JANUARY 2012

FIVE TOP EVENTS FOR FIRST CHURCH IN 2011I love the summary of events that we get this time of the year. Best movies of 2011, top news stories of 2011, top song for 2011 — these kinds of stories intrigue me. What would comprise the top five stories of FUMCT in 2011? Here are my suggestions:

5. Greater Mission Involvement. Several years ago we launched our Global Outreach Strategy which included a saturation dimension — we wanted missions not to be a program of the church but what it means to be the church. We wanted every area to be involved in the global outreach of our church. This year we have had GO teams on four of the seven continents, treating the sick, preaching in a larger crusade, building a church, and supporting an orphanage! Our children have been involved with Mission Kids, and a shoe program called “Soles for Souls” and pennies for mis-sions. Our youth have workship weekends (worship and service) during which they served in Florida and served in our church. We continue to be a leader in the community and in tutoring at MLK and Central. More people have been involved in new ministries.

4. Big Events! Discovery Weekend had over 250 youth involved — more than any in the history of our church and Discovery. In July, vacation bible school involved over 200 children and sixty par-ents. In February, the Lee Bible Conference filled Chitwood as we listened to David Nasser speak about his book, A Call to Die. Thirty-six small groups involving over 400 people studied together. With two classes this year, we confirmed 55 youth as members of the church.

3. New Mission and Core Values. The Long Range Planning Task Force helped develop a new mission statement — “The mission of the FUMCT is to make disciples of Christ for the transfor-mation of the world” — and identified five core values (radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service and extravagant generosity). While these were confirmed late in the year by the Administrative Board, through our study of Bishop Robert’s The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, we have already adopted new language about our work. We are seeking the impact now, while the potential impact for the years ahead is high!

2. Worship Attendance. August, September and October recorded new average worship attendance highs. The fall attendance is incredibly football sensitive. Home or away game, win or loss, early or late game — the result is consistent: Alabama football negatively impacts worship! (The Sunday after the LSU-Alabama game worship attendance was down 35%!) To

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Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

WHAT BIBLE SHOULD I USE?I hear this question a lot and thought I’d share this summary of types of Bibles. Hope you find it helpful.—Rev. Mary BendallBy Diana L. Hynson, Director of Learning and Teaching Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church What Bible should I use? As more “designer” Bibles and different versions come on the market, this is a worthwhile question. I will not presume to discuss the merit of specific translations or versions, but will try to offer some gener-alized background as you evaluate for yourself what you want.

Translation or Paraphrase?Not all Bibles are created equal. Unless the Bible is written in Greek, Hebrew, or other biblical language, it is a trans-lation. To step back one pace, the writings we consider sacred have been passed down orally for many generations, then written, then rewritten by the ancient scribes and their successors, then collected, and debated until the text was codified and made “official.” It is probably safe to say that there is no language version that has not undergone some kind of change in its transmission over the millennia. From these Greek, Latin, and Hebrew versions, some of which were preserved only in fragments, we translate into the language of nations—English, Spanish, French, and hundreds of other languages.

The most obvious benefit of a translation is that it has the greatest chance of accuracy. As with any translation from one language to another, the concern is to capture not only the most accurate vocabulary, but also the most accurate meaning. Different words have different nuances in different languages. What word or phrase in twenty-first-century English best matches the literal and intended meaning of a writer of many millennia previous to ours? From this factor alone, it is obvious that translation also involves interpretation.

A paraphrase starts with a translation and then reworks it into “everyday” language. Perhaps the most popular para-phrase is The Message by Eugene Peterson and his assistants. The most obvious benefit of a paraphrase is that it

800 GREENSBORO AVE TUSCALOOSA, AL 35401CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

CONNECTING POINT INFORMATIONThe Connecting Point is published monthly by FUMCT, 800 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 ● 205.345.7261 ● www.fumct.org ● Editor: Hannah Crisp ● hannah@fumct.org. Deadline for copy: The 15th of each month is the deadline for the following month’s publication. Submissions can be sent to Hannah Crisp at hannah@fumct.org or may be submitted in writing to the church office.

