At The Crossroads
May 2019 Newsletter from Crossroads UMC
Dear Church,
M-LAB 2.0, ACE2, C3PO...what?!?
If you've been watching and listening lately, you may have heard me share some of these acronyms (except that last one...that's just a droid from Star Wars). Allow me to expand on what's been going on in my world and unpack these letters a bit.
M-LAB 2.0: This past Monday through Wednesday I participated in a conference put on by four different UM Conferences paired with 130 clergy and laity, 3 Bishops, and numerous business and church experts in leadership. This was a continuation of learning tools for innovation and encouragement for finding creative solutions to the church's most sticky conundrums. M-LAB stands for Movement--Learning Action Board, and allowed us hands on time to ideate solutions, give and gain feedback from experts and peers, and imagine an environment where, instead of feeling stuck in a problem, we are given permission to fail forward faster. Every time we fail at something, we gain valuable insight to learn what works and what doesn't, what we need to tweak and what new direction we may take.
Some of the solutions we explored included how we measure success in our churches and ministries, how we might streamline the demands on families and encourage their worship together, and how we can be more welcoming to those in our communities who are desperate for a real connection. I'll be bringing these tools to our future Church Council meetings to share ideas of how we as a church can release the fear of trying something new, and fail forward faster. I look forward to leading with you.
ACE2: Our North Georgia Conference is big on education, and continuing the learning process throughout our lives. If I had stopped reading or learning after seminary, I would have lost many opportunities to improve myself these last 13 years. ACE2 stands for Academy of Clergy Excellence and Alternative Continuing Education (hence the "squared"). This is a revamped program that allows clergy to self-select a group of 6-8 peers they want to journey with for two years to focus on a specific topic to improve themselves, their churches, and their communities.
My group selected the name Parts Unknown, inspired by the Anthony Bourdain TV show of the same name. Bourdain was a celebrity chef, author, and travel documentarian who explored lesser-known places around the world to experience their culture and cuisine. By taking audiences with him he took things that were frightening or mysterious and revealed them to the world, releasing the fear of the unknown and piquing curiosity and interest along the way.
In our version of Parts Unknown, I, along with 7 other clergy, will explore unknown parts of our faith, the mysteries of God, the uncertain future of our UMC, and ministries and places that are unknown to us. Our goal along the way is to release some of the fear of uncertainty while discovering new ways to be the church and do ministry together.
Tomorrow we head to Orcas Island and Seattle for a week of focusing on the table. The table was very important to Jesus' ministry as he ate with sinners, welcomed those who others rejected, and shared the most important meal of all with his disciples before his death. We'll spend a few days with Len Sweet (described as one of the most influential Christians in the US) and explore his topics like Tablet to Table, where community is found and identity is restored. Then we'll spend some time participating in the original Dinner Church experience as we learn from a church who refused to die and found revitalization in sharing a meal with those who may never walk into a church, but who found Jesus and community around the table. And of course, we hope to experience some really good food along the way.
I ask for your prayers for our group as we travel and explore and learn new ways to make strangers into a community and make the unknown less intimidating. I appreciate the opportunity to be away to reconnect with fellow clergy and renew my soul through learning and adventure, and I can't wait to return and share with you all we have learned.
Peace,
Rev. Julie Schendel
Judicial Council Update and a Word from our Bishop
If you've been following along with the proceedings from General Conference, you may have heard the Judicial Council finished their review of the Traditional Plan that was passed in February. As expected, parts of the plan passed and will be enacted beginning January 1, 2020, and other parts were ruled unconstitutional (or illegal, based on our UM polity), and were thrown out. It's a complicated process, so I offer the following articles to help you further understand what is changing.
*From UM News, click here.
*To read the process the Judicial Council took in making these decisions, click here.
*For a summary of what will be implemented Jan. 1, click here.
*If you're more a visual learner, check out the simplified chart below.
*But most importantly, to hear a pastoral word and a charge to action, read Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson's latest response here. There are a lot of good reminders and some new ideas to ponder. No matter what the future holds, Crossroads UMC will continue to watch and pray, and refocus on the means of grace that make us Methodist.
I am inviting a few delegates who were present at General Conference in February to come and share their perspective with Crossroads UMC. We will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss our own thoughts and feelings with one another. Look for more details soon. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to schedule some time with me to have a conversation as we continue to discern and pray together.
Prayer Concerns
Mark & Gwen Carroll request prayer for Rebekah Carroll who has had a mild stroke and has a heart murmur. They are also asking for prayer for travel mercies as they travel to South Carolina.
John Martin asks that we pray for Tommy Walker and Joel Martin who are undergoing cancer treatments.
Piecemakers Quilters
I know all of you have seen monthly notices about the Piecemakers meeting each Wednesday. As you may or may not know we are a group of fourteen women who meet most Wednesday nights to sew and piece quilts. Our primary purpose is to offer a quilt to families in the church who have had a family member die. We use the deceased’s clothing to make the quilt. Besides this we try to do other charitable projects. Recently we made 50 backpacks for homeless people who are being served by UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). The backpacks contained toiletries and were a big hit with those experiencing homelessness.
