January 2018 East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church

The New Year can often bring a mixed bag of emotions and memories for many of us. Some may have just experienced the best year ever and look forward to an even greater one looming ahead. Others may have just trudged through one deep struggle after another. The fresh calendar year brings desperate hope for things to be better, with an ache for the still-fresh wounds to slowly begin their process of healing.

Whether you’ve just walked through the greatest year of your life, or are incredibly glad to see this one finally over, one truth still rings clear amidst it all. You are not alone. Not ever.

Our God is a “with us" God. On the heels of the celebration of the birth of our King, that reminder has the power to carry us right into a fresh, new start. He is Immanuel, God with us. And though things and people around us shift and change, our God never changes.

A Prayer to Keep God First this New Year:

Dear God, Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you've allowed into our lives this past year, the good along with the hard things, which have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every single day.

We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else. We ask that you will open doors needing to be opened and close the ones needing to be shut tight. We ask that you would help us release our grip on the things to which you’ve said “no,” “not yet,” or “wait.” We ask for help to pursue you first, above every dream and desire you’ve put within our hearts.

We ask for your wisdom, for your strength and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead. Give us ability beyond what we feel able, let your gifts flow freely through us, so that you would be honored by our lives, and others would be drawn to you.

We pray that you’d keep us far from the snares and traps of tempta-tions. That you would whisper in our ear when we need to run, and

whisper in our heart when we need to stand our ground. We pray for your protection over our families and friends. We ask for your hand to cover us and keep us distanced from the evil intent of the enemy; that you would be a barrier to surround us, that we’d be safe in your hands. We pray that you would give us discernment and insight beyond our years, to understand your will, hear your voice, and know your ways.

We ask that you would keep our footsteps firm, on solid ground, help-ing us to be consistent and faithful. Give us supernatural endurance to stay the course, not swerving to the right or to the left, or being too easily distracted by other things that would seek to call us away from a close walk with you.

Forgive us for the times we have worked so hard to be self-sufficient, forgetting our need for you, living independent of your spirit. Forgive us for letting fear and worry control our minds, and for allowing pride and selfishness wreak havoc over our lives. Forgive us for not following your ways and for living distant from your presence.

We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you make all things new, in our hearts, in our minds, in our lives, for this coming year. We pray for your refreshing over us.

Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep fo-cused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word. And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, as you remind us we are safe with you and your purposes and plans will not fail. We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.

We ask that you would provide for our needs, we ask for your grace and favor. We pray for your blessings to cover us, we pray that you would help us to prosper and make every plan that you have birthed in our heart to succeed. We pray that others would take notice of your goodness and could not help but to say, “These are the ones that the Lord has blessed.”

Help us to be known as great givers, help us to be generous and kind, help us to look to the needs of others and not be consumed by only our own.

May we be lovers of truth, may the fruits of your spirit be evident in our lives - your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful-ness, gentleness, and self-control.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. May we reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing. To your be glory and honor, in this New Year, and forever.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

In this Issue

Member Birthdays

Page 2

Pastor’s Corner

Page 3

Kidz Corner

Page 4

Church & Community News

Page 7

Calendar of Events

Page 8

2018 - A New Year

Birthdays for January

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January New Year’s Prayer Dear Father in heaven, you let us

see and feel your great goodness

toward us. Grant us the inner help to

be victorious in the Savior, rejoicing to be by his

side with faith and loyalty, and with the strength

of soul that frees us from all burdens by laying

them in your hands. Hear us as together we

pray to you. All we ask and long for, all our con-

cerns down to the very smallest, we lay in your

hands in the one great request that your name

be glorified on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Birthdays for February

Maryel Cobb 4 Miriam Ealey 5 Edye Simpson 5 J. Catherine Granger 8 Loraine Smith 8 Judy Davenport 9 Erin Gore 9 Jarel Watson 11 Kayllin Lewis 12 Yvonne Robinson 13 Jerry Underwood 15 Gladys Jackson 18 Kristen Carter 20 Jabari Stuckey 22 Princess Barlay 25 Sylvia Cobb 25 Janelle Brown 28 Jeremy Wilson 29 Taylor Haygood 29 J. P. Laster 29 Gladys Alston 30 Andrea Mercer 30 Zykira Wilson 31

Joyce McDonald 2 Carla Brown 5 Jon Dabney 6 Mark Thomas 13 Alfreda Rawls 14 Alison Gore 16 Chase Gore 16 Briya Simpson 16 Xavier Stodghill 18 Devyn Robinson 19 Taft McCoy 21 Mary C. Ford 24 Timia Barnes 24 David Gibson 27 Bambi House 27 Danisha Allen 28

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Joshua 1:8-9. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be fright-ened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you

go.”