BROADCAST INFORMATIONThe Sunday 11:00 a.m. Traditions Worship Service is broadcast on WACT 1420 AM. Tapes/CD’s of Traditions & DVDs of The Bridge are available in the office. Contact Jean at 345-7261, Ext. 10 for more information. You may also listen to sermons by going to our website www.fumct.org. Click “Attender” and click on “listen to a sermon.” Perceptions® radio messages may be heard Monday through Friday between 7:30 and 7:50 a.m. on WZBQ-FM (105.9) or WTXT-FM (94.1) or between 3:20 and 3:40 p.m. on WZBQ-FM (105.9).

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about our congregation

DEATHS • 11.23.11- In Thanksgiving for her life, Rosa Marie Hogan Wynne• 12.1.11- In thanksgiving for her life, Annie Payne McAl-lister. Sympathy to her son, Mac & Donna McAllister, grand-sons, Grant & Laura McAllister and Lewis and Brittney McAl-lister and families.• 12.11.11- In Thankgsgiving for his life, Robert Thurman Tidwell. Sympathy to daughter, Susan Postle & family.• 12.12.11- In Thanksgiving for his life, McCoy Davidson. Sympathy to his wife, Joan Davidson, cousin, Carolyn Busby and families.

NEW MEMBERSwelcome to our congregation!

BIRTHS12.11.11 • JAMES DUNCAN LIVINGSTONSon of Amanda & Wes LivingstonGrandson of Doug Hollyhand12.12.11 • MARY DUNLAP MERIWETHERDaughter of Emily & Tom MeriwetherGranddaughter of Bruce & Susan Caples11.12.11 • MAX VAN RAINEYSon of Samuel & Stephenie Rainey Grandson of Kathy & Jeff Long

sympathy to our church family

ATTENDANCE 11.20.11 11.27.11 12.04.11 12.11.11TRADITIONS & BRIDGE WORSHIP WOW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL K-5TH GRADE SUNDAY SCHOOL NURSERY SUNDAY SCHOOL YOUTH WEDNESDAY NIGHT YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOLYOUTH SUNDAY NIGHT

attendance & budget stats

FINANCIAL REPORTOPERATING BUDGET BUILDING BUDGETDESIGNATED GIVING

85026

25553629958

N/A

79330

1974843

N/A26

N/A

106526

3028050

N/A5625

$36,950.06$234.00

$6,268.87

$23,411.34$195.00$785.00

Hannah Robertson

Meri Catherine Bratton Daniel & Lacy Lavender Wes & Julie Salter

Aaron and Shelley Vold with daughter, Lilly

$65,744.43$887.00

$6,607.62

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REGULAR WEEKLY SCHEDULE BEGINNING JANUARY 11, 2012

church happenings11

Join us for Dinner in Chitwood Hall from 4:45-6:15 p.m. Menus are available at www.fumct.org/wednesday.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS ALIVE! For Children and Youth at FUMCT PRESCHOOL- INFANTS-4 YEARS:5:30-6:00 PM • Drop Off Children in their regular Sunday school classrooms6:00-7:00 PM • Pre-school Worship Arts & First Kids Junior Agents in Mission, Music, Bible Time. Parents, pick children up from same classroom. (Extended care available for children whose parents are in programs that extend beyond 7PM.) KINDERGARTEN-3RD GRADE:5:30-6:00 PM • Pre-Activity Childcare in Room 2106:00-7:00 PM • Mission Possible Kids in Room 206 7:00-7:30 PM • Kid's Worship Arts (KWA) in W.O.W. Room (Extended care available for children who choose not to participate in KWA whose parents are in programs that extend beyond 7PM.) GRADES 4-5: 5:45-7:00 PM • Souled Out 4th, 5th (and 6th by choice) grades in Souled Out Room7:00-7:30 PM • Kid's Worship Arts (KWA) in W.O.W. Room (Extended care available for children who choose not to participate in KWA whose parents are in programs that extend beyond 7PM.) ALLIANCE STUDENT MINISTRY- 6TH-12TH GRADES:5:00 PM • Dinner in Chitwood Hall5:30 PM • Game room opens6:30-7:30 PM • Worship and Programs for Youth 8:00 PM • Gym closes. Everyone must be picked up

Wednesday Nights Alive! for Adults5:30-6:30 PM • FREE Exercise Classes (See page 8 for details) in the Church Activities Center6:00-8:00 PM • Small Group Options for Adults (See page 3 for details)6:00-7:00 PM • Pastor's Bible Study (Open Every Night)6:00-8:00 PM • Coffee & Conversation (Open Every Night)6:00-7:00 PM • Singles Together6:00-7:00 PM • Handbell Choir Rehearsal7:00-8:30 PM • Chancel Choir Rehearsal Visit www.fumct.org/grouplink to learn about new adult groups beginning January 11 (See page 3). Call Chere Flanagan at 205.345.7261, ext 17, if you have questions.

