JULY 2016 East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church

Monthly Scripture

Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

In this Issue

July Birthdays

Page 2

Kidz Corner

Page 4

Church News

Page 6 – 7

June Events Calendar

Page 8

REV. FLEMING THOMPSON, JR., PASTOR

A native of Sandersville,

Georgia, the Rev. Fleming Thompson, Jr. is married to Sherry B. Thompson. They have a blended fam-ily which consists of six children (5 daughters, 1 son, one daughter in the

spirit), several grandchildren, and three great-grand kids.

He and his sister the late Doris Shepherd moved to Atlanta at an early age. They were raised in a Christian home filled with love, kindness and a thirst for knowledge. Pastor Thompson attended the Atlanta Public School system and graduated from Luther Judson Price High School in 1967. He received a Bachelor of Theology degree from Atlan-ta Bible College and an Associate of Science degree from Clayton State University.

Rev. Thompson continued his educational pursuits at Gammon Theological Seminary at The Interde-nominational Theological Center. On May 8, 2010, he received a Master of Divinity degree with a con-centration in Pastoral Care. A theologian and pas-tor, he was inducted into the International Society of Theta Phi (ITC Honor Society) his senior year.

His thirst for knowledge does not stop with the acquiring of degrees, but he is a student of the Word. Rev. Thompson has completed Disciple Bible Study I, II, and III, taught Disciple I and II,

attended North Georgia Walk to Emmaus (#31), and Discover God’s Call. Licensed to preach in 2001, he served as youth minister at Andrews Chapel UMC for six years, where he was instrumental in starting a feed the needy program in the local Jonesboro area and was active in the prison minis-try at the Clayton County jail.

In June of 2011, Rev. Thompson was appointed to a two-point charge St. Luke - Bethlehem UMC. He was ordained as full elder June, 2014.

Prior to answering God’s call to ministry, he had a successful career in private industry with Delta Airlines, where he worked for over thirty-two years.

In June of 2016, he began my his appointment as Senior Pastor of East Point First Mallalieu UMC, 2651 Church St., East Point, GA 30344.

One of his favorite passages of Scripture on which he relies heavily is Isaiah 43:1-3. He believes his acceptance of the call unto his life is best expressed in the following song lyrics, “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about somebody who can save anybody.”

JULY SERMON SERIES

WORD TALK 2

Latisha Rector 1

Kerri Williams 2

Waverly McMichael Jr. 3

Megan Kemp 3

Betty Maddox 5

Carl Leroy Joyner 5

AnnJanette Allen 7

Lyndell Norwood 7

Clifton Dyer 10

Dianah Rector 10

Quinard Reid 10

R. Deloris Levine 12

Cornelia Stuckey 12

Doiche Travis 13

G.W. Banfield 14

Morgan Gore 14

Shirley Harps 17

Glynova Greene 18

Shirley Ashley 21

Freddie Brooks 24

Sara Morgan 26

Joshua Leonard 28

Stephanie McMichael 28

Carlton Arnold 29

Renee Solomon 29

Wimbley Hale 31

July Birthdays

Our Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother con-ceived me.

You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Amen

July Prayer Psalm 51 August

Birthdays Winston Jones 7

Gail Hobson 9

Alfreda Harris 10

Sylvia Johnson 12

Margie Dyer 13

Diondria Gore 16

Cynia McClure 16

Jacquelyn Smith 17

Eddie King 22

Joyce Hart 24

Victor Madison 24

Ann Douglas 25

Donald Sumlin 25

Jerrelyn Verrett 25

Glenda Tenney 28

Lillian Matthews 30

People In The Pews 3

Independence Day Independence Day is a national federal holiday celebrated on July 4th every year. It commemorates the date that

the original thirteen colonies declared their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain by adopting the Dec-laration of Independence. The holiday is called the Fourth of July in casual conversation, but Independence Day is its official name.

Since Independence Day is a public holiday, all federal, state, and local government buildings are closed for busi-ness. Most factories and other companies are closed. Some service-related companies remain open during the holiday, including restaurants, stores, department stores, and vehicle repair shops. It is common for most cities and towns to have fireworks displays on Independence Day. Parades, fairs, carnivals, concerts, and ceremonies also take place during this holiday.

Families frequently have reunions featuring barbecues and small fireworks displays. Families also enjoy playing sports on this public holiday like volleyball, softball, and horseshoes. Many people display flags on their lawns to honor the nation.

Barbara E. Jackson, EPFM Worship Chairperson

Mrs. Barbara Jackson has been a mem-

ber of the United Methodist Church all of her life and has great knowledge of the role of leaders in the church. Before coming to Atlanta, she was a member of Warren Temple UMC in LaGrange, GA. Upon moving to Atlanta’s east side she

became a member of Columbia Drive UMC. She came to East Point First Mallalieu after moving to the south side of the city through recommendations of her dear friend and church member Mrs. Willeen Bowen. Mrs. Jackson came to the church under the leadership of Rev. Minnie Robin-son.