Joshua and the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan River and enter an area and time in their lives which they had never experi-enced. God assured them that He would be with them and God would take care of them. This assurance was contingent upon them worshiping, honoring, and meditating on God’s Word. As a result of being obedient to God they would prosper and be successful. Broth-ers and sisters we are entering a new year, one we have never seen before; and if we follow the guidelines given to Joshua and the Israel-

ites, we too will have and experience God’s assurance.

It took faith for Joshua and the Israelites to enter and cross the Jor-dan River. They successfully crossed, reportedly, at a time when the Jordan was at its peak and turbulent. They adhered to the command to follow the Ark which represented God not only with them but, lead-ing them. In 2018, let us devote ourselves to following God’s leader-ship. Let’s faithfully pray, study God’s Word, worship, obey, and serve God to the best of our ability. As we move forward in faith and follow God’s will, we have the assurance that God will be with us and take care of us. Through faith, service, and obedience to God, we will see

this, God’s Church both prosperous and successful.

Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have com-manded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the

age.”

Happy New Year to all,

Pastor Thompson

Becoming a Church Leader Leadership is an extension of discipleship. It calls for Christians who are committed to increasing their leadership skills and deepening their spiritual practices. All Christians are called to a ministry of shar-ing God’s love in the world. Some have the vocation of leading the church in its work of forming disciples and equipping congregations to live out God’s mission in the world. The United Methodist Church recognizes the critical importance of developing new leaders to guide the church through changing times. Principled, visionary and effective ordained and lay leaders help United Methodists grow in faith and in sharing God’s love with oth-ers. The United Methodist Church is focusing on inviting and preparing young people, including women and people of color, to become cler-gy who lead the church in world-transforming ministry. Training and sending laypeople is another focus. The early Method-ist movement grew through the efforts of laity who led small groups, taught Bible study, provided outreach ministry and led the adminis-trative life of the church. Developing and nurturing strong lay leaders is another important component of creating a church fully engaged in

the work of making disciples for the transformation of the world.

Kidz Corner 4

What is the Difference Between a "Good" Person and a "Bad" one?

Maybe Santa can tell the difference, but for the rest of us it isn't always so easy to know. Are you "good" if you listen? Show respect? Do well in school? Do all of these, and more? Whatever it means to be a good person, it does not mean being perfect. It does involve qualities like compassion, understanding, self-discipline, and appreciation. Behaving appropriately is essential to becoming a good person. Below are a few steps toward becoming a better person.

Accept your responsibilities. It is easy to say listen to your parents (and other authority figures) and do what is told. While this is normally true, it is more important that children learn to take responsibility for what they need to do. As a child who strives to be your best, you need to accept that there are things you have to do, for the benefit of yourself and others.

Manage your emotions. Every one of us (including adults) sometimes gets angry, frustrated, whiny, or stressed out. There is no way to deny or avoid these emotions, and it would be unhealthy to do so anyway. However, you can work on recognizing and managing your emo-tions more effectively. Learning to control anger is one of the most important lessons for children. When you feel anger welling up, simple steps like taking deep breaths, in the nose and out the mouth, and counting to five can help you calm and contain it. Then, you can think more clearly about what caused the anger and what you can do differently next time to manage it.

Be honest and trusting. “Good boys and girls tell the truth.” You may have heard this said to you, and it is usually true. But the bigger pic-ture is that honesty is a key part of building relationships based on trust. This will benefit you as a child and as an adult. Healthy relationships require trust, and trust is built on honesty. You may want to lie to your parents in order to avoid punishment or avoid hurting their feelings. This usually doesn't work, though, and it will get in the way of developing a more mature relationship with them.

Expect imperfection and learn from your mistakes. Even the best kids make plenty of mistakes. It is part of growing up, and simply of being human. The important thing is what you do with your imperfections. Learning from mistakes is a sign of maturity and is sure to be ap-preciated by your parents.