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126438

2597038593316

$55,589.15$759.00

$41,827.00

w e d n e s d a y n i g h t s a l i v e

• Sympathy to Barbara (Ken) Dunivant in the death of her fa-ther, Jack H. Douglas.• Sympathy to Amy Griffin in the death of her cousin, Lee Towry of Decatur, AL.• Sympathy to Kerry (Ashley) Malone and family in the recent death of his grandmother.

• Sympathy to Audrey Deal in the death of her brother, Glenn Edward Scrivner of Cottondale, AL.

• Sympathy to Luke & Bonnie Cates in the death of his moth-er, Jessie Euville Cates of Bessemer, AL.

• Sympathy to Lydia & Michael Avant in the death of her grandfather, Dr. Orvis Engelstad of Florence.

• Sympathy to Joe & Casey Johnson in the death of his grand-mother, Eleanor Hall of Crestline, Ohio.

10 3about our congregation church happenings

OFFICE AND CAC CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S & MLK DAYThe church office will be closed for New Year’s Holiday, Monday, January 2 and for Martin Luther King Day observance, Monday, January 16.

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

church happeningsMERRY METHODISTS/OLDER ADULTMERRY METHODIST LUNCHEONWednesday, January 25 Luncheon at noon in Chitwood. Res-ervations Monday noon prior to luncheon.

MATINEE MUSICALS AT SHELTON & BIRMINGHAMWednesday, February 22: Noises Off—SheltonSunday, February 26: The Taffetas—BirminghamWednesday, April 18: Smoke on the Mountain—Shelton

NOON BOOK REVIEW—WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1812:00 Noon in the Parker Fireside Room

Come and hear Dr. Kay Mutert review her book, Seasons of Change: Reflections on an England Spiritual Journey. Former director of music at FUMCT, Kay Mutert, left her Alabama home and family to become pastor to five small churches in the Midlands of England. This book is the story of her unique and life-changing year. Kay writes of the strength, faith, and tenacity of a community as they rise to the occasions of life. It is a story unique to one place and time yet kin to any who face the journey of life with its seasons of change. Please make reservations for lunch no later than Friday, January 13 by calling or emailing Chere Flanagan in the church office. 205-345-7261, ext 17 or chere@fumct.org.

Merry Methodists at Malaga Inn, Mobile, AL December 2011

NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUPS FOR ADULTSAll groups begin January 11, 2012Pastor’s Bible Study: The Sermons of Jesus in Matthew (continued from the fall) • Led by Dr. Ken Dunivant 6:00-7:00pm, Room 110 (Lee Classroom), 5 WeeksThe gospel writer Matthew gathers many of the teachings of Jesus together in "five" sermons. He has structured his gospel around narratives of his activities separated by these five sermons. The group will continue exploring the teaching sermons of Jesus. What do Jesus' sermons say to us? While the lessons will build upon each other, each lesson will be self-contained to allow you to come when you can.

Faith Lessons: Walking with God in the Desert • Led by David & Stephenie Justice • 6:15-7:30pm, Room 212, 5 WeeksAre you going through a difficult period of life? The loss of a loved one? Unemployment? A crisis of faith? During these desert times, it's easy to think God has disappeared. In this DVD-based study by Ray Vander Laan, discover that it's only when we are totally dependent on him that we find God is closer than ever.

Financial Peace University • Led by Chris & Virginia Jones • 6:00-8:00pm, Room 221, 14 WeeksParticipate in Dave Ramsey’s great personal finance class. Learn how to make and follow a budget, retire your debt, build a savings, purchase wisely, plan for retirement, etc. In these difficult financial times, get control of your finances. Personal finance is 80% behavior and only 20% knowledge. FPU provides both the environment and the knowledge.

