you to participate. Watch for information as we get it together. 
 
Our annual fall meetings with the District Superintendent will be via Zoom. Both Staff Parish and Charge Conference will be held on October 12 through the Zoom platform. Members of these two groups are asked to let us know your availability through Zoom. A link will be sent through your email so you can connect. Details will be sent to members of these groups shortly. 
 
"We have never done it this way before", but I am confident we can make it work for us this fall. I was and still am a bit worried about doing worship on YouTube. When I was first introduced to Zoom I was nervous, but having used it, I am now less nervous. I am hearing that connecting online rather than in person is the wave of the future. I want us to ride that wave as best we can. At the same time, I do not want to lose person-to-person connections which are so important to our life together. 
 
And like you, I look forward to the day we can gather again for worship. Until then I am grateful for your continuing support and prayers.
 
Marvin      

WORSHIP SERVICES
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!
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As we prepare to move into the Thanksgiving holiday and provide meals to the Hamilton High School families, the goal has been set for 80 dinners!

As in previous years, the Missions Team will purchase the turkeys! The shopping list is traditional Thanksgiving items:
  • Stuffing
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Gravy (packaged)
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Vegetables
  • Cranberry Sauce
Extra needed items:
  • Peanut Butter
  • Mac 'n Cheese
  • Cereal
  • Beans (any kind)
  • Fruit
HLAA MEETING
Hearing Loss
Don't miss the monthly Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) October meeting with speaker Nancy Otte, author of A Matter of Life and DeaF: a quest to hear and understand via ZOOM, Thursday, October 8, 1:00 pm.

To join, contact Liz Booth at [email protected] for the ZOOM invitation.
ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
UMW Orange and Gold Logo
The UMW Annual Celebration will include all four District Annual Celebrations plus the Conference Annual Celebration virtually on Zoom!

It is one big, happy meeting on Saturday, October 10, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

All of the 2020 speakers are involved with the foster care system. They are:
  • Bonnie Morley, wife of North District Superintendent Rev. Dan Morley,    who will enlighten us about Open Table.  
  • Associate Pastor, Rev. Jamie Booth will share her experiences as a foster mom.
  • Jane Pearson of Trinity Opportunity Alliance will speak about aging out of foster care.
If you would like to participate in this meeting, please register HERE.

(Sun Lakes UMW will reimburse you for the $12.00 registration fee.)
FALL-WINTER STUDIES
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Mondays - 10:00 am
History of the Bible: Making of New Testament Canon
The New Testament is the most important collection of books in the history of western civilization. Join Howard Strouse as he walks through scholarly video presentations by Dr. Bart Ehrman; a college level, historical examination of the 27 books that are the foundation for Christian theology today. (6 weeks - video) Starts October 12. 

Tuesdays - 10:00 am
Alpha
Join Denny Steele as he facilitates Alpha, a 7-week course sprinkled with humor, allowing individuals the opportunity to explore the Christian faith. It was originally designed for non-believers, but is an excellent review for life-long Christians. (7 weeks - video) Starts October 13.  

Wednesdays - 10:00 am
Introducing the New Testament with Rev. George Smoot & Denny Steele.
This study is based on an exploration of the New Testament covering what Nazareth was like in the first century, what scholars know and don't know about Jesus, how Paul really wrote all those letters, as well as a wild and baffling book called Revelation. (6 weeks - study book) Starts October 14.

Thursdays - 10:00 am
You are Never Alone
Rev. Marvin Arnpriester will facilitate a study by best-selling author Max Lucado, You are Never Alone. Delve into the miracles of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John and discover the comfort and love of God, who is nearer than you know. (6 weeks - study book) Starts October 15.

All studies will be held on the virtual meeting platform called Zoom

If you are interested in joining one or all of the studies, please register with the Church Office and provide your email address at (480) 895-8766.
UMCOR RELIEF
UMCOR Fire Wind Rain

For only the second time in history, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is so intense that the U.S. National Hurricane Center has resorted to naming new storms using letters from the Greek alphabet.

And even as millions on the Gulf coasts are deluged with wind, rain, and flooding, as of this writing millions more out West flee massive wildfires. Across the globe, 2020 has seen massive monsoon flooding in South and Central Asia and torrential rains and catastrophic flooding throughout the African continent.

Your gift will build on the proven partnerships and solid infrastructure that make UMCOR a trusted name in U.S. and international disaster response. To donate, click HERE.
GENERAL FUND - AUGUST INFO
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I, as all of you, miss seeing each other and worshiping together, but know that our safety and health are so important. 

Your generosity continues to maintain our church home, and I am so grateful for all of you.

Beginning Balance$109,731.27
Revenue Received$  54,618.78
Expenses$ (77,392.56)
Net Balance$  86,957.49

Make a great day!

Blessings to all - Candy Jones, Finance Chairperson
FRY'S V.I.P.
Fry's Community Rewards Logo
Do you shop at Fry's food stores and have a Fry's VIP card? You can register to have your purchases count towards a donation from Fry's to SLUMC! Pick up an instruction flyer in the Church office.
 
Good News! You no longer have to re-enroll every year!
 
Through Fry's Community Rewards Program, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, with a total of 28 households, received $50.78 in donations resulting from activity between June 1 to August 31, 2020.
PRAYERS
UMC Logo
You are encouraged to pray for the churches, centers, and pastors of the East District of the Desert Southwest Conference. You may even send a card or note to the pastor or churches for which you are praying.
 
The October 2020 list is as follows:
  • Tongan UMC, Mesa
  • The Fountains, a UMC, Fountain Hills
  • The Bridge UMC, Phoenix
  • Sun Lakes UMC, Sun Lakes
NEED A MASK?
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Our Krafters and congregation members have been busy at home working on stylish cloth masks! We have both elastic and tie masks. Thank you!!!

If you'd like one of these cotton, protective masks stop by the Church Office during office hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
THANK YOU
Thank you Sunflower
Thanks to all of you for the expressions of caring and condolence at the recent death of my mother. The kind words you shared and prayers you offered made our loss feel not so isolating, but rather that we are part of a caring Christian family.

My family was blessed to have her as part of our lives for so many years. May God bless you and yours. - Pastor Dave
LOVE & SYMPATHY
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...to the Jewett family and friends on the death of David Jewett, Saturday, August 15. A family service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 3:30 pm in The Garden.

...to George Marsh, family, and friends on the death of his wife Norma Marsh, Monday, August 10. A family service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 9:00 am in The Garden.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Due to all the changes/cancellations the October
calendar will not be published here, please call the 
Church Office with any questions 
 



 

The vision of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is to be
a Beacon of HOPE 
with Unconditional Love and Acceptance. 

Sun Lakes United Methodist Church
(480) 895-8766 | [email protected]
Church Office Winter Hours: M - Th 9 am - 3 pm, Fri 9 am - 12 pm
Church Office Summer Hours: M - Th 9 am - 3 pm, Closed Fri 
Visit our website at sunlakesumc.org

Saturday Worship 4:00 pm in Chapel
Sunday Worship 9:00 am in Sanctuary
  
Rev. Marvin Arnpriester, Senior Pastor
Rev. David Holling, Pastoral Care