Connection Point Newsletter October 2015

» DECATURFIRST.ORG «

OCTOBER 2015

Moving hearts & employing hands for the cause of Christ. » 300 EAST PONCE DE LEON AVE. | DECATUR, GA 30030 | 404.378.4541 «

General BLESSING OF THE PETS Join us at 10:00am on Saturday, October 3 for this special service celebrating the joy and companionship of our pets! The service will be held on the front lawn of the main church building and will include a special performance by our children’s choir. In addition to a personalized blessing for each pet, you may have your picture taken with your pet. There will be crafts for kids and snacks for people and pets following the service. Pets of all types are welcome! Please have all pets on a leash or in a carrier. Rain location is in the gym.

FUTURE STORY SUNDAY! Over the past year our church has been on a powerful and exciting journey as we discern God’s vision for our future. Later this month, on Sunday October 18, our entire congregation will join for worship together as we celebrate the Future Story of Decatur First! Join us starting at 10am on the front porch of the sanctuary for coffee and snacks, then at 11am stay for unified worship in the sanctuary as we step into the future God has in store for us!

WAFFLE OFF PRELIMINARIES Last year Robin "For the Children" Rock tied The Reverend Doctor Bat Girl in the epic waffle-off. Bat Girl has retired from competition undefeated. Robin seeks to prove that she is deserving of the title she co-won. On October 18 right after church in the Fellowship Hall, you can vote for who will challenge Robin. Will it be the intern, the veteran, or the mystery contestant? $5 for kids, $10 for adults ($30 family max) buys all you can eat pancakes, waffles, & meat.

ROY'S TOYS 2015 In 1982 members of Decatur First United Methodist Church wanted to help in a small way the Christmas wishes of some children whose own families were unable, so they started the Decatur First Toy Team.

Now we serve children and senior adults who are vetted by the City of Decatur Season of Giving. This mostly volunteer group confirms the family need, interviews an adult in the family and helps them complete the wish lists, collects and distributes the wish lists, checks the completed bags, and arranges for the families to pick up the bags.

Decatur First UMC usually provides Christmas for approximately 120 children and 5 seniors.

Roy Hornsby was our long time, beloved Facilities Manager. Roy was always excited about helping children especially for the Decatur First Toy Team. He would load the bags filled with Christmas toys and clothes and drive them to the distribution center. He proudly bragged on how many bags were delivered each year. The day after the 2007 delivery, Roy died in an accident while decorating the sanctuary for Advent. In his honor and memory, Decatur First renamed the Toy Team to “Roy’s Toys”.

This will be our 33rd year of continuing to help the children and seniors of Decatur have a good Christmas. You can be a part of this and help honor the memory of Roy. We’re trying something new this year. We will have some Red Dot children. Red Dot children will have their envelopes marked with a

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red dot. This means the child has one or more siblings near their age with similar wish lists. We’d like for these children to be adopted by a family group, Sunday School Class or a group of friends so shopping for similar lists for the same household can be coordinated. Let us know if you would like Red Dot children or if your Sunday School class would be interested in adopting a family of children so the family gifts can be coordinated.

Also, if you would be willing to provide Christmas for a Senior Adult instead of a child, let us know and we’ll get you a wish list. The children are all always adopted. It’s harder to find someone to sponsor a senior citizen. Senior wish lists usually include such items as City of Decatur garbage bags, detergent, and simple clothes such as pajamas, slippers, or sweat suits. It’s also fun to try to find some surprises that might be welcomed.

This year our drive will begin October 25 and you can continue to pick up children’s names until November 15. All gifts and items will need to be returned to the church by November 22.

You can help individually or as part of your Sunday School class. Be on the lookout for the sign up form on Sunday mornings this month.

HOMETOWN MISSION WEEK RECAP Our second Hometown Mission Week was a huge success! We had over 65 volunteers ranging in age from 5 to 86. We packed 150 food boxes for Action Ministries, 100 bags of toiletries for Arrendale Women’s Prison, 48 bags of supplies for folks who come to the church seeking assistance, and 42 freezer meals for residents at the United Methodist Children’s Home. We sorted clothes, cleared brush, prepared a garden bed, repaired doors, delivered Meals on Wheels, made a bathroom accessible for an elderly resident, distributed DEAM donations, and reached out to be God’s hands and feet in Decatur! Many thanks to the wonderful organizing team and to all the volunteers that donated time, money, and hard work to make this week happen!