Prayer…Does it Make a Difference? by Philip Yancey • Led by Chere Flanagan • 6:00-7:00pm, Room 220Through the study of Philip Yancey’s book, this group will explore and experience the very heartbeat of our relationship with God: prayer. What is prayer? How does it work? And more importantly, does it work? You’ll be encouraged to pray as Jesus himself prayed—as if your prayers make a difference, as if God is there and is listening…to you.

Creating Chrismons • Led by Glenda Kilgore, 6:00-7:00pm, Craft Room, 5 WeeksThe Chrismon ornaments used on the trees in our sanctuary during Advent and Christmas need to be repaired, and new ornaments need to be made. Come and join this group and help create beautiful Chrismons for our church. The conver-sation will be great, too.

Coffee and Conversation • Led by Sue Angel, 6:00-7:00pm, Hospitality Area near The ChapelCome any evening following dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee, and chat with church friends.

**JUST FOR WOMEN**Spiritual Warfare: Biblical Truth for Victory • Led by Stephanie Charboneau, 6:00-7:30pm, Room 219, 10 WeeksThis timely and important book provides Christians with the information--and ammunition--they need to engage in spiri-tual warfare. The author shows from the Scriptures that God's people can defeat the enemy because of the character of God, the certainty of His promises, our authority as His people, and--most of all--the victory Christ has already won.

**JUST FOR WOMEN**What Happens When Women Say “YES” to God? • Led by Liz Wilson, 6:00-7:00pm, Stabler Conference RoomThis study inspires women to delight in the great path God has for them as they explore. Questions explored in this group will include: How do I recognize God’s leading? How do I learn to live open handed? How can I receive God’s blessings? How can simple acts of obedience change the world? How can I have transforming faith? How can I live in Gods will? This video series illuminates God’s daily invitations to say yes!

**JUST FOR MEN**Men’s Fraternity: The Search for Authentic Manhood • Led by Mark Thomas, Jimmy Mixson, Matthew Fox, Room 218, ongoingJoin a small group of men committed to supporting each other in their faith journeys. More than just a Bible study, Men’s Fraternity provides men with an encouraging process that teaches them how to live lives of authentic manhood as modeled by Jesus Christ.

(Continued from page 2)

Sunday, May 20: Singin in the Rain—BirminghamWednesday, July 18: Gypsy—SheltonSunday, July 22: Legally Blonde—Birmingham

More info will follow soon in MM newsletter. Let Ethelyn know if you are interested at 205.345.7261, ext. 26 or ekstuhr@fumct.org.

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is typically easier to understand when it uses contemporary phraseology, images, and idioms. The downside is that in the interest of readability, it may lose something from the original meaning.

What Version?The King James Version, from 1611, still has a lot of fans in spite of the use of seventeeth-century language. The KJV is a reworked version of a previous translation, though it is among the earliest Bibles in English. (The Geneva Bible of 1556 precedes it.) Many people love the majesty of its expression.

The Revised Standard Version was among the first English translations to make use of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran in 1947. The New Revised Standard Version (1989) updated the RSV and has for many years been the translation of choice in United Methodist curriculum, books, and preaching. The New International Version stands alongside the NRSV as a popular, more conservative, translation. The excellent scholarly commentary series, The New Interpreters Bible, uses the NRSV and NIV as its base translations, with the NIV replacing the KJV in the previ-ous Interpreters Bible series.

A new translation, the Common English Bible (CEB), brings a contemporary, fresh, version. Some of its expression will be surprising and unfamiliar, yet it is based on sound scholarship and has been reviewed for easy readability and under-standing. The New Testament is available now; the complete CEB will be available from Cokesbury in July.

What Additions?While it is certainly possible to purchase a Bible with just the text, there is a growing number of Bibles with additions — academic notes; maps; commentary; concordance; and notes that indicate the passages relevant to a particular topic, such as stewardship or women’s issues. The Wesley Study Bible, for example, offers snippets of John Wesley’s sermons or other writings to help illumine United Methodist beliefs and theology.

