Sam Hamby, Pastor

Web : www.hiawasseeumc.org

Ema i l : humc@hiawasseeumc.org

Phone : 706.896.2818

Of f i c e Hour s : Monday—Thursday

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Be Quiet, Listen to God

Wow! It’s hard to believe that we are approaching two months of lifestyle change due to

the pandemic known as “COVID-19.” A few weeks ago, we were going through a routine

week including Sunday worship and mid-week Bible Study. The next thing we knew, we

were relaxing our normal activities, including church attendance to practice “Social Distancing” for two

weeks to curb the spread of this Coronavirus. Two weeks turned into six weeks of nearly grinding the

economy to a halt while the country practiced “sheltering in place.” Now, six weeks has turned into nearly

two months of major life and lifestyle changes. Things sure got quiet fast, but there’s still a lot of noise!

Lots of news! Lots of politics! Lots of advice! Few answers!

There are many stories in the Bible where there was lots of noise, but no peace. Elijah was a prophet of

God during the reign of King Ahab in Israel’s Northern Kingdom. Ahab did not follow God and allowed Jez-

ebel to lead the Kingdom into Baal worship. One day there was a showdown between Elijah and Ahab to

prove whose god was the “true” God. Although you can read about the whole account in 1 Kings 18-19, the

One True God of Israel showed up and Elijah ended up slaughtering the prophets of Baal. Running for his

life to escape Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah ended up in a cave seeking answers in the midst of all the noise.

While there, scared for his life, Elijah witnessed an earthquake and a fire, but the Lord was not heard in ei-

ther. Then, there was a whisper, and the voice of the Lord spoke to Elijah in a “still, small voice.”

Such a life change resulting from this pandemic can produce fear, anxiety, and certainly lots of noise rather

than quiet peace. There are many voices in all that noise, but we can’t hear the voice of God unless we get

quiet and in position to hear His gentle whisper. We’ve been given an opportunity in our lifetime to be sent

home and get quiet to hear the “still, small voice” of God speaking to us. I pray

you haven’t missed this opportunity! Get quiet and listen to God speak.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Sam

HUMC Mountain Messenger

“The New Normal” is a phrase that has been being used

quite frequently during the past six weeks or so as our

country is dealing with situations and changes that we

have never dealt with before. I have been doing a lot of

praying and reflecting on this phrase and the Holy Spirit

has given me new insight into it.

First of all, we all have personally dealt with many “new

normals” in our lives long before this phrase became

popular. Personal “new normal” may include the change

we encountered when we went off to college or got

married. Things weren’t the same as they were living at

home with our parents. “New normals” occur also when

a child is born, completely changing the previous unen-

cumbered lifestyle a couple may have enjoyed. The emp-

ty nest syndrome also brings about huge changes as

does moving from almost a lifetime of employment into

retirement. The loss of a spouse brings about another

“new normal” in life as does the loss of a parent to

whom you have been a long-time caregiver. I am sure if

we all reflect; we can identify additional “new normals”

we have personally experienced.

“New normals” can also occur for groups of people re-

gionally. For many people in various parts of our country

and the world where natural disasters – fires, floods, tor-

nadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes – have struck so

frequently in recent years, no part of life seems the

same. These “new normals” can be especially hard to

deal with because after the initial news coverage is fin-

ished, it often takes months and months and years and

years to rebuild. People often deal with believing that

the rest of the country has gone on and forgotten the

devastation that they are still living with.

As a nation we all are living in the “new normal” that

evolved after the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on our coun-

try. Air travel changed tremendously in response to our

quest for higher security. Businesses and schools tight-

ened their security measures with things like automatic

locking doors and key pads. Surveillance cameras be-

came essential both inside and outside even in church

buildings as well as schools.

So now in May 2020 a “new normal” is being experi-

enced world-wide. We are all trying to figure out what

life in our towns, our schools, our churches, our stores,

our restaurants, etc. will look like in the future. It is al-

most too much for our human brains to fathom.

But, all of this is not too much for the God we serve! He

is sovereign over this world He created and He is in con-

trol – not us! When we make it our priority to slow

down, to pray, to seek His face and to listen, we can start

to see the results of His providence in our lives. As Ro-

mans 8:28 assures us, God is working things for good for

those who love Him and are called according to His pur-

pose. And when we see that evidence of His providence,

how faith building that is for us.

We need to trust this God that we serve! He knows what

He is doing! He knows the plans that He has for each one

of us. He knows the purpose for which He created each

one of us. Our top priority should be to seek His will for

our lives and walk in it step-by-step as it is revealed to us.