Church Ministries YOUTH October Youth Calender October 4 - Youth October 11 - Orphanage Project at Youth (see details below) October 18 - Youth October 25 - Haints and Saints Parade, choir, and youth dinner in fellowship hall (more details to come) Orphanage Project at Youth Lord’s Mountain Orphanage is a United Methodist run orphanage that meets the needs of 40 local children in the community of Zambezi by providing them school tuition, three meals a day, a roof over their head, and clothing. The children range in age from 3 to 18 and are expected to respect one another at all times, to attend school and do their best. They are also expected to attend church regularly, and do their weekly chores around the orphanage. Rev. Bernard Lumene and his wife Betty are the founders of this ministry. Along with their six children, the Lumene family lives in community with the children of the orphanage, caring and loving for each as if they were their own.

On Sunday October 11, we will be assembling care packages for the children, staff, and family of Lord’s Mountain Orphanage in Zambia. Ideal things to go in these packages are small toys, light- weight children’s books, personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant), wash cloths, hair accessories, school supplies, socks, hats, and wallets. Ideally, we will have items appropriate for young children as well as the older youth of the orphanage. No food, liquids, or breakable items should be sent. Our goal is to create a care package for each orphan and hopefully for the Lumene family. We’re asking our youth to help by providing a few items to go in the packages as well as assemble them; keep in mind we need things for a variety of boys, girls, and an age range of three to eighteen.

Why this ministry?

In August of 2013, Brittany Sanders had the opportunity to see this community firsthand. She saw the living conditions, the passion for church, community, and family, and the important ministry that takes place at the orphanage. When one of the children told Brittany that celebrating Christmas happens if there is money to do so (meaning a meal), Brittany knew she wanted to help. It’s not about the gifts, but about the love. By creating care packages for the orphans, we are showing love to them and reminding them that someone very far away cares and is praying for them.

mornings. These are part-time paid positions. Please contact Usha Raghavan at uraghavan@decaturfirst.org or 404-494-6124.

3rd Grade Bibles In recognition of their ability to take the next step in their faith journey, all 3rd graders will receive a Bible as a gift from the church on October 11 during the 11am worship services. Contact Robin Harp, childrensministries@decaturfirst.org for more information.

Capture the Flag for Trail Mix All 4th & 5th graders (Trail Mix) join us from 6pm - 8pm on Friday, October 16 for a meal and game of Capture the Flag at the church.

Contact uraghavan@decaturfirst.org by Wednesday, October 14 to RVSP. Cost is $5.

Why now and not closer to December?

Shipping items to Zambezi, Zambia takes a long time. The first year Brittany sent packages to the orphanage at the end of November and only one made it by Christmas. The other boxes slowly made their way and eventually the final box was delivered in February. By sending the packages in October, they all will arrive by Christmas day.

Mark your calendar! The Fall Festival for kids of all ages is Friday, October 23. Cost of admission: 2 canned items (i.e. peanut butter, rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, etc.) for DEAM (Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry). There will be bouncy houses, carnival games, trick-or-treating, laser tag (3rd - 5th graders) & more. Hot dog dinner is $2.

MUSIC

Volunteers Volunteer for the Fall Festival and welcome community kids to our church! Volunteers are needed to help with set up, run carnival games, do face painting and to supervise bouncy houses/laser tag.

This Is My Story Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 14, when the bell choirs (including one of the children's bell choirs) will offer a concert at 6:30pm in the sanctuary entitled "This Is My Story." Selections will include sacred & secular music bound together by the common theme that each tells a story. Full disclosure: some of these stories only exist in John Cowden's head.

KID'S MUSIC Once Upon a Time Shop The Children’s Music Ministry invites you to step back in time with us to the early 1900s. It’s during the time of Theodore Roosevelt, Ford Motor Company and booming industry. It’s an orphanage. It’s a workhouse. It’s a clock factory. It’s a musical that is coming soon to a Café Decatur near you. We invite you to come join us on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:30pm when the Hosanna Children’s Choir performs the musical “Once Upon a Time Shop.” Just to give you a sneak peek, here are a few of the choir’s favorite songs from the show: "Ain’t This the Life?," "Ragtime," and "Pray for a Change: With God’s love in your heart you can love Miss Curmudgeon."

For more information please get in touch Michele Wright at MWright@decaturfirst.org or 404-378-4541 ext. 305.

