Glad Tidings February 2015

NEWSLETTER EVENTS* SUNDAY Traditional Worship 8:45 & 11:15 AM

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Non-Traditional Worship 11:15 AM Hispanic Worship 12:30 PM Sunday School 10:00 AM Isle of Hope UMC 412 Parkersburg Road Savannah, GA 31406 www.iohumc.com Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 8am-5pm Friday: 8am-3pm tele: 912.355.8527 fax: 912.355.9113

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- Youth Super Bowl Parties - Souper Bowl Sunday - KFC Dinner - Joyful Noise - Family Walk

MONDAY 2

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- Flower Workshop

FRIDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 5

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SATURDAY

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- Wednesday Night Supper

- Lunch Bunch Valentine Luncheon - Wednesday Night Supper

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- Tacky Prom - PLACE

February 2015 connect, equip

- Things of the Heart

- Ash Wednesday - Wed Supper - Lenten Study Begins

- Friends & Needles - UMYF Ski Retreat

- UMYF Ski Retreat

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Vol. VII • February 2015

pray, serve

- UMYF Ski Retreat

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Glad Tidings

- UMW Love Walk - Chancel Choir Retreat

- Wednesday Night Supper

Sign-up for our weekly eNewsletters at www.iohumc.com

* A complete calendar of all Isle of Hope UMC events can be found online at www.iohumc.com.

A M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R O F I S L E O F H O P E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

Rediscovering the Church

I GLAD TIDINGS (USPS-706-200) PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE ISLE OF HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 412 PARKERSBURG ROAD, SAVANNAH, GA 31406. PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. POSTMASTER: SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO GLAD TIDINGS, 412 PARKERSBURG ROAD, SAVANNAH, GA 31406.

I s l e o f H o p e United Methodist Church 412 Parkersburg Road, Savannah, GA 31406

“But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor 13:13

’ve got a question. It’s just to get us thinking together about something vitally important. Why do you think the church exists? By that I mean, why is the church here, in the world?

The obvious and easiest answer is the church exists because it is God’s idea.

God came up with it. God created it.

God sustains it. So, in spite of what others may think about the church, as followers of Christ, we believe it is the conception and creation of God. That thought alone is pretty amazing. Think about it, of all the ways God could have chosen to fulfill the plan of redemption for humanity, God chose to do it through a group of people, the church, who bind themselves together in a mutual commitment to Christ and each other. No fireworks.

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God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into His kingdom, and progressively shaping them into His likeness -— and He wants you to be a part of it.

”

Paul David Tripp, A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger than You

Nothing spectacular. According to Acts 2:42-47, the first church was a group of people who met together for instruction in the Word, fellowship together, the sharing of a meal, and prayer. The Lord started adding, then multiplying, the number of people who were being saved through faith in Jesus Christ. It really doesn’t say they thought a whole lot about the fact that they were changing the world. Yet, change the world they did.

Together, they became a witnessing community for Christ, and a force to be reckoned with in this world. They

worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity, all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. Life in that first witnessing community was marked by a commitment to true discipleship and it offered the world at least a partial vision of God’s eschatological kingdom that will one day come in fullness. The Spirit of Christ was at work through the early church’s witness, impacting communities and cities in at least three ways: 1) Through Continued on page 2…

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Faith in Practice Small Groups Lenten Study

Adult Ministries

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Student Ministries

Kids’ Corner

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connect, equip Rediscovering the Church

Continued from page 1

a supernatural unity among a truly diverse community of believers; 2) Through a powerful social ethic, born out of Christ-like love for people in spiritual and physical need; 3) Through a transformative influence in communities and cultures as the message of God’s kingdom was lived and shared beyond the walls where the church gathered.

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o, by looking at what happened as a result of the early church’s witness for Christ, we can see that the purpose of the church, in the beginning, was for something greater than simply fostering personal piety in the followers of Jesus. The first Christians were living for something bigger than that. Writing about the importance of the church and our place in it, Paul David Tripp in his book A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger than You writes: There is woven inside each of us a desire for something more—a craving to be part of something bigger, greater, and more profound than our relatively meaningless day-by-day existence. Your life

is much bigger than a good job, an understanding spouse, and non-delinquent kids. It is bigger than beautiful gardens, nice vacations, and fashionable clothes. In reality, you are part of something immense, something that began before you were born and will continue after you die. God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into His kingdom, and progressively shaping them into His likeness—and He wants you to be a part of it.