As born-again believers, our lives now in 2020 need to

not be ruled by fear. We need to grasp hold of the hope

that is ours in Christ Jesus and wait in joyful anticipation

for the good that the Lord is going to bring about

through all of these “new normals” we are experiencing.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See

I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not

perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and

streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Submitted by Kathleen Schmidt

THE NEW NORMAL

Support the Towns County Food Pantry when shopping at Amazon. Sign into Amazon with the following link, and Amazon will donate a percentage

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Quiz Answer: Methuselah; (His main claim to fame was he lived 969

years).

Missions Ministry …...Robin Broom

I guess like most of the world, I could never foresee what was coming with COVID-19. I said in my last newsletter that I made my plan for this season and was ready to get to it! As I anticipated going on with ministry as

(somewhat) usual, God had something else in mind. Here is a quote from last month’s update, “If we want healing from this virus, if we want healing for our land, we must bow our knees and allow Him to be Lord over our lives, whatever that looks like.” So, as I made MY plans to con-tinue with all the things I was “doing”. Even sent out a great newsletter describing what I had in mind. HA!!! God gave me an opportunity to do just what I had written … to bow my knees and allow Him to be Lord – whatever it looks like. (But, honestly not without a good fight.)

The very day that I sent out my last update, one of our young residents awoke with cough and fever. And so of course, we took measures to ensure that whatever he was suffering from did not spread to our other residents. The best plan would be for that resident to come and stay in isolation in my cottage for what I thought would be a “couple of days”. After those few days were over, I real-ized there was more going here than met the natural eye. First, this resident needed some extra love and affirmation. We were able to spend some amazing quality time togeth-er! We spent time in God’s Word, in worship and prayer, and even having some hard conversations about life issues. Of course, we enjoyed playing games, laughing, cooking together and watching some movies too. It was a good time for both of us as he healed physically, and I believe a little bit emotionally and spiritually too. Since going back home to his cottage, he continues to come and tell me about his day, his struggles, and we have continued pray-ing together. Let God continue the good work He began in that life during that time. But not only in his … mine too!

So, I was in isolation for about 10 days and then came the big news from our President in Uganda. We would begin our social distancing or quarantine time here in this country for a period of two weeks (little did I know – now again for another three weeks). People were not to move about the country or villages, all personal transporta-tion was to cease, only markets selling food would be open, etc. Our country began very strict restrictions about movement and those restrictions are being enforced!! In cooperation with our government, and wise decisions from

our leadership, it was communicated to us, that we mis-sionaries who live within the residential compound of the Village of Eden would not be able to travel outside our compound in order to protect our residents, and for our own protection. I had been so eager to get back out to our community and that really messed up MY plans! And if I’m honest, I was just plain angry about it! But like I said earlier, God was giving me an opportunity to bow my knee to Him – whatever that looks like, and it truly was for a greater purpose. What does my “whatever that looks like” look like?

I have had an opportunity to do some different things lately. I have spent a lot of time with our residents and housemothers. Usually I spend most of my time out-side our compound minis-tering in our community. This time has been very refreshing as I simply love our family here!!! Also, I have begun a new Bible study with our 10 housemothers on the book of Nehemiah. It has been a delight to study Scripture with them and to get to know them better! I am still communicating with many in our community and can send out some, what I am calling - baskets of love. These include some staple food items and some soap.

God is certainly doing a HUGE work in my heart during this time. I am so blessed to have this time to spend lis-tening to Him!! I think you are getting a taste of just some of the things He has been doing in my heart. I thank God for you! Thank you for taking the time to see what God is doing here in Uganda and in my life. Thank you for joining me on this amazing journey! Our Lord sure has good for us! Thank you for showing me His love through yours! May God bless you and your family during this season! Stay strong and know that you are loved! Robin

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Answer God’s Call Ministries

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Gallup, NM 87301

Please include a note for Robin Broom - Africa

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Visit our website: www.hiawasseeumc.org And click on the icon for online giving.