KIDS+CHURCH Nursery Workers Do you love working with infants & toddlers? Our church nursery is looking for loving caregivers to fill in as substitutes on Sunday

Candy Donations We need candy for the Fall Festival! Please drop off individually packaged (nut free!!!) candy in one of the collection bins around the church by Sunday, October 18.

Costume Bank Do you have Halloween costumes that your kids have outgrown or are no longer needed? Please donate them for our Fall Festival Costume Bank. You can bring the costumes to the church office any time before the Fall Festival.

Door Challenge We are asking the Sunday School classes to partner with us by sponsoring our indoor trick-or-treating. Here's what we need: 1. Have your Sunday School class decide on a theme.

2. Decorate a second floor door according to your theme.

3. Send members of your Sunday School class to your assigned door to pass out candy during the Fall Festival.

4. The winning door will receive a breakfast spread for their Sunday School class.

FOR ANY INFO REGARDING THE FALL FESTIVAL CONTACT USHA RAGHAVAN AT URAGHAVAN@DECATURFIRST.ORG

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CHAPEL CAMPAIGN DONATIONS The stone chapel on Sycamore Street is a much beloved feature of the Decatur First UMC community. Having served as a home for worship for over 100 years, the beautiful structure had begun to show signs of its age and was in need of some care and attention. A call went out to the church community in March 2011 to protect and extend the life of the chapel so it can continue to be beloved for generations to come. People from down the street to across the country responded by sharing wonderful memories and generous donations. These gifts have enabled a variety of projects to be completed at the chapel, in an effort to restore and preserve it well into the future. Donations continue to be appreciated.

These donations have been given in loving memory of‌

Harold E. Almand by Ruth C. Almand Angel, Dusty, & Homer by Sylvia& Bob Vosburgh Mary Jo & Chet Barnes by Judith B. Crozier Harold G. Barnwell by Rebecca Barnwell Harold G. Barnwell by Carol Cole Harold G. Barnwell by Suzanne Compton Andy Belcher by Robin & Jody Patrick Penny Bolen by Patsy Belcher Penny Bolen by Hopie Eubanks Elizabeth & Alvin Bridges by Anonymous Marguerite & T. Jack Bryan by Anne B. Kelleher Marguerite & T. Jack Bryan by Melinda Kelleher Marguerite & T. Jack Bryan by R. Bryan Kelleher & family Mr. & Mrs. Herbert G. Byerly by Janel & Dennis Byerly Patricia Byers by Patsy Belcher Patricia Byers by Hopie Eubanks Patricia Byers by The Spirited Singles Sunday School Class Sarah & Ernest Carter by Patricia & John Post Eloise & Otis Childs by Julie Childs Lee Childs by Linder & Harry Clark Lee Childs by Laurie Bolen Lois & Dan Coursey by Dan Coursey Lois & Dan Coursey by Martha & Jeff Coursey Caley Eady by Ruth E. Wheeler Mr. & Mrs. Jack B. Edmunds Sr. by Karen & Graham Edmunds Frances Edwards Edrington by Ann Edwards Julia Edwards by Thomas Crawford Julia & Bill Edwards by Ann Edwards Jane Espy by Julie Childs Jane S. Espy by Harry Stillwell Dr. Robert W. Espy Jr. by Janel & Dennis Byerly Hopie Eubanks by Patsy Belcher Hopie Eubanks by Steve Fellows Hopie Eubanks by Cheryl Gutterres Hopie Eubanks by Betty Rowe Hopie Eubanks by Cece & Jim Sands Jane G. Ewing by John S. Ewing Dotty & George Fellows by Patsy Belcher Eddie Foster by Christina Westfield Pinkerton The Fosters, the Burgesses, the Hartleys, & the Lodens by Minnie Foster Mother & Father, Mrs. Betty Frith, Col. Gilbert Frith by John R. Frith Mary & Bill Fox by Elizabeth M. Fox Rev. Larry A. Green by Melanie & Bobby Jones Mrs. Inez Dean Gray by Laurel & T. Fisher Craft Mary Gresham by Jean Lacey Mr. Sanders Hale by Christina Westfield Pinkerton Rick Hammersley by Valda Hammersley Jim Harrell by Patsy Belcher Jim Harrell by Ann Harrell

