Last Saturday, as we drove up I-16, there was a long line of cars trying to get off at exit 127. Both the east and the west side of the line of cards extended beyond the ramp and into the emergency lane. Every car was packed full. There were trailers, U-Hauls, and futons on top of cars. They were all trying to get into Statesboro to move their sons and daughters into a dorm or apartment. I guarantee you that there was lots of last-minute parenting going on during those rides. There is an inner tension between holding on to those last precious moments before the children stretch their wings leaving the nest and knowing that they are ready. There are often tears--tears of joy mixed with tears of grief. Those same scenes are unfolding at colleges and universities all across the country. The fact is the start of preschool can look much the same: no trailers or U-Hauls but tears. There is joy over three hours of freedom but grief that the baby is growing up so fast.
These moments and emotions are not limited to parents. Grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, close friends of the family and even the church family share these feelings. The nursery volunteer that rocks babies remembers when. The Sunday school teacher smiles when the day things about God began to click for a child is called to mind. Confirmation mentors, volunteers, and staff of our children’s and youth ministry all are connected and invested in our children.
Back to school is one of my favorite times of the year. I mean, I love summer, but there is rising energy this time of year. We tend to find our way back to a routine that has been wrecked by the chaos of summer. For many families, this return to routine also includes a return to a more regular pattern of attendance at Sunday school and church. There was a hint of it last week, and I hope that it will be even stronger this week. This is a Sunday you don’t want to miss.
There was a surfer movie called The Endless Summer. I am sure many of us have wished for an endless summer, but alas, we don’t get but so many days of summer. We are launching a new sermon series we are calling 18 Summers. For the next few weeks, we are going to focus on children, youth, and the summers we have with them before moving on to what comes next for them. All of us in the church have a part to play. At 11 this Sunday, we will baptize a child and promise to help raise her to profess her own faith. In addition to the part we play at church, parents and grandparents have daily, or at least more regular, opportunities to participate in the growth and development of our children. Since we don’t have an endless summer, join us in worship as we explore how to make the most of 18 summers.
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This is a big Sunday with regard to Sunday school as well. This is Promotion Sunday for them. The adult classes will be back in their rooms now that the combined Sunday school is over. It has been good to be together and connect with new folks. Special thanks to our teachers!
Children are invited to bring their backpacks to church. We will have the blessing of the backpacks at both 9&11. We will also pray for our teachers and administrators at both services.
This is going to be a great day at Vineville. It will be even better if you are in your place.
Peace,
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WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
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9:00 a.m. & 11:00 am
Christian Life Center
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Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Jr.
18 Summers:
Making A Lifelong Impact In A Limited Time
Psalm 90:12
Proverbs 29:18
MUSIC
Praise Band (9am)
Chancel Choir (11am)
Elizabeth Morgan (11am)
ONLINE WORSHIP at 11:00 AM
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Children’s choirs return on Wednesday, August 17th. The kids will gather on the preschool hall at 5:00 p.m. for pizza and rehearsal will begin at 5:30 p.m. for Hosanna (preschool) choir and 6:15 p.m. for Oasis (elementary) choir. When not singing, each choir will participate in craft and activities.
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY OPEN HOUSE |
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Don't forget our Children’s Ministry Open House on Wednesday, August 17th at 5:00 p.m. in the dining room. While the kids are eating dinner, all parents and any other adults who are interested are invited to come to hear all about what’s going on in children’s ministry. I can’t wait to share with you about Sunday school curriculum, choir, special groups like Club 345, and our goals for ministering to your children. You will hear of ways that you can get involved, and we will also hold a Safe Sanctuary training that night. It’s an evening not to miss!! As a church, we commit to helping our children to know and grow with Jesus. Our Open House night will be a time where you can find a way to honor that commitment, and I promise, you will be so glad and rewarded that you came!
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UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
(formerly UMW)
TOILETRY DRIVE FOR THE METHODIST HOME
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FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES TO ANNA POWELL
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For the past 5 years, Anna Powell, has been a beloved member of our support staff as Church Publicist. Anna has recently accepted a job at ACE, where she is now working and is able to spend more time with her girls. Anna leaves big shoes to fill and will be greatly missed. |
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CHURCH PUBLICIST AND RECEPTIONIST NEEDED |
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Since Anna is leaving, the church is now searching for a new Church Publicist. This position, which can be part-time or full-time with benefits, would include but is not limited to preparing, formatting, and printing weekly Sunday bulletins; creating, formatting, and sending the weekly online and printed church newsletter; and preparing and printing regular and bulk mailings. This person would also create church posters, banners, and online publications. He/She would also assist the pastor and other staff members with correspondence and other church related needs. Computer software skills with programs like Adobe InDesign and Canva are required. This person would also need to have an understanding of printers and copiers. People skills and being a team player are also a must.
We also are continuing our search for a new Church Receptionist. Ashlee Haynie has resigned to be able to spend more time with her sweet little girl, Lumi. Ashlee has been a treasured part of our staff and will be greatly missed.
This part-time or full-time position with benefits, would include but is not limited to answering the phone and directing calls; greeting and directing those who come to the church; entering data into the Realm database; updating Realm as needed; ordering supplies; and managing the prayer list. Computer and people skills are a must.
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WEEKDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES |
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COMMON PRAYER
IN-PERSON & ONLINE
Tuesdays at 7:45 a.m.
Prayer Center
TAIZE WORSHIP SERVICE
IN-PERSON
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Chapel
PRAYER BREAKFAST
Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.
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ATTENDANCE
Sunday, August 7
9:00: 64
11:00: 111
Online: 175
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HOSPITAL VISITATION
AUGUST 12-14
Rev. Teresa Edwards
478-396-3866
ALTAR FLOWERS & ALTAR GUILD
Sunday, August 14
In loving memory of
Dick Newman by his family.
SYMPATHY
Emily & Nathan Greer upon the
death of her mother,
Sandra Cannon Gordon
NEW ARRIVALS
Bridie Jean Blalock
July 23, 2022
Daughter of Chelsea & Chris Blalock
Benjamin Henley Smisson
August 4, 2022
Son of Ruth & Benjamin Smisson
Grandson of Jane Leigh Smisson &
Deann & Trip Smisson
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IN MEMORY
JIM HICKMAN
Judy & Ed Ennis
Carolyn & Andy Nations
CHARLOTTE JORDAN
Judy & Ed Ennis
Libby & Richard Penn
ELEANOR LANE
Julia & Cecil Baldwin
Anne & Alan Chamlee
Judy & Ed Ennis
Jeanna Fennell
Katherine Johnson
Lea & Elbert McQueen
Beverly Meadors
Kerby & Jerre Pearson
Wimberly & Marc Treadwell
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We have several ways to give to the church. You can mail a check to the church or click here to give online. Thank you for your generosity.
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478.745.3331
www.vinevillemethodist.com
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