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hat’s why the church is so important. That’s why your place in the church is so important. The church is the place where we are shaped into the likeness of Christ; where we discover how our life can count for more than day-by–day existence. We are called into a community, shaped by community, and witnesses to a community that is reflecting the reality of the kingdom of God. Through our life together as a church, we give witness to the king-

ASH WEDNESDAY MORNING SERVICE

2/18

7:00-7:30 AM Sanctuary

$

breakfast

U P CO M I N G F E B R UA R Y E V E N T S ••• GodSquad Super Bowl Party, February 1st 4-5:30pm GodSquad will be playing flag football in the Cornus Cottage field from 4-5:30 pm.

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••• KFC Super Bowl Party, February 1st 4-5:30pm KFC will be having their Superbowl Sunday at Katie Kavanaugh’s house (35 Cardinal Road) from 4-5:30 for a game of Flag Football. Dinner will be provided.

hat’s why it is so vital for us to be All In when it comes to Live the Call in 2015. The church is more than a good sermon, good music, nice people.

One preacher said it well, “The church is earth’s single best place—God’s specially designed place—to start over, to grow and to change for the glory of God.” Let’s rediscover the power of the church in 2015. Let’s see ourselves as a redeemed community, devoted to Christ and one another, and ready to impact our world through our witness and our work for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ.

••• UMYF Super Bowl Party, February 1st 6:30-8pm UMYF will be meeting at Mrs. Irma’s house (8965 Ferguson Ave.) from 6:30 – 8 pm to watch the game.

Dinner will be provided.

Our Student Ministries program is on a search for interns for Summer 2014!

This is a paid position and is open for college students who have completed their freshmansenior year. Applications are available on our website at www. iohumc.com/about-us/employment and are due by March 1. If you have any questions, please contact Mackay Lee at mlee@iohumc.com.

Praying Expectantly, Pastor Mike

evening service

2/18

2/18

7:30-8:30 AM Fellowship Hall

6:30-7:00 PM Sanctuary

Endowment Fund

dom’s historical coming in the person of Jesus Christ; the validation of the kingdom’s presence in this world now, operating in and through a redeemed community; and the continuing promise of the kingdom’s full realization at God’s appointed time in the future. Is there any wonder then why God believes the church is so important, even if others don’t.

DECEMBER financial report

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Remember the Endowment Fund in your Wills, Trusts, Honorariums, and Memorials!

“Love is patient, love is kind...love never fails.” 1 Cor. 13:4 & 8 1

pray, serve

February 8th KFC will be having their Second Annual Fast Food Progressive Dinner. Meet at the church at 5 pm and travel to different fast food locations for each course. The cost is $5 and we ask that you RSVP by February 5th. Pick up will be at the church at 7 pm.

February 15th Our 6th – 12th graders are invited to join us for Prom! Tacky Prom, that is. We will team up with our other UMC friends in Savannah for a night of food, fun, and dancing. There will be prizes for Tackiest Prom Attire and Most Spirited. We will meet from 6-8pm at Wesley Gardens.

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matt. 22:39 6

connect, equip

Kids’ Corner FIRST THINGS FIRST First Things First provides those things that every child needs for getting a great first start while giving parents a well deserved morning off. This program is open to children aged six months to two years. The two-year olds must have turned two after Sep 1, 2015.

For more info, please contact Kim Kraft at kkraft@iohumc.com or the church office (912) 355-8527

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SUMMER DATES Mark your calendars now & plan for your children to be part of an awesome summer at IOHUMC! IOHUMC Vacation Bible School June 15th -19th Epworth by the Sea Elementary Camp June 29th - July 3rd Rise & Shine Preschool Camp July 13th - 17th Giddy Up & Go Nursery Camp July 14th - 16th

COMPLETE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING SOON

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION 2015-2016

CHILDRENS’ CHOIR UPDATES Joyful Noise will be singing in both worship services on February 8th. Kids of the Kingdom rehearsals for The Sailor’s Bible are well underway!

We are working hard and very excited that our first stage rehearsal is February 1st. Please listen to your CD as much as you can. Full speed ahead!

Preschool registration for current children enrolled in the preschool has started. The preschool offers 2 or 3 days a week classes for 2 yr olds, 3 or 5 days a week classes for 3 yr olds, and 5 days a week for 4 yr olds. Registration forms can be picked up from the Connection Point or on the church website, www.iohumc.com.

For more information, please contact Wez Childers at 912-308-7778 or email wezchilders@yahoo.com

Family Valentine Walk • Meet at the Greenhouse on February 8th from 4-5pm and walk to different stations to create Valentines & goody bags for the children of Wesley. Enjoy hot chocolate & cookies at the finish line! Have people sponsor you & bring in your donations for Wesley. Childcare is available for infants - 2 yrs.