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Mildred Heffelfinger by Hopie Eubanks Lucile & Woodrow James by Melinda & David Mobley Evelyn Johnston by Cece & Jim Sands Sally & Posey Johnston by Sylvia & Bob Vosburgh Sally Jones by Priscilla & John Dollar Sally Steinhauer Jones by Carol & Traywick Duffie Sally Steinhauer Jones by Christina Westfield Pinkerton Thomas Roswell T.J. Jones by Carol & Traywick Duffie Doris & John Keys by John R. Keys Eleanor & Dan Knox by Virginia C. Knox Eleanor & Dan Knox by Martha & Bill McKoy Eleanor & Dan Knox Sr. by John D. Knox Jr., MD Paula & Lee Laey by Leroy O. Laney Carol Weekes Long by Jody & Gary Sams Lee Anne & Eddie Lovejoy by Harriet & Bill Lovejoy Frances & Bill Lovejoy Jr. by Harriet & Bill Lovejoy Elizabeth Luke by Nancy & Hugh Bache Elizabeth Luke by Lora & Jack Brantley Elizabeth Luke by Joan, Leigha, JoniLynn, & Lisa Branyon Elizabeth Luke by Jeanne Camp Elizabeth Luke by R. N. & Barbara Carlson Jr. Elizabeth Luke by Abby & John Gjertsen Elizabeth Luke by Jessica Khakzad Elizabeth Luke by Carma & Joel Kummins Elizabeth Luke by Sarah Jane & James Ohl Elizabeth Luke by Martha & Jack Stringer Elizabeth Luke by Eday & Jake Wamsley Elizabeth Luke by Louis Wiklacz and Ray Jones Hardy F. Luke by Elizabeth Luke Claire Maners by Robin & Sam Thompson Mamie C. Maynard by Joan & George Morris Mary & Nelson Maynard by Joan & George Morris Rev. L. M. McCoy by Jessie W. McCoy A. A. “Pete” McCurry by Betty McCurry Mrs. Tom Moody by Hopie Eubanks Mrs. Olga Morrison by Christina Westfield Pinkerton Mable & John North by Becky & Riley Stephens Viola Fladger North by Becky & Riley Stephens Josey Williams Pearce by Betty Glenn Jean & Fred Pitman by Robert Pitman Jean Pitts by Rhoda & Doug Joyner Walter L. Purcell by Dorothy D. Purcell Rev. Frank Quillian & family by Elizabeth S. Bence Rev. Frank Quillian & family by Chris Quillian & David E. Betts Rev. Frank Quillian & family by Quill & Steve Duncan Rev. Frank Quillian & family by Leo A. Smith Rev. Frank Quillian & family by Frank Q. Smith, MD Rev. Frank Quillian & family by Dr. & Mrs. Frank B. Vinson Carl V. Rauschenburg Jr. by Verna Rauschenberg Reba Rice by Ruthie & Jim Wood III Leslie Jayne Maynard Riley by Merry Noel & James M. Noe Lois Weekes Riley by Karyn Whigham Sam by Carrie Perloff Stephen J. Schmidt Jr. by Leslie & Palmer Williams Stephen J. Schmidt Sr. by Leslie & Palmer Williams David Schunk by Janet R. & J. Frank McGill Betty & Bill Scott by Martha & Bill McKoy Alice Shinall by Sharron & Fred Landers Alice Shinall by Lynn & Jerry Lock Pam Shippey by Helen & Joel Byars

