“Thus says the Lord,… Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Faith Bits..……..1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Faith Bits, Continued…..….2

 Worship……..….2 Prayers………....2 Spiritual Formation News…………...3 Missions and Service………..…4 Upcoming Events…………..5

 

The Epistle East Cobb United Methodist Church

APRIL 9, 2015

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Dateline Jerusalem Dateline Jerusalem… The religious leaders of downtown Jerusalem executed one said to be the Messiah this past weekend. Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling country preacher, died on Friday at the hands of Roman authorities after having been arrested by leading members of the Sanhedrin. The Most High Priest and other officials feared a hostile takeover by this person. Jesus bar Joseph had been welcomed into the city last Sunday by what appeared to be a spontaneous parade, hastily thrown together. However, public approval quickly faded when he caused a scene at the temple, throwing around some of the furniture. Other controversial events followed in succeeding days, such as public arguments, teaching of strange doctrines, possible hints of tax evasion, possible assault of a privately owned fig tree, wild assertions, even talk of being a direct descendant from the Holy Deity, possibly in the fashion of certain Greek philosophies. On Thursday evening he and a group of supporters met in a family home, where it was reported he spoke of cannibalism—the eating of flesh and drinking of blood. Then this band of possible revolutionaries assembled in an olive garden, armed themselves, and attacked a guard, forcibly removing his ear. Authorities report the matter was dealt with quickly and justly, for on Friday he was executed along with others. Sources say the matter has been laid to rest.

Continued on pg. 2

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5)

 

 

Dr. Brian Germano Senior Pastor Brian@eastcobbumc.org

Faith Bits, continued

 Worship This Sunday

Prayer Concerns and Praises

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A copy of the full prayer list is available on The City, or you may contact the church office for a printed copy. To submit a prayer request, complete a Prayer Request Card, call the Prayer Line (770-971-3643, ext. 130), email prayer@eastcobbumc.org, or post on The City. (Please indicate if this is a confidential request.) You may also consider contacting or recommending a Stephen Minister, by emailing stephenministry@eastcobbumc.org.

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Stay abreast of the situation with possible special editions of the Jerusalem Times, since there have been numerous claims of appearances of the deceased radical since this past weekend.

[Shared by Tom Pilgrim in the Fayetteville (GA) First United Methodist Church

Newsletter, March 6, 2005] May the risen Christ fill you with the joy and awe and wonderful mystery of that first Easter! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Sympathy • Betty and Bob Hrisak and family on the death of Betty’s brother,

Richard Locklin • LJ Owen and family on the recent death of her brother

Other Concerns/Praises: • Tom Brewster • Megan and Josh Ingle’s brother, Marcus • Victims of terrorism, especially in Kenya • Janine Golden’s aunt (friend of Eileen Forrester) • Jennifer Campbell’s father (friend of Eileen Forrester) • LJ Owen’s other brother • Norma Woodliff as she travels to St. Louis for Stephen Leader training

9:30 AM HeartLight Contemporary Worship with HeartLight Worship Band

11:00 AM Traditional Worship with Chancel Choir

3:00 PM Kenyan Congregation Worship

Luke 24:13-35

Meeting Jesus in Unexpected Places Rev. Jim Perry

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Thursday, April 16 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Did you know that planning now for future difficult health decisions can serve as a true gift for your family? Advance Care Planning, including health directives and other important issues, is so important that there is now a “national day” dedicated to the topic. Two workshops will be available at East Cobb United Methodist Church on that day, so join us April 16th at either 2:00 PM or 7:00 PM in Room 103 for a presentation and resources to help you live better knowing your wishes have been communicated.

National Healthcare Decisions Day Workshop: Living Well at the End of

Your Life

You may have worshiped at East Cobb UMC for a while, or maybe only for a few Sundays. Maybe you've helped with one of our ministries, and perhaps you've even gotten involved in a small group or Sunday School. Maybe your spouse or neighbor (who are already East Cobb members) first invited you to church with them. And while you enjoy the worship, and would not mind becoming a member, you're not comfortable standing in front of crowds, even to join the church. If this describes you, then you're not alone. That's why we invite you and many others like you to officially claim the place you've already found here at ECUMC through our bi­annual "Decision Sunday Celebration Lunch" from 12:15 PM ­ 1:00 PM on Sunday, April 26. Lunch is on us, and you'll find a warm welcome waiting for you. To reserve your spot, visit the “New Here” page of our church’s website (eastcobbumc.org/new­here) by Wednesday, April 22, and complete the “Ready to Become A Member?” survey there. For more information, contact either Cindy Campbell or Brian Germano at the church office (770­971­3643) or email them at cindy@eastcobbumc.org or brian@eastcobbumc.org.

Does This Describe You?

ECUMC’s Stephen Ministry has some exciting news to share! Our own Norma Woodliff will be traveling to St. Louis, MO, for the week of April 12th to undergo training to become a Stephen Leader. This will allow us to further expand our Stephen Ministry at ECUMC. We ask you all to pray for Norma during this rigorous, 50-hour training. As always, remember that Stephen Ministers are available to help in times of difficulty or crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling and could use a Christian friend, who will listen, care and offer support while remaining confidential, consider requesting a Stephen Minister. Email stephenministry@eastcobbumc.org or contact the church office (770-971-3643) to learn more or begin the referral process.