Acts 6:5-6 Seven men were chosen to distribute aide to the widows and orphans. My question was: why was Stephen the only one who was beaten to death? I read on

and suddenly it was clear. He was "in charge." During isolation I have been so blessed and still confused about what God might be doing in the world and in my own life. I am thinking that the only solution is that the rapture is near at hand. So many are suffer-ing. Instead of watching the news, teachers and preachers, I have been watching the animal rescue stories. Even though they are suffering with hunger and isolation they fight against those who try to res-cue them. My blessing during this time is that I have one of the women from "Ms Elaine's House" living with me and who actually takes care of me. She does the shopping, part of the cooking and opening things I cannot. Our evenings are often blessed by the officers from Enotah Drug Court who come to check on their Participant. They are friendly, concerned, and stern. The first thing I tell the women in jail is that they have not been arrested but rescued. This brings to mind, why are we so often in conflict with those who try to rescue? The story of Stephen tells us the reason- because they are in charge. The "Ms Elaine's House" falls victim to those who do not under-stand its purpose. Those who live there, in my opinion are blessed with a home environment that is safe and secure from some temptations but and that is big, but someone also has to be in charge. That is why we have a Board of Advisors and a Houseparent to oversee the establish-ment and the finances. There are those who have the heart and those who have the intellect. Saying that, I examine myself and know that I do not have the intellect but my heart breaks when there are prob-lems. When a woman goes to jail/prison because they do not have a place to live and we have an empty room, what is the answer? Of course my heart breaks, but the person with intellect says we must go by the guidelines that the Board of Advisors and the Houseparent have in place. While we are isolated at home most of the Courts, Jails, and Prisons are operating on line or not at all. The participant that lives with me will graduate this week and will be moving into her own place. Another participant from Ms. Elaine's House will be moving with her. That means we will have three empty rooms. Both the Supreme Court Judge and the Almost There, Inc. Advisory Board must agree on who can and who cannot live there. Is this a case of church verses state? I do not know. All I know is that two women are going to prison because they do not have a place to live. Then the coronovirus adds another level of testing. In God we trust has a whole new meaning. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. ….....Ms Elaine

Jail/Prison Ministry: Elaine McEver

As we consider our Church financ-es, we are trusting the Lord to bless us and provide for our every need as we faithfully serve him.

Even though we are not meeting for worship, we continue to have expenses at the church. We have looked closely at every possible way to reduce our expenses. The church portion of Sam’s benefits expense is being paid by the Con-ference Board of Pensions through the month of June. Also, we have minimized our lawn service sched-ule and our electric bill is lower. All of these together are a significant savings.

As of March 31st, we are in a Net Loss Position because we have had $4,536 more in expenses than we have in income.

Even in these unsettling and un-precedented times, many of our members are continuing to faithful-ly tithe. The convenience of online giving has been a blessing to many.

We are confident we will be there for each other and with God, we will get through this time together.

Church Member Services Directory Coin Collecting Club and Stamp Collecting Contact: Tayo Leduc 706-896-6001

Library – May 2020

Books

Please check out your book or movie and leave the card, found in the back of the book or movie, in the box in the library on the shelf near the return box. This gives us an opportunity to find out what is being used and we can send you a gentle reminder

if you have forgotten to return a book or movie. A listing of titles in the library is now available online. Go to our website for a direct link under “News”

then click on Library and choose either Books or Movies.

HUMC Library Notes: Dawn Lamade

This month we ask you to identify a

man named 6 times in the OT and 1

time in the NT. I can almost guaran-

tee that you know this man’s name

even though he was no great teach-

er, nor priest, nor prophet, nor man of great

strength nor king nor warrior. In at least one

source he is described as the Bible’s “most use-

less man.” (Saints and Sinners of the Bible, Smith-

mark Publishers, 1995). Hardly seems appropriate

for a son of Enoch, father of Lamech and grandfa-

ther of Noah. Can you name him?

Assistant Librarian: Help manage and maintain the HUMC library and its database.

Historian: Continue the long tradition of recording HUMC activities and life of this church. Notebooks from past years are located on the bottom shelves in the library. This can be a fun way to keep up with the happenings of the church.

These positions are annual appointments and can be renewed if interested. See Dawn Lamade for details.

New for May: There were several books on Methodism added, many of which came from the Friendship

Sunday School collection, including:

Ensley, Francis Gerald. John Wesley Evangelist. (Methodism)

Fagan, Ann. This is our Song. Employed Women in the United Methodist Tradition. (Methodism)

Stokes, Mack B. The Holy Spirit in the Wesleyan Heritage. (Methodism)

Watts, Ewart. We are United Methodists! (Methodism)

Wesley, John. Christian Perfection. (Theology)

Other books added:

Albom, Mitch. The Five people you meet in Heaven. (Fiction)

Rice, Helen Steiner. The Beloved Poetry of Helen Steiner Rice. (Devotionals, Poetry)

Thomas, Gary. Sacred Pathways: discover your soul’s path to God. (Devotionals)

Find us on Facebook as Hiawassee United Methodist Church.