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Pam Shippey by Elaine S. Griffin Ruth & Edward Jay Smith & Nora Jay & Bob Smith by Mary Lindig Mrs. Doris Smith by Christina Westfield Pinkerton Antoinette “Toni” Smith & Paul Mayson Smith by Paul M. Smith Jr. Dr. Hugh Spruell by Hopie Eubanks Riley T. Stephens Jr. by Becky & Riley Stephens Eleanor A. Stillwell by Janel & Dennis Byerly Helen Thrasher by Linder & Harry Clark Helen Thrasher by Emilie & Bill Markert Mildred Thurman by Linder & Harry Clark Cliot & Harry Tobin by Harriet & Bill Lovejoy Elizabeth Turner by Anne & James Evans My Parents - Mr. & Mrs. Ray L. Van Gundy by Barbara Paschall Eday Wamsley by Gwen & Langley Blanz Eday Wamsley by Lucille Baldwin Bondurant Eday Wamsley by Vivian & John Brown Eday Wamsley by Martha & Chris Carpenter Eday Wamsley by Carolyn G., Sharon Doetsch-Kidder, Matthew Doetsch-Kidder, Miles Doetsch-Kidder, Ada Doetsch-Kidder, & Walter Doetsch Eday Wamsley by Shirley & Fred Dyer Eday Wamsley by Laura & Bob Eanes & John, Lori, & Robert Eanes Eday Wamsley by Reba & Carlton Gates Eday Wamsley by Jane Hamrick Eday Wamsley by Peyton Hamrick Eday Wamsley by Yvonne & Tommy Hamrick Eday Wamsley by Richard M. Hamrick Jr. Eday Wamsley by Nancy & Jack Hill Eday Wamsley by Patty & Eric Hingst Eday Wamsley by Louise & John Howard Eday Wamsley by Lyn & Joe Jackson Eday Wamsley by Suzanne & Mark Jernigan Eday Wamsley by Kay Johnson Eday Wamsley by Mary Lockhart Eday Wamsley by Edwin Pairet Eday Wamsley by Frances Pairet Eday Wamsley by Harry Stillwell Eday Wamsley by Martha “Bebe” Thompson Eday Wamsley by Jake Wamsley Eday Wamsley by Penny & Brit Williams Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Hamilton Weekes by Kitty & Bob Mozley Mr. & Mrs. John Wesley Weekes by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Sams Evelyn & William White by Martha & Jeff Coursey Evelyn & William White by Dan Coursey Harry White by Edith C. White Eulah Jo Wilks by Linder & Harry Clark Marjorie Winkler by Carolyn Armistead

These donations have been given in honor of…

Patsy Belcher by The Spirited Singles Sunday School Class Patsy Belcher by Jenny P. Garner Patsy Belcher by Dorothy Huenecke Patsy Belcher by Anne B. Kelleher Patsy Belcher by Betty Rowe Patsy Belcher by Janice S. Stansbury Patsy Belcher by Donna Willoughby Jeanne & Ashton Cary by Becky & Riley Stephens Julie Childs by Laurie M. Schunk Ruby & Guy Daves by Edith C. White Patricia & Larry Eastwood by Patsy Belcher Kelsey & Benjamin Emerson by Carolyn & Henry McDowell Jane S. Espy by Janel & Dennis Byerly

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Robert W. Espy Jr. by Harry Stillwell Robert Washington Espy V by Penny & Dale Bartlett Hopie Eubanks by Spirited Singles Sunday School Class Hopie Eubanks by Patsy Belcher Anne T. & James O. Evans by Mary Nell Camp Frances Flynt by Stella & E.T. “Bud” Avret Janet Fuller by Leslie & Palmer Williams Rev. Julia T. Gary by Elizabeth M. Fox Mildred Heffelfinger by Suzy Jennings Mildred Heffelfinger by Susan & Jeff Quesenberry George Hickman by Jenny Garner & Robert Dixon Katy Hinman by Lucy & Alan Hinman Sharon Holmes by Patsy Belcher Bill, Jill, Lawson & Annabelle Ivey by Dale & Louis Miller Bishop Bevel Jones by Dale & Louis Miller Johny Maret by Robin & Sam Thompson Carolyn & Henry McDowell by J. Tyler Tippett My family by Helen F. Thrasher Kim, Donnie, Ty, & Kendall Nelson by Rebecca Barnwell Our children by Katha & Dan Morgan Our children & grandchildren by Liz & Bill Edwards Our wedding by Beth & Alex Gibson Susan Popwell by Yancey Bros. Co. Virginia Proctor by Ruthie & Jim Wood III Faye Quade by Suzy Jennings Faye Quade by Susan & Jeff Quesenberry Christy & Neil Sawyer by Doris P. Mann Jeanne Schmidt by Leslie & Palmer Williams Cindy Stephens by Becky & Riley Stephens Wanda & Riley Stephens by Becky & Riley Stephens Eleanor A. Stillwell by Harry Stillwell Harry Stillwell by Bonnie & Bonnie Espy Harry Stillwell by Robert Kelso John A. Stillwell Jr. by Harry Stillwell John T. Stillwell Jr. by Harry Stillwell The Summer Players by Carolyn & Henry McDowell The 18 babies born within DFUMC in 2010 by Ruthie & Jim Wood III

Additional donations have been given by…

Agape Sunday School Class Anonymous Carolyn Armistead Rebecca Barnwell Lida & Marlon Bayne Patsy Belcher Gwen & Langley Blanz John Bolen Damita Boyd Lora & Jack Brantley Ruby Brownlee Jane & Ed Carriere Joy Chapman Linder & Harry Clark Willa & Bill Cleveland Ethel Colquitt Linda & Robert Coons Mrs. George Crumbley Amy & Matt Curtis R. Christian Davidson Marchele & Jonathan Davis