Stephen Ministry News

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Volunteer for MUST Ministries on Saturday, April 25, as they host a Tailgate Party at the College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta Street NW Atlanta, GA 30313). The pregame tour of the Hall of Fame will take place from 5:00 – 6:30 PM, and the Event Kickoff is 6:30 PM. Please contact Cara Reeve (creeve@mustministries.org or 678-218-4513) if you are interested.

Volunteers Needed for MUST Tailgate: Party with a Purpose

Help ECUMC to provide shoes for the children of Jeremiah Mission in Honduras! The goal is TWO new pairs of shoes for each child. To contribute, check the binder attached to the collection bin in the Narthex for specific instructions.

Be sure to return your

donations before May 15!

Help Us Provide Shoes for

Honduran Children

Family Promise Needs Your Help! As you know, our next Family Promise hosting week begins this Saturday, April 11! At last count, we have four families, and 13 people, who will be our Family Promise guests the week of April 12th-19th. As before, we need 8-10 helpful and spirited volunteers to help us transport a dozen small pieces of furniture from the Junior Parsonage to the lower level of the Activities Building. Some vacuuming and easy, but needed, clean-up in the three classrooms in the basement, The Cellar, and famous Pillow Room may be needed as well. If you are willing and able to help with these important tasks, please meet at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 11th in the lower level of the Activities Building. We will be finished before noon, as usual. We hope you will join us in preparing for our Family Promise guests, and ask you to keep the Family Promise families in your daily prayers!

& Giving

Service

Spring Great Day of Service

 Join ECUMC on April 18 as we celebrate spring by serving our community! Service activities will be family-friendly and focused on the church campus, including various creative and clean-up projects to support the ministries with which we partner. We will meet at church in the sanctuary at 8:30 AM, and projects will end at 12:30 PM.

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Upcoming Events Sunday, Apr. 12 UM Men’s Fellowship Meeting 8:30 AM (Fellowship Hall)

Kenyan Congregation Worship 3:00 PM (Sanctuary)

Family Promise Hosting Begins

Tuesday, Apr. 14 Bible Study 10:00 AM (Room 105)

Finance Committee Meeting 7:00 PM (Room 105)

Wednesday, Apr. 15 Wednesday Night Dinner and Activities 5:00 PM (Activities Building)

Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:15 PM (Sanctuary)

Thursday, Apr. 16 National Healthcare Decisions Day Workshop 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM (Room 103)

SPRC Meeting 7:00 PM (Room 105)

Friday, Apr. 17 Lighthouse Academy Bike-a-thon 3:00 PM (Parking lot)

Saturday, Apr. 18 Spring Great Day of Service 8:30 AM (Sanctuary)

For a full calendar of

events, visit the church website.

Wednesday Night Activities

If you like to organize, file, or be a general helper, volunteer positions are available in the Community Ministry office and church office! Some possible jobs include stocking the food pantry, making copies for Decision Sunday packets, answering phones, and general office assistance.

All ages are welcome. Contact Cindy Campbell (cindy@eastcobbumc.org) or the church office

(office@eastcobbumc.org or 770-971-3643).

Office Volunteers Needed

Wednesday night dinner and activities resume this Wednesday, April 15!

Dinner begins at 5:00 PM in the Activities Building. Programs for adults, youth, and children will be offered until 7:00 PM; followed by chancel choir rehearsal at 7:15 PM.

Dinner this week: Hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings, French fries, onion rings, and ice cream sandwiches for dessert

Pricing for dinner is $6/adult with a maximum charge of $20/family of 4 or 6; children under 8 eat for free.

Do you or someone in your ministry require First Aid, CPR, or automated external defibrillator (AED) training? ECUMC will provide training in these vital, life-saving skills on Tuesday, April 21 from 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM in the ECUMC Activities Building. Participants earn a 2-year ASHI certification upon completion, and cost is $30 per participant.  To learn more or register for this event, contact Rev. Jim Perry by calling the church office (770-971-3643) or emailing jim@eastcobbumc.org.  

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Mark Your

Calendar! First Aid Training

 

                               

East Cobb United Methodist Church 2325 Roswell Road Marietta, GA 30062 Phone: 770-971-3643 Email: office@eastcobbumc.org Website: www.eastcobbumc.org

A mosaic of God's family, GATHERING to embrace God and all people, GROWING in faith, love and joy, and GOING into the world to serve and share Jesus.

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Dr. Brian Germano Senior Pastor Brian@eastcobbumc.org Rev. Peter Kaimathiri M'Tuamwari Pastor of Kenyan Congregation Peter@eastcobbumc.org Cindy Campbell Minister to Community Cindy@eastcobbumc.org Frieda Brown Minister of Music & Worship Arts Frieda@eastcobbumc.org

Rob Frank Music & Worship Arts Associate Director Rob@eastcobbumc.org Leanna Wilson Director of Children's Ministry Leanna@eastcobbumc.org Jim Huston Minister to Youth and Young Adults JimH@eastcobbumc.org

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Rev. James L. Perry, Jr. Minister of Congregational Care & Discipleship Jim@eastcobbumc.org Bronwyne Butler Director of Lighthouse Academy Bronwyne@eastcobbumc.org Lighthouse Academy: 770-971-3671 Cande Taylor Business Manager Cande@eastcobbumc.org Calissa Dauterman Communications Specialist Calissa@eastcobbumc.org Daniel Kaimathiri Kenyan Youth Ministry Gi’Nia Stone Church Receptionist office@eastcobbumc.org

East Cobb United Methodist Church 2325 Roswell Road, NE Marietta, GA 30062-4953 www.eastcobbumc.org