Notes and maps are not the only “extras.” Different expressions of Christian theology and practice (Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic) hold divergent views on the inclusion of the Apocrypha as a part of the official canon. The Apocrypha is a collection of writings dating from the “inter-testamental” period; that is, after the last of the recognized Old Testament books and before the letters of Paul, which are the earliest New Testament books. Generally, Protestants consider the Apocrypha as non-canonical (not official), though it is a helpful source for biblical interpretation and research.

In any case, the materials added to the Bible augment the translation for ease of use and understanding. For example, Cokesbury offers the Oxford Annotated Bible, the Wesley Study Bible, the Catholic Women’s Devotional Bible, the Chil-dren’s Bible, and the Green Bible, among many others. They differ in their notes and design, but all are NRSV.

So, What to Use?There is probably no wrong answer (good news!), and these observations are generalizations. Take them as such and ask yourself: • Who is reading? A child? Someone new to the faith? A person whose first language is other than English? Con-sider readability. • What is the intended use? If it’s study, be sure to look at the scholarly approach to the notes, maps, and other annotations. If it’s for devotions and worship, the style of language may be more important; the Revised New English, for example, over NRSV. • Is the Apocrypha important? Older youth and adults may find it to be a good source of understanding, espe-cially as a transition from the Old Testament events to the New Testament, or for a theology of resurrection. • What theological approach is acceptable? All translations are scholarly, but the particular biases of that schol-arship make a difference in the translation. Generally, a progressive or more liberal theology is more comfortable with NRSV or New Revised English; an evangelical or conservative theology leans to NIV; over time, the new CEB may find allegiance from both. • To paraphrase or not? My bias is that a paraphrase should only be used alongside a translation to compare texts, generate theological conversation, and pique reflection. The turn of phrase may be engaging, but it may not be as solid in its translation and meaning, so it is less suited to scholarly reading. • How much do you want to spend? The fancy leather cover is nice, and the collection of notes is really useful. But if you are buying pew Bibles that get limited use or Bibles for third graders who are just getting introduced, you won’t need a heavy, thick, expensive Bible. . .

(Continued from “What Bible Should I Use?” on page 12)

MUSIC MAKES THE SEASON!Every year when Christmas rolls around, there are traditions and family get-togethers that we all anticipate. There are busy times of shopping for gifts and parties with friends. There are times we set aside to truly remember and reflect on the coming of the Christ child. And at Christmas, there is music that is so na-tive to the season that the mere hearing of it makes all recall those times, those Christmas experiences in our lives. Music helps to “make the season bright!”

This Advent and Christmas, the Music Ministry of FUMCT worked to incorporate all the ensembles and musical elements into this most blessed season. From our Preschool Worship Arts “One Silent Night” Christmas pageant, to Christmas Communion services at local nursing homes, to the special mu-sic of Christmas Eve, to the Kids Worship Arts presentation of “Scrooge in Bethlehem,” the Music Ministry has stayed busy this season. On Lessons and Carols Sunday, we worshiped over 800 people as our Kids Worship Arts, Youth Worship Arts, Handbell Choir and Adult Choir brought the Nativity story to life in word and song.

The music truly helps to make the season! And would never be possible without the talented and devoted mem-bers of all of the ensembles of our Music Ministry! If you or your child, your youth, or anyone you know would like to be a part of our ministry and help us show the love of God through music, then please let me know! They will tell you, it is always as much of a blessing to the singer, as it is to the listener.

Faithfully,

James Seay, Director of Music and Worshipjames@fumct.org

church happeningschurch happenings

THE NEW YEAR2011 was a great year for Alliance Student Ministries. We had over 20 mission activities including a week long trip to Florida. We hosted 4 worship nights for Students in Tuscaloosa. We had over 250 students at this year’s Discovery. Most importantly, we have seen students start and go deeper in their relationship with Christ. With all the programming we did, we ended the year with our best Christmas Tradition. Every Christmas, we take students to Hospice to decorate the Christmas tree. This year over 50 people joined us to decorate and sing carols with YWA. This was one of the greatest things we did all year. This event was made even more special because the tree we usually have was destroyed by water damage. Sally and Billy Helms donated a beautiful new tree in honor of her mother and father. The stories from this night are too many to list in this small article, but hopefully you can join us next year for this amazing experience. While 2011 was amazing, we are building an even better 2012. Please join us January 4 at 6:00 PM in Cal-lahan Auditorium for a Parent Orientation event where we will give you all the details and insights to get the most out of 2012. We hope that Alliance is part of your New Year’s Resolutions because you are definitely a part of ours.