Jeanne & Bob Allen Anna & Doug Armistead Ben S. Armistead III Penny & Dale Bartlett Jan & Andy Beach Beverly & Glenn Bellamy Betty & Bo Blasingame Lynn & Arthur Bowling Susanne Brandt Lee Michael Brown Helen & Joel Byars Barbara Carter Julie Childs Karmon & Jason Clay Gene Clower Phyllis & Mark Conard Lynne & Dennis Coughlin Laura & Rabun Culbreath Jill & Bill Dahlberg Julie & Jeff Davis Betty & Milton Davis

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The Debtors Class Lucy Stovall DeForest Kathryn & Johnny Dunn Angie & George Edwards Jan & Bob Espy Hopie Eubanks John S. Ewing Cheri & Andrew Flake Anne & Edgar Fowlkes Janet Fuller Jean Gaby Charles Gillespie Barbara Greenig E. Marlene Gregory Andy Gunter Shirley & Phil Guy Jason Hammer Leslie & David Harrington Edith Hawkins Carol & Bob Hill Jr. Lucy & Alan Hinman Sharon Holmes Margaret & Tim Howe Suzy Jennings Rhoda & Doug Joyner Dot & J. Linwood Keith Robert Kelso John R. Keys Doris Kirksey Carma & Joel Kummins Fran & Lester Lewis Lynn & Jerry Lock Dixie Cely & David Lonsway Naomi & Harold Lyda Bev & Joel Maggart Diane Mahaffey H. Fielder Martin Julie & Arturo Martinez Douglas McAfee Betty McKemie Carolyn Meeks Helene Mewborn Melinda & David Mobley Linda Nalley Marie Nitschke Lexie & Dick Parker Angela McFall Patterson Lynn Peek Aneta G. Phelps Del Podsiadlo Jennifer Potter Cecil Pryor Suzanne & Stephen Ragains Mary Renshaw Stephanie Young & Michael Richardson John Robinson Cece & Jim Sands Tom Scott Jr. Mary Alice Shinall Ellie Smith

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Decatur First United Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten Estelle & John deJarnette Nancy & Eric Edmondson Jean & Jerry Eickhoff Jane Espy Anne & James Evans Steve Fellows Freida Forkner Nan Franklin Debra Furtado Patti & Gary Garrett Gayla Green Donna Greenig Deana & Nathan Griffin Cheryl Gutterres Judy & Henry Halliday Janet & Marvin Harden Joanne & Bill Hauserman Lucy & Tom Henner Patty & Eric Hingst Cary Hitchcock Renee & Denny Hopf Janet James Tuck & Bev Jones III Donald Keiser Melissa Kelly Kerr-Friendship Paty Class Laurie Kiernicki Knox Peabody Class Deborah Ann Landes Joanne Lincoln Phyllis & Loye London Elizabeth Luke Jacqueline Macomber Beth & Rich Mahaffey Cheryl & Lewis Mann Marybeth Martin Jean & Frank Matthews Sara McKee Libby & Forrest McMahan Helen & Fred Menefee Barbara Mickelson Tommye Mueller Kim & Donald Nelson Gloria A. “Colleen” Odom Hazel Pate Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Patterson Cindy & Paul Petersen Cathy & Paul Pierce Joan & Neal Pope Virginia Proctor Joanna & Frank Putman Frances & Larry Ray David Rice Diana & Jim Roberts Janice & James Sanders David & Tracie Scott Alice C. Shinall Harold Smallwood Dorothy Smith

Christa & Tim Sobon Betsy & James Styles Judy B. Turner Michael Vinciquerra Eday & Jake Wamsley Marilyn White Betty & James Williams Kay Wischkaemper Susan & Bob Woodall Kitty & Paul Wright

The Spirited Singles Sunday School Class Dianne & Michael Thackston Sacra & Rex Vaughan Sylvia & Bob Vosburgh Pete Wheeler Robin & Stephen Wilks Sue & Mike Williams Ruthie & James Wood III Rob Woodall III