The most recent project we have competed is making pillowcases for children in the three Atlanta Children’s Hospitals. This is done through a National Charity called ConKerr Cancer. The pillowcases are made with child friendly novelty prints and each child gets to pick the one that’s special to them. The doctors and nurses say the pillowcases are great to calm scared children at a bad time in their lives. Between church members at a BBQ, the Piecemakers and individuals, we have contributed close to 500 pillowcases! Just a week ago we sent 50 that we made this year. We love the thought that something we made helps someone in a difficult time in their lives.
Nancy Jackson
A Note from the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees has implemented a number of changes to the arrangement of our
parking lot in order to better accommodate persons with handicaps or with limited
mobility.
A. The sign-designated handicapped parking spaces on either side of the front entrance
ramp remain as before. The wider space to the right of the ramp now has an added
sign designating it as a “Van Accessible” space. A handrail has been added to the
ramp.
B. The remaining four parking spaces along the curb are now sign-designated as
Visitor Parking spaces. Several comments over the years seemed to indicate that
these spaces were less appropriate for handicapped use because of the slope of the
parking lot. Conversely, these spaces should provide a readily-visible welcome
to visitors coming to Crossroads.
C. Additional handicapped parking has been designated by signs on spaces located
adjacent to the short sidewalk off the drive-through portico. A handrail has been
installed on the sidewalk. It hasn’t been determined if a ramp will be necessary
at this point. We will welcome comments and feedback about that.
D. Spaces designated as “Visitor or Limited Mobility” remain as before. Please be
courteous in your use of these spaces so they are available for persons who really
need them.
UPCOMING EVENTS
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 2nd is National Day of Prayer. Crossroads will be joining Ebenezer, Philadelphia, and Conyers First UMCs for a combined service at noon in the Fellowship Hall at Conyers First UMC. Our theme is Love One Another and the service will focus on praying for America, our community, and one another. Lunch will be provided immediately following the service. We hope to see you there!
Wesley Woods Mother's Day Offering
On Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th, we are asking you to make a special gift to Wesley Woods. The North Georgia area has the fastest growing aging population in the country, yet has been named as one of the least favorable places to age, with a lack of affordable housing being one of the key factors. Wesley Woods, a ministry founded by the United Methodist Church, has addressed these issues with benevolence assistance, pastoral care and wellness programming to older adults living in one of 10 communities across North Georgia. Please prayerfully consider how you can bless this ministry with your offering. You can also text “MOTHER” to 243725 or give online at mothersdaygift.org.
Youth Auction Mission Fundraiser
The Wednesday Night Supper menu is:
Chicken Fingers
Mac and Cheese
Green Beans
Tossed Salad
Chocolate Delight
Rolls, Tea, Lemonade
Graduate Sunday
Graduate Sunday is coming up on Sunday, May 19th. If you have a family member who is graduating from high school or college, you may submit a picture and a brief description of your graduate's credentials to the church office so that we may recognize them on that Sunday. The deadline to turn in your pictures is Monday, May 13th.
Crossroads Summer Music Camp 2019
Fiddler on the Roof Jr. needs YOU!
Our 7th annual Music Camp will take place June 2-9 with performances on Saturday, June 8th at 7:00 pm & Sunday, June 9th at 10:00 am. This year’s production is Fiddler on the Roof, Jr! The story is set in Russia in 1905, and centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon the family’s lives.
Most roles are cast in advance of the June music camp dates and a few rehearsals are held in May, but the majority of rehearsals are held during the week of music camp. The children attending the camp are then staged into various scenes and songs throughout the show.
This musical requires an intergenerational cast! Will you consider offering your time and talents to our production? 15-20 adults are needed to fill major and minor roles in the cast. Teenagers are needed as “sons and daughters” and to help manage our music camp participants. Volunteers are needed to help with crafts, games, snacks, costumes, props, lights, and set construction. It is an exciting, busy week that is guaranteed to create lasting memories! We hope you will be a part of this great annual event!
Susan Smith and Mary Lynn Luke are directing this year’s Music Camp and are looking forward to working with YOU!
Need Registration Information? Call the church office at 770-388-7438 or visit the church website at crossroadsumc.net
Fiddler on the Roof Jr.
*Camp dates are Sunday, June 2nd thru Friday, June 7th, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
*There will be snacks, crafts, music and fun!
*Dress rehearsal is Saturday, June 8th , 9:00am-12:00 noon.
*Performance dates are Saturday, June 8th at 7:00pm AND Sunday, June 9th at 10:00am.
*Cost is $40 per child if registered by May 17, $50 per child after May 17, and $25 for each additional sibling.
*To Register call 770-388-7438 or visit our website at www.crossroadsumc.net
One Service Sunday, May 26th
ongoing ministries
Rockdale Emergency Relief
We will collect food donations for Rockdale Emergency Relief on Sunday, May 5th.