Grace and Peace,Bryan Geer, Director of Student Ministries, & the Alliance Team

58 church happenings church happeningsHAVE YOU HEARD?Have you heard, have you seen the Spirit of God running to and fro? He is here among us and He is everywhere. For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. —2 Chronicles 16:9

This is what He did in Honduras with a team of 17 people that became united together as one body, the church of Jesus Christ. Despite obstacles that tried to get us off course our eyes were on the One and Only God that made straight the road that we traveled for one week. The enemy Satan knows when he is threatened and will try to shut down the work God has for His people. But God in all His grace goes before the great work He has planned and prepares all things. By His power we conquered through and saw God move not only in our lives but also in the lives of the Honduran people.

It was an amazing trip. Nothing took us off course — the rain, being tired, our transportation, bug bites that led to sickness — nothing took us down! For we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus who loves us. —Romans 8:37.

From the beginning to end it was an extraordinary trip. Seeing people’s lives being saved for eternity by the preaching of the Gospel, singing, praising and dancing before the Lord, dispensing medicines to over 1,400 people, giving medical and dental attention to all that come to us in the 4-1/2 days we worked, praying as a team and praying over the people we saw God through the power of the Holy Spirit change lives and change ours. To Him be the glory forever and ever!

Pat Johnson,Honduras Team Member, 2011

RECREATION MINISTRY NEWSMany opportunities for fitness and recreation are available for church members and the community in our CAC. We offer a spacious gym with FREE group exercise classes, an indoor walking track, and the Body & Soul Weight Room (for 18 years and up).

Our hours of operation are:Monday –Thursday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, & Friday 8:00 AM – 12:30 PMGo to www.fumct.org and look for Recreational Ministries to get a monthly schedule of FREE exercise classes. For more information contact Linda Dunn, 205.345.7261, Ext. 28 or ldunn@fumct.org.

JANUARY EXERCISE SCHEDULE:1.06.12 1.09.12 1.10.12 1.11.12 1.13.11Senior Fitness 8AM Senior Fitness 8AM Step&Sculpt 9AM Senior Fitness 8AM Senior Fitness 8AMStep Attack 9AM* Aerobics 9AM Yoga 1:15PM Step Attack 9AM* Zumba 5:30PM*

1.17.12 1.18.12 1.20.12 1.23.12 1.24.12Zumba 9AM* Senior Fitness 8AM Senior Fitness 8AM Senior Fitness 8AM TBC 9AM* Yoga 1:15PM Step Attack 9AM 20/20/20 9AM* TBC 5:30PM*

1.25.12 1.27.12 1.30.12 1.31.12Senior Fitness 8AM Senior Fitness 8AM Senior Fitness 8AM Zumba 9AM*Yoga 1:15PM Step&Sculpt 9AM* Interval Workout 9AM*Zumba 5:30PM*

have three record setting months in a row and two of them in football season is quite an accomplishment!

1. Tornado Response. Clearly, the major news event was the April tornado that cut a mile wide, 6 mile long path through our city. We had over sixty of our families experience some damage to their home. Numerous stories of survival have left us awed and thankful. That night as a church, we began responding and our response continues today. An unbelievable outpouring of love and support from within the church, the community and the nation en-sued. School supplies, water, money and volunteers came rushing in. We hired Mike Manlief to immediately help Josh Davis respond to the organizational needs. We have coordinated with other Methodist churches to create “Hope Builders” and establish “Camp Coker” to host volunteer groups. Through December we have hosted over 85 groups for overnight stays and many churches have come in for the day.

From as far away as California and New York, groups have helped us clean debris and repair houses and are cur-rently constructing three new homes. Over $200,000 has been received for disaster relief. Lemonade stands, “Tacos for Tuscaloosa,” even a check from the Methodist church in Bay St. Louis (where we sent about 10 groups to help rebuild after Katrina) have enabled us to respond. This work will continue. We will be in the recovery busi-ness as long as resources allow it.