Administrative GIFTS GIVEN The Barnabus Fund In Memory of Mildred “Tuck” Jones Becky & Julian Aldridge Penny & Dale Bartlett Lora & Jack Brantley Joy Chapman Cathy Cox & Mark Dehler Nan Franklin Susan & John Hogshead Susan & Bob Hope Virginia Kinchen Elizabeth & Ronald Krebs Meg & Frank Manning Mary Ann & Rex Matthews Katha & Dan Morgan Cindy & Paul Petersen Nancy & Lee Proctor Mary Alice Shinall Marilyn White Diane Wright Operating Fund In Memory of James Styles Meg & Frank Manning

Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry In Honor of Bevel Jones Linda & Robert Coons Endowment Fund In Memory of Mary & Bill Fox Elizabeth Fox Music Ministry In Honor of Rhoda & Doug Joyner Susan & Bob Hope In Honor of Fran & Lester Lewis Susan & Bob Hope In Memory of Helen Allen Ty Tippett In Memory of Mildred “Tuck” Jones Ty Tippett Stillwell Maintenance Fund In Memory of Mildred “Tuck” Jones Harry Stillwell

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Decatur First United Methodist Women “Welcomed by God, Welcoming All” Volume 25, Issue 10

2015 Theme: “Fresh Wind Blowing”

President’s Corner

October 2015

UMW meetings

Dear Friends, As I write this article I am currently some 30,000 feet in the air. My husband and I are off to meet up with a few trout (I hope), enjoy a nice ride with a horse, and embrace breathtaking scenes of the Colorado Rockies. It is only my second time to Sandy Stewart Kruger go fly fishing – so wish me luck!

President

Decatur First UMW have been very busy these past two months. Many thanks to Karmon Clay and Brittany Jones for organizing our new up and coming circle and their first community project. They put together 25 Christmas Shoe Boxes that will be given to children in thirdworld countries. The boxes were filled with much needed toiletries and fun toys to play with. Their next project will be with Breakthru House.

Marnie Grodzin, re:loom Board Member, joined our September general meeting to tell us how re:loom helps homeless and low-income families secure and maintain jobs. The weavers at re:loom create beautiful and unique products that make perfect gifts. For more information, you can visit them at www.reloom.org Next month UMW welcomes Ty Tippett to talk about the phenomenal work of the Shepherd’s Center. Please join us if you are able.

Saturday, November 21, UMW and Decatur First will host the ADOX Leadership Training and Breakfast. Join us in giving our guests a warm welcome to our church.

Well, we are about to land and I have to shut down. I hope to have a huge fish tale to share soon.

Blessings of love and peace, Sandy

General meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 2015 11am, in Fellowship Hall

Program: “Disabilities: Shepherd Center”

presented by Ty Tippett, Senior Director for Planned Gifts at the Shepherd Center Foundation

Lunch at 12:15pm, in Fellowship Hall October hostess: Circle 7 Monday, October 5 7pm—Circle 12, at the home of Sacra Vaughan, 105 Bruton Street, Decatur Tuesday, October 13, 2015 10:30am—Circles 4-5-7, meet in their rooms

October Mission Opportunity Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House The Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House provides lodging for hospital patients’ relatives who have no one else to stay with in the Atlanta area. There are kitchen and laundry facilities, and supper is served each night. Your circle may also want to consider cooking an evening meal for the guests and holding your circle meeting at the facility.

Sacra Vaughan, is our key woman to Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House. She tells us that they can always use laundry and dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and kitchen staples - tea, coffee (regular and decaffeinated), powdered creamer, sugar, salt, pepper, flour, corn meal, vegetable oil, canned goods.

Upcoming Conference & District Dates North GA Conference UMW Annual Meeting Saturday, October 3, 9:30am LaGrange First UMC 401 Broad Street, Lagrange

ADOX District UMW Annual Meeting Sunday, October 18, 3-5pm Ousley UMC 3261 Panola Road, Lithonia

Mildred “Tuck” Jones August 31, 2015

The Purpose of United Methodist Women: The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

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October 2015

Volume 25, Issue 10

What’s happening at UMW What’s October UMW Birthdays 3 3 5 25

Ann LeDuke Carol Jones Julie Childs Frances Ray

26 26 29

Suzy Jennings Harriet Kersey Sandy Stewart Kruger

Church Women United Board Meeting Friday, October 2, 2015, 9:30am Church of the New Covenant, 3330 Chestnut Drive, Doraville

This CWU meeting will observe the 2015 Human Rights Celebration and begins at 10am, following registration and coffee.