“Love is patient, love is kind...love never fails.” 1 Cor. 13:4 & 8 5

pray, serve

living the call Faith in Practice Please be in prayer for the following church members who will serve as part of the Faith in Practice medical mission teams in Guatemala.

• February 6-14 with the surgical team: Fred Daniel, Wanda Kay North, Brenda Tolksdorf, Scott Vann and Julie Vann • February 13-21 with the surgical team: Ginny Raz and Wayne Racz • February 18-20 with the village team: Beth and Joe Stewart, and Allison Palmer If you would like to follow the teams while they are in Guatemala, go to www.faithinpractice.org/blogs-and-media. Prayer guide for the teams are available in the church office or go to www.iohumc.com/missions-outreach/upcoming-events.

Small Groups One of our Live the Call goals that will help us grow as disciples of Jesus Christ is to develop small groups that focus on building relationships with each other and God. In the near future you will be hearing more about small groups and how to be part of one. For now, we would ask that you be in prayer as we move toward the development of small groups this winter and spring, and that you let us know if you are interested in being part of a small group by emailing Pastor Bill at bbergstrom@iohumc.com.

PLACE You’ve been hearing a lot about “Live the Call” - want to know how???

Join Bob Akin and Rachel Blankenship for the PLACE experience and grow closer to Christ and other Christians as you learn how He has equipped you to serve him in your own personal ministry. PLACE is a casual group experience where you will learn how you are uniquely created in His image to serve Him. PLACE is an acronym that stands for Personality, Learning your spiritual gifts, Abilities, Connecting passions with ministry, and Experiences in life. Each week, you will learn the ways you are individually made and how this was intentional for you to “serve faithfully.” Whether you are unsure of where to get started with personal ministry or want confirmation of your current ministry, PLACE is a good PLACE to start! PLACE will start Sunday, February 15th from 8:45am to 10:30am and will run for 5 weeks. Individual coaching sessions will be offered upon completion. Contact Lisa Sharpley to sign up at lsharpley@iohumc.com.

Lent is a time set aside in the church to reflect on the Passion of Christ so that we can be renewed in our faith and fully prepared to celebrate the joy and wonder of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. In the early 1400’s Thomas a’ Kempis wrote The Imitation of Christ which is the second most read book in Christian history after the Bible. In the book Thomas àKempis reminds us that in order to become a follower of Christ one must imitate his life, and to accomplish this he adds: “Let it then be our main concern to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to imitate Christ without first knowing him, and the best way of getting to know him is by meditating on his life as it is described in the four Gospels.” In his book On the Passion of Christ Thomas a’ Kempis gives profound, short reflections on the Gospel passages about the passion and death of Christ. Each chapter (2-5 pages), focusing on a specific aspect of the Passion of Our Lord, gives a prayer, a meditation and spiritual advice and closes with another short prayer. During this Lenten season we are offering an opportunity to gather together with Pastor Bill and spend some time focusing on the Passion of Christ. On Wednesday evenings, beginning on Ash Wednesday February 18th through April 1st, we will gather from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. to discuss the devotions in On the Passion of Christ. Each week you will read six of the devotions in preparation for the meetings. On February 18th everyone will receive their book and we will have a short orientation to the study. For those who can’t attend on Wednesday but would like a book you are welcome to order a book and use it as a personal focus on the Passion during Lent. To sign up for the class and to order a book ($9.00) please call the office at 355-8527 Ext. 29, or email Lisa Sharpley at lsharpley@iohumc.com. Childcare is available upon request.

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matt. 22:39 2

connect, equip

pray, serve

A LENTEN INVITATION

♫ CHANCEL CHOIR RETREAT TO WESLEY GARDENS ♪ Saturday, February 14, 9am-2pm Each year the Chancel Choir enjoys a day apart at beautiful nearby Wesley Gardens. This is the beginning of our journey through Lent, because as we turn our attention musically to the Easter cantata, we turn our hearts’ attention to the cross. Neither destination is easily reached. While it is impossible for us to know fully the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, during the process of learning the music we grow into a deeper understanding, a more profound appreciation, of the love that inspired it. A familiar mystery unfolds. As we give ourselves to the task, God gives himself to us so that we might share his message of hope and grace to others. We invite you to join us! After the retreat, our Wednesday rehearsals will begin at 7:00PM with the Easter cantata, then the regular choir will practice weekly anthems from 8:00 to 9:00PM. The cantata will be presented in traditional worship on Palm Sunday, March 29. See the Vogelsangs for more information.