Barbara Jackson’s goal as Chair for the Worship Commit-tee is for the congregation to experience joy, excitement, and meaning at each worship service. Also, she wants the congregation to celebrate worship through various cultural and ethnic diversities.

The Worship Committee, under the direction of Barbara E. Jackson, gives assistance to the minister in providing ef-fective, meaningful weekly worship. Mrs. Jackson’s duties are enormous and entail the following responsibilities: a) preparation of the communion elements for use at all com-munion services; b) servicing of pew racks in the sanctuary to ensure the neatness and proper distribution of hymnals, Bibles, envelopes and other supplies; c) the maintenance, cleanliness, and proper storage of items (such as com-munion trays, candle holders, etc.) used in the altar area; d) care of and appropriate/timely changing of church para-ments; e) procurement and proper display of flowers in the altar area (and/or narthex) during regular services and on special occasions; f) providing ushers for all church ser-vices; g) ensuring the acolytes are properly robed for all church services as needed; h) providing assistance and advice to the minister regarding use of music in worship

services; i) providing assistance to the minister in the utili-zation of the sanctuary sound system; j) preparing the Christmas tree, the advent wreath, and crosses for Lent and Easter as well as providing other appropriate services requested by the minister.

The Worship Committee also serves in an advisory role to the minister regarding worship services, including compo-nents of regular worship services as well as additional ser-vices to meet special needs of the congregation. The Wor-ship Committee Chairperson is responsible for appointing all leaders of sub-committees: Communion Servers, Audio Visual, Altar Guild, Ushers, Greeters, Acolytes and Music. These sub-committees assist in carrying out certain duties of the Worship Committee.

She prays and works toward making East Point First Mallalieu one of the best churches in the Atlanta-College Park District to have a very large membership and a large Children’s Department.

Prior to retirement, Mrs. Jackson was an Out Patient Man-ager at Georgia Baptist Hospital (now Atlanta Medical) in the Physical Therapy Department and the School of Nurs-ing. Presently, she works with Project Jumpstart at the Young Family YMCA on Campbellton Road in southwest Atlanta.

Barbara’s free time is spent cooking, being with her grand-children, dancing, and watching baseball and basketball. Her favorite quote is:

“I am always there for them.

Sing out praises to the Lord all who dwell below, let Heav-en echo heartfelt words,

Let the anthems flow. Sing the creator's boundless work. Tell of his wondrous love praises,

All praises from heart and soul, ascend to our God above.

And now these remain: Faith, Hope and Love, But the greatest of these is Love.”

Kidz Corner 4

Parental figures in the United States receive the recog-

nition for the role they play in their children’s lives on Parents’ Day. The day aims to promote responsible par-enting and to recognize positive parental role models. It celebrates the special bonds of love between parental figures and their children.

Parents’ Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in July each year. Citizens, organizations, and federal, state, and local governmental and legislative entities are en-couraged to recognize Parents’ Day through proclama-tions, activities, and educational efforts to recognize,

uplift and support the role of parents in bringing up their children.

The Parents’ Day Council plays an active role in cele-brating and promoting Parents’ Day through a range of events and activities. For example, the council honors “Parents of the Year” at local, state and national levels. Those who have been nominated or selected are people who exemplify the standard and ideal of positive parenthood. Exemplary parents from each state are nominated for “National Parents of the Year”.

Parents’ Day is a popular time for people to send cards and gifts, including flowers, cakes and food baskets, to those who play an important role as a positive parental figure in their lives. It is also a time for families to come together for lunches or dinners. Special tributes to pa-rental figures who are seen as role models are made through local announcements, at church services, or at local community events. Parents’ Day proclamations and rallies have been held in recent times and involved organizations such as the United Civil Rights Councils of America.

PARENTS’ DAY IN THE UNITED STATES

A Child's Prayer for

Morning

Now, before I run to play,

Let me not forget to pray

To God who kept me through

the night

And waked me with the

morning light.

Help me, Lord, to love thee

more

Than I ever loved before,

In my work and in my play

Be thou with me through the

day.

Amen

5

The story is told of an old man who lived in a dilapidated

house that was no longer fit to live in. The roof leaked, the plumbing was rusted and the foundation was rotted. Finally the plight of the old man was brought to the attention of au-thorities who then stepped in to help this individual. They built a brand new house with all the modern conveniences. The house, while small, was more than sufficient for the needs of the man. The day finally arrived when the house was finished and the old man could move in. To the sur-prise of those involved the man refused to be moved. The fear of change prevented him from moving, even though the move would have been for his benefit. In some ways the small church is often like the old man. The fear of change is greater than the crisis that they are facing in ministry. Change for the small church is often difficult, feared and resisted because it involves a break with the past and the uncertainty of the future.