Dr. Ken Dunivant, Senior Pastor

(Continued from “Five Top Events for First Church in 2011” on page 1)

TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY FROM FIRSTKIDSOur 2011 Christmas season was infused with joy as our Children’s Ministry shared the true meaning of Christmas on two special evenings.

On November 30, our Preschool Worship Arts (PWA) presented One Silent Night. They shared the Christmas Story in costume and sang Christmas songs together. Everyone who attended was blessed by their joyful story and songs!

Scrooge in Bethlehem was brought to us by Kid Worship Arts (KWA) on December 14. This delightful musical told the story of Scrooge, the greedy Bethlehem innkeeper who refused shelter to Mary and Joseph on that first Christmas night. His front desk clerk, Mr. Cratchit and an angel were sent by God to help Scrooge understand the real meaning of Christmas.

Thanks go out to all the adults and children would made this all possible. Special thanks goes to Natassia Perrine, our Children’s Worship Arts Director, for helping our children share the Christmas Story with their church family.

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& B

ridge

)

Why

? Se

ries

(Tra

ditio

ns

& B

ridge

)

Yout

h W

orsh

ip

Arts

4PM

Allia

nce

5PM

Why

? Se

ries

(Tra

ditio

ns

& B

ridge

)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MAe

robi

cs 9

AM(S

ee p

g. 8

for d

etai

ls)

Allia

nce

Pare

nt

Orie

ntat

ion

6PM

(See

pg.

4)

Wom

en’s

Bib

le

Stud

y 10

AM

Bam

a Cr

u 6P

M

Bam

a Cr

u 6P

M

Wom

en’s

Bib

le

Stud

y 10

AM

Wom

en’s

Bib

le

Stud

y 10

AM

Wom

en’s

Bib

le

Stud

y 10

AM

Chur

ch

offic

e &

CAC

cl

osed

(Mar

tin L

uthe

r Ki

ng o

bser

vanc

e)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MSt

ep A

ttack

9AM

(See

pg.

8 fo

r det

ails

)

Fitn

ess:

Step

&Sc

ulpt

9AM

(See

pg.

8 fo

r det

ails

)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MYo

ga 1

:15P

MZu

mba

5:3

0PM

(See

pg.

8 fo

r det

ails

)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

M20

/20/

20 9

AM(S

ee p

g. 8

for d

etai

ls)

Fitn

ess:

Zum

ba 9

AM(S

ee p

g. 8

for d

etai

ls)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MYo

ga 1

:15P

MTB

C 5:

30PM

(See

pg.

8)

Bam

a Cr

u 6P

M

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MYo

ga 1

:15P

MZu

mba

5:3

0PM

(See

pg.

8 fo

r det

ails

)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MSt

ep A

ttack

9AM

(See

pg.

8 fo

r det

ails

)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MSt

ep&

Scul

pt 9

AM(S

ee p

g. 8

for d

etai

ls)

Fitn

ess:

TBC

9AM

(See

pg.

8 fo

r det

ails

)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

M20

/20/

20 9

AM(S

ee p

g. 8

for d

etai

ls)

Fitn

ess:

Seni

or F

itnes

s 8A

MIn

terv

al W

orko

ut 9

AM(S

ee p

g. 8

for d

etai

ls)

Fitn

ess:

Zum

ba 9

AM(S

ee p

g. 8

for d

etai

ls)

Get

Invo

lved

Bam

a Cr

u (C

ampu

s Cr

usad

e): W

orsh

ip N

ight

for C

olle

ge S

tude

nts,

hel

d in

the

Sanc

tuar

yFi

tnes

s: F

REE

Fitn

ess

clas

ses

for A

dults

(See

pg.

8 fo

r det

ails

)W

omen

’s B

ible

Stu

dy: F

or a

ny w

oman

who

wou

ld li

ke to

par

ticip

ate,

Rm

. 222

Wed

nesd

ay N

ight

s Al

ive:

Wed

nesd

ay n

ight

act

iviti

es &

cla

sses

for a

ll ag

es (S

ee p

g. 2

-3)

Wor

ship

& S

unda

y Sc

hool

: Sun

day

mor

ning

wor

ship

& S

unda

y Sc

hool

for a

ll ag

esTh

ese

even

ts a

re o

pen

to th

e co

ngre

gatio

n an

d fri

ends

who

wan

t to

part

icip

ate!