At The Crossroads
May 2018 Newsletter from Crossroads UMC
50 Years of the United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church formed at General Conference in 1968. Sadly, this year we might see some unraveling of this great connectional system. There will soon be a decision on how to address the issue of homosexuality in our church--from church membership to church leadership. This sole issue will be debated at the special called General Conference in February 2019. This week, the council of Bishops is reviewing the proposals from the "Commission on a Way Forward". They will recommend a proposal to the delegates to debate and discuss. Of course, there will be other proposals brought to the floor on how best to deal with the issue. No one knows what is going to happen. It is certain, however, that the UMC will experience many changes in next few years.
So before we begin the discussions and debates about splitting or dividing or whatever else happens, I wanted to lift up this article I read in a UMC newsletter: "50 reasons to celebrate The United Methodist Church" by Fran Coode Walsh.
Our people
1. John Wesley, who was called to create a movement, that grew into a church. He could’ve been a Jedi, really.
2. Susanna Wesley, whose steadfast faith and bold witness inspired her children and made her the true “Mother of Methodism.”
3. The 750,000 members of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and 10.3 million members of the Methodist Church who came together in the tumultuous year of 1968 and created a new church.
4. The 350 missionaries who serve the UMC across the world.
5. So many amazing kids, doing so many acts of kindness for their neighbors.
6. Leaders and trailblazers like Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala of Mozambique, who is the first female United Methodist bishop in Africa.
7. Young adults sharing their gifts, like blind artist Jeff Hanson who has raised millions for charity.
8. Our bishops, past and present. You can get to know more about their personal faith journeys in podcasts, like the one with Bishop Harald Rückert of Germany who had a previous career in food technology.
9. The Methodist mother-daughter team who created a holiday for moms.
10. Members of the two United Methodist churches that were the first to host Father’s Day celebrations.
Our Places
11. The Philippines, where United Methodists care deeply about climate change and planted more than 3,000 trees on Mindanao.
12. Washington, DC, where we have the only non-governmental bldg. on Capitol Hill and it has a green roof!
13. Honduras, where the only United Methodist church in Latin America is found.
14. Kansas, where a United Methodist Church houses the world’s largest stained glass window.
15. Congo, where ministries like the Goma Orphanage offer job skills and education to those struggling after wars.:
16. China, where United Methodists continue to support Chinese Christians and promote ecumenical dialogue.
17. Côte d’Ivoire, where The Voice of Hope radio station transmits to more than 1 million people in 18 languages daily.
18. Alaska, where United Methodists preserve Native culture and share God’s message no matter the weather.
19. New Jersey, where “God’s Square Mile” can be found on the beach at Ocean Grove.
20. Sierra Leone, where the United Methodist University of Sierra Leone opened in Freetown in 2017.
Our Musicians
21. Charles Wesley, whose hymns were considered as influential in the Methodist movement as his brother John’s sermons.
22. Fanny Crosby, a blind, musical visionary who penned "Blessed Assurance" and more than 8,000 songs in her lifetime.
23. Choir members the world over, who use their talents to praise God and grow their own faith while inspiring others with their music.
24. The Amazing Grace Guitar Ministry in Dallas, that offers young people lessons and rewards them with a guitar as part of a mentorship program.
25. The Africa University Choir, who sang for South Carolina United Methodists in the wake of the 2015 shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.
26. Composer, conductor and teacher Jane Marshall who debuted in a big way with the anthem "My Eternal King."
27. Ukelele choirs like the one from Frisco, Texas with musicians aged 8 to 60, who performed at the 2016 General Conference.
28. Betty Trotter, who has played the piano for Spring Creek United Methodist Church in Tennessee for more than 70 years.
29. Beyoncé, who sang her first solo at her home church, St. John’s UMC in Houston. In 2017, she teamed with her pastor Rudy Rasmus and the congregation to help survivors of Hurricane Harvey.
30. The Steel Pan Ministry at Westchester UMC in the Bronx, which combines the influences of many cultures to create a unique orchestra that serves the church and the community.
Our Mission
31. To alleviate human suffering and advance hope and healing. Since 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has been providing aid to families like those hurt by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
32. To focus on ministries with women, children and youth. 800,00 United Methodist Women work across the globe, including in Liberia where UMW offered meals and lifesaving information during the Ebola outbreak of 2014.
33. “To empower the ministry of Jesus Christ through men within the congregations of the UMC.” United Methodist Men offers spiritual resources, like Strength for Service devotionals for the U.S. military.
34. To volunteer in relief efforts around the world. Volunteers in Mission do construction, teach, conduct medical clinics, lead Bible study, and more.
35. To plant new churches and encourage congregations to “see all the people.” One vibrant example is Embrace Church in northern California, which launched in July 2015.
36. To discern God’s call in our lives and use our spiritual gifts.
37. To address the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of all. The church’s Abundant Health initiative encourages members to embrace healthy living and hula-hoops.
38. To support the rights of workers and fight for a living wage. Learn ways you can support worker justice.
39. To remember our role as stewards of God’s earth and care for Creation.
40. To recognize the sin of racism and seek racial justice. Learn ways you can take a stand against racism.
Our Method
41. Core spiritual practices, which led to the nicknames for early Methodists.
42. Our Wesleyan heritage, which put an emphasis on “practical divinity.”
43. A history of disciple-shaping groups, the foundation of the movement.
44. The Articles of Religion and other foundational documents.
45. Four theological guidelines.
46. Sacraments and sacramental acts, which are part of our life’s journey.
47. Prayer, which comforts and connects us.
48. Our Social Principles and Social Creed, which guide our thinking and acting.
49. General Conference, which is the only body that speaks officially for the church.
50. Our history, which gives us roots and can inspire us today.
Pray for the United Methodist Church as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
peace,
UPCOMING EVENTS
CLEO's
“CLEO" (Christian Ladies Eating Out) meets the first Tuesday of every month. We will meet on May 1st at 12:00pm at Outback.