Learn to solve problems yourself. Children who are seen as "bad" because of bad behavior often have trouble dealing with their problems in the proper way. Confusion and frustration often lead to bad decisions. But being able to recognize and solve problems puts you on a path toward self-reliance and confidence.

Health Corner ACHIEVABLE NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HEALTH

If you're like almost half of all adults, you have a New Year's resolu-tion. A week into the new year, just 77 percent of resolution makers are still on track, and after six months, only about 40 percent will have stayed the course, according to University of Pennsylvania research. Why New Year's resolutions fail Why is maintaining resolutions so tough? Researchers have ID'd sev-eral culprits, such as setting a goal that's too vague or having unreal-istic expectations (lose 30 pounds by March 1—ha!). But perhaps the biggest challenge is turning your wishes into immediate action, then keeping with it. "It's easy to change your attitude but difficult to change your behavior". "If you're committed to it, however, you can make a new habit or behavior permanent." How to set manageable goals Outsmarting the odds means setting doable goals (go from couch to 10K, not a triathalon), then breaking them down into reasonable steps. A new you in the new year starts right here. Reboot your diet When it comes to cleaning up your eating, take a tip from the Boy Scouts: Be prepared. If you want to rise above temptation, you have to think one step ahead. It helps to have no-deprivation strategies: "Eating better is often associated with misery, so it's no wonder that so many people throw in the towel." Figure out your "why" Maybe you hope to set a good example for your kids. Or you're just tired of not fitting into your old jeans. If you know the reason that's fueling your desire to eat better, you can use it to motivate yourself when you're eyeing the dessert menu. Don't focus on subtracting food Instead of making an “I want to lose weight” pledge, try I'm going to put more fruits and vegetables on my plate, so the resolution is a pos-itive action that you can perform over and over. If it's an addition in-stead of a takeaway, you're more likely to repeat it until the action becomes an automatic habit. Do a kitchen cleanse Toss unhealthy products (chips, sugary granolas, sodas) from your pantry, fridge, car and office. Then restock with good-for-you options, like carrots and air-popped popcorn. Make sure you don't have to dig deep to find them: Last year, Cornell University researchers found that women who kept healthy food visible in the kitchen had lower BMIs than those who left junky products out on their countertops. Plan for snack attacks "The hours between mid-afternoon and dinnertime are when cravings kick in hard, pack a 200-calorie protein-complex carb snack in your purse. Think: hummus and pita chips or pistachios and a pear. Then, when a snack jones strikes, you'll have a go-to treat to avoid un-healthy snacks.

Reboot your workout Get-in-shape goals tend to fizzle as early as the third week of Janu-ary, per recent data based on Facebook searches. Yet some keep at it. What's their secret? "People who are successful are more likely to view fitness as a permanent lifestyle change, not an activity they can give up once they reach a number on the scale. Take it a week at a time It's easier to make a plan to go running three times this week than vow to run three times a week indefinitely. If you make your fitness goals week by week rather than so Say no to something every week A simple "I can't, sorry" is a helpful immediate fix. Regularly overex-tending yourself forces you to put your own needs behind. Take a time-out daily Vow to disconnect at least once a day. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths in sometime during the day. Try meditation "Meditating is like your brain's virus checker, detecting toxic stress and blocking its effects on your physical and emotional health. A 2013 study found that adults who were taught the basics of mindful medita-tion had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Reboot your energy One 2015 U.K. study showed that the main reason people were una-ble to make a change was that they were too tired to focus. Here's how to get yourself juiced for a great year. Make a to-don't list After you write out your to-do list for the day, ask yourself which tasks really need to get done—and which aren't realistic or important. The latter constitute your to-don't list. Drawing a line through them "removes energy-draining clutter from your mind. Pencil in bedtime Most of us don't think of sleeping as actively doing something, so we don't plan it. "When you put it in your calendar, becomes a priority, the same way your gym time and work meetings are priorities." Set a reminder to go off a half hour before you plan to hit the sack.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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What’s Happening In January?

Epiphany Day

January 6, 2018

Epiphany Day is a Christian holiday that marks the day that the Three Kings visited Jesus, having followed a star to reach him. They followed a bright star that foretold the birth of a new king, and brought gifts of gold, frankin-cense and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-3, 7-12). This holiday is celebrated in Western Roman Catholic and Protestant

churches.