Our House and Church World Service are the focus. Everyone is invited and anyone may join. We encourage you to attend the meeting if you are able.

Important! New Dates for Executive Committee Meetings Sunday, October 4 & Sunday, November 1 Given the amount of information we need to cover for the rest of the year, the executive committee will meet Sunday, October 4 and Sunday, November 1, following the 11am church service. Not everyone will be able to attend both meetings, but those who can, please come and bring a snack to share.

The executive committee meeting originally scheduled for October 25. has been canceled.

ADOX UMW Leadership Training Saturday, November 21, 8am-12pm

Their mission focus is on the Country of Malawi: they need used medicine bottles (without labels) to dispense medicines to their patients. If you have a collection of bottles to donate, please contact Key Woman Patsy Belcher.

Decatur First UMW is hosting the ADOX UMW Leadership Training Session on Saturday, November 21. District leaders will offer classes for every position that local UMW units have. We will need volunteers to prepare food and serve as ushers for our guests. Join us in giving our guests a warm welcome to our church.

Action Ministries Breakthru House Growing Strong Brunch and Silent Auction

Reader Alert! Here is your link to the new catalog of books for the 2016 UMW Reading Program:

Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Dunwoody UMC, Fellowship Hall Coffee & Silent Auction at 9:30am Brunch & Program at 10am

Key Woman Julie Childs invites us to the Breakthru House Growing Strong Brunch and Silent Auction, featuring a keynote address from author Carolyn Curry. This fundraising event will celebrate the stories of strong women who have impacted their community and highlight the transformative work of Breakthru House’s treatment program. All proceeds benefit Breakthru House, a residential recovery center for homeless women.

Contact Katie Phillips (kphillips@actionministries.net; 404284-4658, ext. 3) to purchase tickets or visit breakthru.actionministries.net.

http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/membersleaders/readingprogram/resources Please submit news for UMW newsletter by the 10th of month to Carol Jones, editor, cljones36@bellsouth.net.

Dates to Remember FH = Fellowship Hall L = Adult Library GR = Gathering Room October 2015 3 Saturday 5 Monday 13 Tuesday

Decatur First United Methodist Women celebrating 140 years in 2016!

United Methodist Children’s Home Flea Market & Bake Sale October 9 and 10 Friday and Saturday, 9am—4pm 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur GA

13 Tuesday 13 Tuesday 18 Sunday 20 26 26 27

Tuesday Monday Monday Tuesday

NGC UMW Annual Meeting, 9:30am, at LaGrange First UMC, 401 Broad Street.

UMW Circle 12, 7pm, at home of Sacra Vaughan, 105 Bruton Street, Decatur.

UMW Circles 4, 5, 7; 10:30am, in their rooms.

UMW General Meeting, 11am, FH. UMW Luncheon, 12:15pm, FH. ADO UMW Annual Meeting, 3-5pm, at Ousley UMC, 3261 Panola Rd., Lithonia.

UMW Reading Group, 1:30pm, L. No UMCH Auxiliary Mtg. Cancer Pad Sewing setup, 1:30pm, FH. Cancer Pad Sewing, 10am-12pm, FH.

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SAVE THE DATE October 3 // Blessing of the Pets October 4 // World Communion Day October 14 // Tintinnabulation Handbell Concert October 18 // Spiritual Strategic Journey Future Story Presentation October 18 // Waffle-Off Preliminary Lunch October 23 // Fall Festival October 25 // ADOX District Cluster Charge Conference at Eastside UMC November 1 // All Saints Sunday November 7 // Lynn Swanson Festival Singers Concert November 11 // Hosanna Choir Musical Performance November 15 // Commitment Sunday November 15 // Commitment Sunday Lunch on the Lawn November 15 // Administrative Board Meeting November 15 // Youth Thanksgiving Feast November 22 // Chapel Clean-up Day November 26 // Thanksgiving Breakfast November 26 - 27 // Church Office Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday November 29 // First Sunday in Advent BUS SCHEDULE Wednesday, October 7 – Café Decatur Pickup at 5:15pm Wednesday, October 14 – Café Decatur & Tintinnabulation Handbell Concert Pickup at 5:15pm

Wednesday, October 21 – Café Decatur Pickup at 5:15pm Wednesday, October 28 – Café Decatur Pickup at 5:15pm

300 EAST PONCE DE LEON AVE. DECATUR, GA 30030

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Moving hearts & employing hands for the cause of Christ.