CHANGE IS NECESSARY While change is difficult, change is necessary for growth to occur. Therefore, effective leadership involves leading peo-ple through the process of change. This is true individually as we lead people through the process of personal transfor-mation. This is equally true organizationally as the church seeks to effectively minister the gospel of Christ to a chang-ing society. The wise leader not only will be sensitive to the crisis change brings, but is also aware of the principles of change. To understand the nature of change, the church leadership needs to understand why people resist change.

CHANGE IS OFTEN RESISTED People resist change for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons are valid, some are erroneous, some are reasonable, some are irrational, some are significant, some are trivial.

1. People resist change because of ownership with the past. When change occurs it involves a break from that in which they have invested time and energy and have a sense of ownership. To accept the new involves a loss of power as they lose their ownership with the past. Change brings everyone back to zero.

2. Change is often seen as a threat to past traditions and the heritage of the church. For some, to change is to abandon the legacy that people of the past had left in the church. Many in the church may find this difficult.

3. People fear the unknown. Children fear the dark be-cause they cannot see what is there. Consequently, the night becomes unknown and feared. The same is true of change. Change brings an element of the unknown and uncertain.

RESPONSES TO CHANGE To bring change into the church involves patience, gentle-ness and sensitive leadership. People respond to the chal-lenge of change differently depending on their personalities, background and present circumstances. How each person responds to change has both its strengths and weakness-es. People respond in four basic ways.

1. Some people see change as a friend to be embraced. There will always be those who are ready and open to change. They may be the younger individuals who have less commitments and ownership with the past. It may also be older members who are dissatisfied with the present. They are individuals who are visionaries and see possibili-ties beyond the present. These individuals will constitute a small minority within the church. The danger is that they change for change sake without carefully thinking through the ramifications and end result. At times, the leadership may need to hold this group back lest they make changes that the congregation is not ready to make.

2. Some people see change as a companion to be se-lected with care. A far more significant number of people are open to change but will not immediately embrace the change. They are willing to accept changes but will ap-proach the change with more caution and with the need to be shown how it will be effective. They will not initiate change but are not usually opposed to change as long as they can see the benefits. Church leadership needs to demonstrate to these individuals the value and benefits of the change.

3. Some people see change as a stranger to be accept-ed with caution. The second significant group within the church are those who will eventually accept the change, but only after much resistance. They will resist all change for a time, often defeating the changes that would have helped the church. One reason they resist is that they do have a high degree of ownership with the past. They are the ones often heard saying, "We have never done it that way be-fore." The leader needs to help these individuals accept the change even if they may not fully agree with the change. They need to be willing to give the change an opportunity to succeed.

4. Some people see change as an enemy to resist. There will be a minority who resist change regardless of the reason. While the number will be few, they will be vocal and a formidable opponent to change. Their favorite phrase is, "It will never work." Even when it does, they will find rea-sons why it will not continue to work. It is important to real-ize that every church will likely have these individuals. The leader needs to demonstrate love for them but not allow them to defeat the necessary changes.

Understanding how people respond to change can enable the church leader to carefully identify and work with each group.

BUILDING TOWARDS CHANGE Change does not just happen, it must be carefully devel-oped and planned. 1. Church Leadership Chairs must carefully communicate

why the change is necessary. 2. Tie the present change with the past heritage. 3. Provide people the opportunity to have input in the pro-

cess of change. 4. Relate the changes to the needs of people. 5. Be patient.

6. Respect the Congregation.

CHANGE IN THE CHURCH by Glenn C. Daman (Modified version)

CHURCH NEWS 6

East Point First Mallalieu UMC Vacation Bible School

Join us for three days of cool awesome fun!

July 18th, 19th, and 20th 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Contact information: Paulette Keeton 404-825-366 Church Office 404-761-3183

United Methodist Women on Break

The United Methodist Women will not meet in July. The next unit meet-ing will be Tuesday, August 2nd at 10:30 AM. Program by the Carlene McMichael Circle and the host circle is the Gwen Travis Circle.

500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 For more information call or 404-327-5820 or on the web

at www.umchildrenshome.org

Thanks for The Fun! -Children’s Ministry

Thanks to Jackie DeWitt, Rosa Lloyd, Jackie McMichael, Lydia Miller, and the choir for making it possible for three of our youth to enjoy a day of fun at Six Flags. The youth are Kenyatta, Kentavius and Demajae, the grandsons of Paulette Keeton.

United Methodist Women UBUNTU Day of Service Event

Saturday, August 20, 2016 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The United Methodist Women of the Atlanta College Park District are partnering with “Stand Up For Kids” to provide a variety of items to sur-vive on the street.