Food Items needed this month are:
Canned Chili,
Canned Pork & Beans
Bagged Dried Beans
Bagged or Boxed Grits
Elbow Macaroni,
Dessert Mixes
You may leave your donations in the cart in the Narthex.
CLEO's
"CLEO" (Christian Ladies Eating Out) will meet on Tuesday, May 7th at 12:00pm at Mandarin Garden.
Happy Hearts
Retired and inspired members of the church will gather at O'Charley's. Join us Friday, May 3rd at 11:30am.
Exploring Arts
Exploring Arts will meet Wednesday, May 1, at 10:00am in the Gathering Room.
Artisans in India will be our program showing videos and art from Amy Lea's recent trip to India. We will also be planning for a special summer project. Everyone welcome.
United Methodist Women
The Walton Gang Breakfast
The Piecemakers Quilters
Youth Group
The Youth Group meets every Wednesday, 5:30-7:15pm . All Youth 6th-12th grades are invited!
Kid's Club
Every Wednesday at 5:30pm-7:15pm. Kid's Club has fun, games, refreshments, choir and learning the Bible in a fun way! All kids Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome!
Promise Keepers Breakfast
May Worship Volunteers
May 5
8:45am
Scripture: Pat Harwell
Holy Communion: Joel & Nancy Crissman, Nancy Jackson
Audio: John Schaal
Video: Brandon Thomas
11:00am
Scripture: David Hammonds
Acolyte: Ben Helton
Holy Communion: Key & Brenda Ellis, Paul Wine
Audio: Theresa Jones
Video: Michelle Sinclair
May 12
8:45am
Scripture: David Copple
Audio: John Schaal
Video: David Elder
11:00am
Scripture: Bonny Watson
Acolyte: Sadie Moon
Audio: Theresa Jones
Video: Michelle Sinclair
May 19
8:45am
Scripture: Tanya Hunt
Audio: John Schaal
Video: Brandon Thomas
11:00am
Scripture: Brenda Hutson
Acolyte: Mayce Page
Audio: Debbie Carney
Video: Sandra Rodrick
May 26
10:00am
Scripture: Steve Brinson
Acolyte: Ben Helton
Audio: Debbie Carney
Video: Sandra Rodrick
June 2
10:00am
Scripture: Bruce Carey
Acolyte: Lily Moon
Holy Communion: Stephanie & Marty Boyd, Sherry Wheeler
Audio: John Schaal
Video: David Elder
Crossroads Shut-In List
Many of you have asked about our church members and friends who can no longer make it to Sunday Services and other fellowship events. Below is a current list with contact information if you would like to reach out to them. We ask that you keep them all in your prayers and thoughts. If you would like to add someone to the list, please contact the church office.
Nora Pelowski
1358 Manchester Dr
Bristol Village - Room 230
Conyers, GA 30012
770-760-8269
Effe Ashong
1500 Callaway Loop
Conyers, GA 30012
770-760-1075
Donna Peek
131 Vickery Dr.
Central, SC 29631
Martha Bryant
2592 Abbey Ridge Road
Conyers GA 30094
770-483-4648
Mattie Lou Hammonds
1239 Milstead Avenue
Conyers GA 30012
770-483-7162
Happy Birthday! May 2019
Marsho Coble - 5/01
Neal Hester - 5/01
Beau Mumford - 5/01
Rich Robinson - 5/01
Jennifer Helton - 5/03
Hannah Hanson - 5/04
Kyto Okafor - 5/07
Patsy Reagan - 5/07
David Copple - 5/08
Milton Franklin - 5/08
Chuck Reagan - 5/08
Rev. Julie Schendel - 5/08
Butch Elder - 5/10
Mattie Lou Hammonds - 5/11
Sheryl Dodson - 5/13
Julie Wright - 5/13
Ciely Carroll - 5/14
Fred Watson - 5/14
Katherine Moore - 5/17
Ray Hambrick - 5/18
Lyndsey Renfroe - 5/18
Josh Miller - 5/19
Melanie Rutledge - 5/19
Colleen Vier - 5/19
Lynn Childers - 5/21
Brian Crissman - 5/24
Don Chadwick - 5/25
Dawson Hammonds - 5/27
Nancy Jackson - 5/27
Kyle Collins - 5/28
JoBeth Edwards - 5/28
Jimmy Jones - 5/28
Linda Cook - 5/30
June 2019 Newsletter Deadline
The deadline to get information into the June 2019 Newsletter is Monday, May 27th. Submit all articles, information, and pictures to admin@crossroadsumc.net or call 770-388-7438. If you wish to receive a mailed copy of the church's monthly newsletter, please contact the church office at admin@crossroadsumc.net or 770-388-7438.
Crossroads United Methodist Church
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Email: admin@crossroadsumc.net
Website: www.crossroadsumc.net
Location: 2460 State Highway 138, Conyers, GA, United States
Phone: 770-388-7438
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Crossroads-UMC-Conyers/227593134052091