Happy Hearts
Retired and inspired members of the church normally gather the 1st Friday of every month at O'Charley's. Join us Friday, May 4th at 11:30am.
The United Methodist Women
Mother's Day, May 13th
GRADUATE SUNDAY
On Sunday May 20th at both worship services, we want to honor the graduate in your household. If you have a student graduating from school this spring, please submit the following information to our church office: 770-388-7438, or email secretary@crossroadsumc.net
1. A picture of the graduate
2. The school where he/she is graduating
3. The school or direction he/she is moving toward
4. Any clubs, organizations, awards, or leadership activities he/she participated in
There will also be a special breakfast for you and your graduate on that date. Please let us know how many people will be attending with you and your family.
A Graduation Celebration
Please RSVP, regrets only to Dana Hammonds at 70-314-3394.
ONGOING MINISTRIES
Crossroads Men's Club Breakfast
Our Men's Club meets the first Sunday of each month at 7:00am for breakfast and fellowship.
The Walton Gang Breakfast
Children's Choir
Rehersal is every Wednesday at 5:00pm for children ages Kindergarten– 5th grade. Children's Choir will meet this month through Wednesday, May 23rd. They will resume at the beginning of the next school year. Watch your "At the Crossroads" newsletters for the exact date.
Kids Club
Calling All Kids!
Kindergarten through 5th graders meet every Wednesday at 6:00pm. This is a time of fun, games, refreshments and learning the Bible in a fun way. The kids are earning badges for learning their Bible verses and everyone gets a sash to put their badges on so they can wear them each week.
Kids Club will meet this month through Wednesday, May 23rd. They will resume at the beginning of the next school year. Watch your "At the Crossroads" newsletter for the exact date.
Youth Group
The Piecemakers
Wednesday Night Supper
Mark your calendars for Wednesday Night Supper on Wednesday,May 16th at 6:00pm. The program and the menu will be announced. Join us for a great meal and an inspirational program!
Tamara Richardson from Action Ministries will share about her work in this area.
Promise Keepers Breakfast
May Worship Volunteers
May 6th
8:45am Scripture: Bruce Carey
Holy Communion: Joel & Nancy Crissman, Artis Spencer
11:00am Scripture: Jennifer Edwards
Acolytes: Savannah Martin, Ben Helton
Holy Communion: Stephanie & Marty Boyd, Jim Miller
Audio: Fred Watson
Video: Reggie Charles
8:45am Scripture: David Copple
11:00am Scripture: Emma Moon
Acolytes: Caylee Compton, Shi Walker
Audio: Reggie Charles
Video: Jennifer Edwards
May 20th
8:45am Scripture: Joel Crissman
11:00am Scripture: Julian Harwell
Acolytes: Lily Moon, Sadie Moon
Audio: Susan Smith
Video: Michelle Sinclair
May 27th
8:45am Scripture: Brandon Thomas
11:00am Scripture: Pat Harwell
Acolytes: Caylee Compton, Evan Boyd
Audio: Theresa Jones
Video: Sandra Rodrick
June 3rd
8:45am Scripture: Artis Spencer
Holy Communion: Julian & Pat Harwell, Artis Spencer
11:00am Scripture: Jim Miller
Acolytes: Shi Walker, Ben Helton
Holy Communion: Brenda Edwards, Kim Rowe, Sandra Rodrick
Audio: Kathy Edwards
Video: Fred Watson
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.
Barbara Finlayson
Remington House Apt. 8a
1504 Renaissance Drive
Conyers, GA 30012
678-562-4068
Ruby Straley
1611 Pratt Rd
Covington, Ga 30014
770-786-2599
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
Happy Birthday! May 2018
May Birthdays
Marsha Coble 05/01
Neal Hester 05/01
Beau Mumford 05/01
Rich Robinson 05/01
Jennifer Helton 05/03
Hannah Hanson 05/04
Audrey Hepburn 05/04
Kyto Okafor 05/07
Patsy Reagan 05/07
David Copple 05/08
Milton Franklin 05/08
Chuck Reagan 05/08
Butch Elder 05/10
Mattie Lou Hammonds 05/11
Sheryl Dodson 05/13
Julie Wright 05/13
Ciely Carroll 05/14
Fred Watson 05/14
John Luke Sr. 05/16
Ray Hambrick 05/18
Josh Miller 05/19
Melanie Rutledge 05/19
Colleen Vier 05/19
Peter Chewbacca Mayhew 05/19
Lynn Childers 05/21
Justin Dodd 05/21
Brian Crissman 05/24
Don Chadwick 05/25
Dawson Hammonds 05/27
Nancy Jackson 05/27
Kyle Collins 05/28
JoBeth Edwards 05/28
Jimmy Jones 05/28
Idina Menzel 05/30
Linda Cook 05/30
June 2018 Newsletter Deadline
The deadline to get information into the June 2018 Newsletter is Thursday, May 31st. Submit all articles, information, and pictures to secretary@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 secretary@crossroadsumc.net or
770-388-7438.
Crossroads United Methodist Church
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Email: secretary@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