The United Methodist Women of East Point First Mallalieu UMC are collecting ponchos for this outreach project.

Special Day of Giving to Benefit Murphy-Harpst Sunday, July 17th

Murphy-Harpst needs private donations each year to meet the cost of therapeutic services. Therapy to heal children who have experienced violent physical, emotional, and sex-ual abuse is at the core of their mission. In 2010, the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church estab-lished a special annual day of giving for Murphy-Harpst in churches conference-wide. The funds raised on this day help Murphy-Harpst in meeting the annual cost of therapy, which after reimbursements from Medicaid, can be as much as $500,000.00. The third Sunday in July is the North Georgia Conference’s designated Annual Day of Giv-ing for Murphy-Harpst.

United Methodist Women Fundraiser

The United Methodist Women continue their fundraising efforts by selling knives, flavorings and more. If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please see Lyndell Norwood to get your catalogs for Rada Cutlery and Southern Flavorings. The deadline to place your orders is Sunday, July 10th.

Attention Ministry Leaders

2017 Budget Preparation Workshop Tuesday, July 12, 2016

7:00 PM - 7:50 PM

The purpose of this workshop is to as-sist ministry leaders in preparing your budget for 2017. All ministry leaders are asked to come prepared to work through an initial draft budget for your ministry. Failure to submit a budget for your ministry could result in a lack of funding to meet the needs for your ministry. The budget process is essen-

tial for input to the annual Church Conference in Septem-ber. The deadline to submit your budget is August 30th. The Finance Team extends its gratitude, in advance, to all ministry leaders for your cooperation in completing your 2017 budgets.

Eddie McMichael Scholarship Fund

On Sunday, September 18th during the morning worship service, we’ll celebrate our 5th Eddie “Bright” McMichael, Jr. An-nual Usher Board Anniversary. We’re ask-ing all members and friends of the church to donate to the Eddie “Bright” McMichael, Jr. Usher Board Scholarship Fund during

our six (6) month campaign which culminates September 18th. Your donation helps aid our Junior Ushers who are graduating from High School.

Please clearly mark your offering envelope Eddie “Bright” McMichael, Jr. Usher Board Scholarship Fund.

Save The Date

The EPFM Fun & Travel Club will be hosting a trip to Birmingham, AL and Memphis, TN on December 1-3, 2016. See Ms. Mary Ford for additional de-tails.

From the Trustees

July Trustee Updates

1. The walls in the Sanctuary have been repaired.

2. The floors on the lower level have been waxed and sealed.

3. We have closed on the deal to sell the property to WODA. To date, the church has received a total of $650,000.00.

4. We are in the process of securing an ice maker in the month of July

BRICK PROJECT – Phase Two

EPFM has heard your requests and we are again ready to offer you an opportunity to purchase a Brick as part of the “Oneness Walk”. Flyers, application forms and additional information (prices and brick types – standard or marble) are available in the Crossroads after church service.

Security

Security at East Point First Mallalieu UMC is of utmost importance to the Trustees. We ask that you ensure that the doors are securely closed and locked as you en-ter and leave the building. The sign below will be post-ed at all doors as a reminder.

Thank you for your continued support. -Patricia Ivey, Trustee Chair

Staying Connected

-From the Communications Committee

The Communications Committee of East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church needs updated information on all members. The information is used for “One Call Tell All” and “Calling Post” messag-

es, a new church directory, birthday and anniversary announcements, mailing, and more. Please complete the “Member Profile” Sheet located at the Narthex and the Crossroads and return to the church office as soon as pos-sible. If you have any questions or need additional infor-mation, please contact the church office and someone from the Communications Committee will contact you.

Saturday and Sunday August 27 & 28, 2016

Theme: “Remembrance and Renewal: Celebrating

the Past Anticipating the Future”

Speaker: Dr. Dan Anthony Sims

You are invited to come and celebrate our Church Anniver-sary. On Saturday, August 27th we will celebrate with a Homecoming Musical at 4:00 PM and on Sunday, August 28th we will culminate our celebration at 11:00 AM with a message from our speaker, Dr. Dan Anthony Sims. You are asked to make a sacrificial gift beyond your tithes and offer-ing.

Category of Donations:

Platinum sponsors - $114.00 and above Gold sponsors - $113.00 - $75.00 Silver sponsors - $74.00 - $50.00 Patron sponsors - $49.00 and less

Your donations will be accepted beginning Sunday, July 3rd through Sunday, August 14th. Please place your donation in the special “Church Anniversary” envelope or mark your regular envelope “Church Anniversary”. Your gift will go to support the many ministries of our church.

Thanking you in advance for your support. We are looking forward to two days of uplifting music and spiritual renew-al!

-The 2016 Anniversary Committee

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