Please LIKE and FOLLOW us. www.hiawasseeumc.org

You probably have heard the saying,

“April showers bring May flow-

ers”. Since May is named for the Ro-

man goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants,

that could well be the roots (pun intended). But, it is

also noted that May comes from the Latin “maiores”

meaning elders which are also celebrated this month

(think Mother’s Day). Well here we are in May (already)

and much has occurred in the last few months. In late

February we had an Ash Wednesday service at noon;

the Democratic presidential candidates were winnowed

down; all of March was in the Lenten period and we

were introduced to the Covid-19 virus (which caused

many church and civic activities to be shut down or cur-

tailed). There was widespread concern and many peo-

ple stocked up on essentials. Surprisingly gasoline pric-

es declined in some cases to under $2 a gallon. The

stock market performed erratically and some panicked.

I had hoped to attend my granddaughter’s college grad-

uation in Washington DC but at the time of my writing

this I do not know if that will happen. Even so, May is

here and we can’t change that.

Back in 2017 I read a piece in the “Fishwapper” pub-

lication about Mothers that I’d like to share with you. I

have generally reduced the narrative but hopefully not

it’s meaning. The author is unknown but since the arti-

cle was written from a woman's point of view I feel safe

in saying the author was a woman. The article lists sev-

eral activities that this person enjoyed before she be-

came a mother, a number of things she never did be-

fore motherhood and concludes with observations af-

ter becoming a mother. I hope you like it.

Before I was a mother:

I slept late. Never worried about staying up

late. Brushed my hair and my teeth every day. Cleaned

house every day and never tripped over toys. Didn’t

worry about shots. I had never been puked on, spit on

or chewed on. I was completely rational and I slept

through the night. I never held a screaming child while

a doctor administered a shot. I never sat up late watch-

ing a baby sleep nor did I hold one simply because I did

not want to put it down. I never felt my heart break

when I couldn’t stop the hurt. I never knew something

so small could affect my life so much. I did not know

how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I had

never gotten up in the middle of the night every ten

minutes to make sure everything was okay. I didn’t

know something so small could make me feel so im-

portant. I didn’t know the bond between a mother and

child; the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the

satisfaction or the wonder of being a mother.

After I was a Mother:

My life changed. Priorities changed, stuff that was

important then, didn’t seem so important now. Things I

thought were hard or that I couldn’t handle or accept

were suddenly okay - no problem. Don’t get me wrong,

becoming a Mom has plenty of challenges and some

days are better than others. Sometimes it feels that

giving up is the thing to do but I’m a Mom and that is

not an option. I’m not sure what it is, instinct or intui-

tion, that does not let you quit half way

through. Instead, I have determined to cherish every

moment of being a mother. And, I thank the Lord for

blessing me in this way.

A closing thought: Abigail Van Buren once said, “If

you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as

much time with them, and half as much money.”; but,

you Moms already knew that.

Happy Mother’s Day!!

From Our Lay Leader: Dale Gardner

The covid-19 virus has kept

us from meeting for the past two months. I don't know if we will be open

for church in May, but no matter what, I would like to suggest that those who would like to meet, come out

on May 16th at 9:00 AM.

We won’t have breakfast, but we will have coffee and prayer time. We can still

practice social distancing and all that protocol. Meeting as a body we can lift one another up and plan for the future.

Thanks for your support!

Your president, Tayo Leduc

Hello everyone. I hope you are all doing well and not going crazy! We don't have much to talk about this month and I think it's too optimistic to hope for a May meeting. In light of that, we do have one announcement.

I hope everyone will take this time to dig into closets or base-ments and find suitcases (any size) you no longer need. We are collecting them for Towns County foster children. They are moved around during the summer and most of them pack every-thing they own into a plastic garbage bag. We want to change that and hopefully make them feel better about life and them-selves. We need to help these children every way we can. You can take the suitcases to the fellowship hall. If you do not have a key, we will figure out a time to be at the church. Check the next newsletter.

Everyone stay safe and hopefully we will be back together soon. Blessings to everyone, Pam and The Going Solo gals

Growing Christlike, Having Fun

and Serving Others!

Yard sale–

We are going to delay the yard sale

until things improve.

Please hang on to all the

wonderful treasures that you have cleared out. Hopefully we will be

looking at late August/September.

Thanks, The Leduc’s

We will keep you updated on events through emails, one calls

and Facebook.

National Holidays in May 5/5 Cinco de Mayo

5/6 National Day of Nurses

5/7 National Day of Prayer

5/10 Mother’s Day

5/15 National Chocolate Chip Day

5/25 Memorial Day

The Prayer Garden is beautiful! Thank you Jim & Cindy Cox.