It is also known as the 12th Day of Christmas, as it falls twelve days after Christmas Day. Epiphany is the last

day in the Christian season of Christmas.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 15, 2018

Martin Luther King Day celebrates the life and accomplishment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. MLK promoted Civil Rights through nonviolent civil disobedience. He is perhaps best known for his 'I Have A Dream' speech in 1963. He was assassinated in 1968. Martin Luther King, Jr. day became a federally recognized holiday in 1983. The first year this holiday was observed was 1986, and not by all states. In 2000, it became a nationally observed

holiday in all states. Martin Luther King Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday of January each year.

East Point First Mallalieu Hispanic Task Force Participants Complete

Session One ESL Class

During a special reception on Thursday, December 14, 2017, the Hispanic Task Force Ministry of East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church presented Certificates of Completion and Attendance to adults in the East Point Community for their participation in attending English as a Second Language classes. The reception was held to congratulate the students along with their instructors, Ms. Jackie McMichael and Ms. Adrianna Perez for their efforts in making this mission a success. In addition, on Thursday, January 11, 2018, Session Two ESL Classes will commence at East Point First Mallalieu UMC from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm. The Hispanic Task Force Ministry is looking for volunteers to continue this service. If you, or the Ministry you serve would like to volun-teer your time, talent and/or resources with the coordination of activities for the children and youth, please contact Patricia Ivey, Volunteer

Coordinator, (404) 216-5047. Congratulations, to all the individuals who participated in this project for their time, efforts and commi-ment each week to the church and the community.

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Human Relations Day Sunday, January 14, 2018

Sunday, January 14th is Human Relations Day, one of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings for The United Methodist Church. Human Relations Day strengthens United Methodist outreach to communities in the United States and Puerto Rico, encouraging social justice and work with at-risk youths.

Church & Community News 6

Beginning January 10, 2018 in the Library.

The Just Live by Faith 2 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it

plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.”

~ Habakkuk 2:2 (NKJV)

The Leadership Workshop will be held on Saturday, January 20th in the Fellow-ship Hall, from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. All leaders are asked to attend, especially those who serving as Chair Leaders. Please contact the church office to

RSVP if you plan to attend so we can get an accurate headcount for refreshments.

~ Pastor Thompson

Connectional Ministries Leadership Training

Atlanta College Park District Connectional Ministries Leadership Training

Saturday, January 13, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Northside United Methodist Church 2799 Northside Drive, NW

Atlanta, GA 30305

Registration forms are located at the Crossroads. The regis-tration fee is $10.00 and the registration deadline is Friday, January 5, 2018. All ministry leaders are asked to attend.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH NEWS

Annual Pancake Fundraiser The church family is invited to attend the Youth Ministry's 3rd Annual Pancake Fund-raiser on Sunday, January 21st at 9:00am in the Fellowship Hall. All proceeds will benefit the 2018 Mission Trips and Youth Summer activities. Donation: $2.

Battle of the Bands Outing The Children and Youth Ministries invite you to join them on Saturday, January 27th at 3:00 pm, Mercedes Benz Stadium for the Historical Black Colleges and Uni-

versities (HBCU) “Honda’s Battle of the Bands on Saturday, January 27th at 3:00 pm. Pleas contact Minister Leonard for additional information.

Installation of Church Officers The Installation of Officers for 2018 will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2018, during the 11:00 am worship service. All church officers to asked to in attendance. ~ Pastor Thompson

United Methodist Women News

Holiday Celebration

The United Methodist Women would like to thank all of the ladies who assisted in making our Christmas Celebration a huge success. We had an evening of food, fun, and fellowship.

Warm & Wooly Tree

Our Warm and Wooly tree was adorned with hats, socks, scarves,

gloves, and slippers for women, children and men. Thank You so

much for supporting our annual holiday mission project. The items

really came in handy during this season. We hope you will continue

to support us throughout 2018.

The Bread Ministry The Bread Ministry provides assorted breads, grits, oatmeal and soup to seniors in three different senior facilities in metro Atlanta. These items help the seniors supplement their meals. Bread is also given to our church members who might be in need.

~ Ernestine Sumlin, President