Things of the Heart • Join us in the Greenhouse 6th grade classroom on Tuesday, February 17th from 10:30 am noon with guest speaker, Janet Longenberger, Director of the Heart Hospital as we explore what you can do to take care of your heart. Please sign up for this free event in the Sunday School classes, by calling the church office prior to the 17th, or call Annette Wetmore at 912-598-1908.

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Stephen Ministries

February 15th we will commission our second class of Stephen Ministers. These very gifted people will strengthen our congregation in the gift of caring ministry to those who are grieving or otherwise in need. They have answered a special call to use their gifts to follow in Jesus’ caring footsteps. As we commission these new Stephen Ministers (Linda Bergstrom, Diane Draughon, Nancy Gallagher, Kenneth Johnson, Andrew Wall, & Mary Wise), let us celebrate the completion of their training for this ministry and thank God for their generous response to his call, keeping the success of their ministry always in our prayers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Ministry Who is Stephen Ministry for?

Those in crisis need someone to listen and be with them during difficult times. Allow a Stephen Minister to help you sort through your challenges and regain your faith in God’s love. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen and care in confidential and non-judgemental conversations, and they will be with you as long as you need them. Care receivers apply for a Stephen Minister, sign a covenant understanding the relationship and boundaries, and go through an interview to determine the appropriateness of their situation.

How is a Stephen Minister Trained?

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of lay caregiving training. Stephen Ministers are trained in active listening, feelings, assertiveness, confidentiality, and ministry to people with specific needs like: divorce, terminal illness, grief, and childbirth.

Do Stephen Ministers take on responsibilities of the Pastors?

No. Stephen Ministry is a specialized structured program completely separate from Pastoral duties. Stephen Ministers provide more long term consistent care to a congregation member whos’ situation falls within the scope of a lay caregiver’s training and ability. Stephen Leaders work with the Pastors as an added layer of congregational care.

How will I be matched with my care receiver?

Stephen Ministers and care receivers are matched according to personality, situation, and many many prayers for discernment by the Stephen Leaders. A Stephen Minister knows everything they need to know about the care receiver’s situation and has a good education on how to help them.

Please contact Brooke Chambers for more information 912-355-8527 (W) or 731-439-1777 (C), bchambers@iohumc.com

Wesley Community Center’s Annual

Love Walk 2014 Saturday February 14th, 2014 ♥ 9:00am

Walk, pre-and-post rallies, door prizes, silent auction, entertainment!

Registration forms are in the church office and must be turned in by 2/6.

FRIENDS & NEEDLES The monthly Friends & Needles meeting will be on Thursday, February 5 from 11am until 2pm (or later) with the usual “Potluck” lunch. Join us and learn to knit or crochet. Recently the group donated $1000 to Wesley Community Center, $1000 to All Walks of Life (an after school program for at-risk teenagers), $1000 to The Christ Child’s Nest and $1000 to Faith in Practice from funds raised from sales of handmade items. The group continues to make prayer shawls and baby blankets for the congregation.

The Lunch Bunch Circle will be honoring the ladies of the church who are 85 years and older at their annual Valentine luncheon on February 11 at 12:00 noon in the New Hope classroom. If you are 85+, please join us for a hot, delicious, home-cooked, potluck meal, lively conversation, Valentine fun, and a special time to honor you!

RSVP to Nancy Montford at 355-6786 by February 2.

Flower Workshop

February 9th, 9-10:15am

Come learn tips on easy flower arranging and enjoy the fellowship on Monday, February 9th at 9:00am-10:15am in the Fellowship Hall. The class will be taught by Beth Owens and Graham Solana and is sponsored by the Flower Guild.

“Love is patient, love is kind...love never fails.” 1 Cor. 13:4 & 8 3

Christ caring for people, through people...

PRAYER ROOM The Prayer Room at our church is open every Sunday immediately following all three services. Anyone is welcome to come that would like to have private prayer or have someone pray with them. A prayer partner will be available. The Prayer Center is located in the tabby building adjacent to the main sanctuary.

Congregational Care • As we live out our call here at IOH to establish a Congregational Care Ministry, we are building our resources to give the best comfort, care, and information to our congregation members and their loved ones. If you or someone you know has had a beneficial experience with a mental health professional or resource in our community please contact Rev. Meg Procopio or Brooke Chambers to confidentially share this valuable resource. In some instances the most caring act we can perform is to help our friend or loved one find the help he or she needs.

Rev. Meg Procopio 355-8527 Brooke Chambers 731-439-1777

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matt. 22:39 4