AUMC eNews for September 7

September 7, 2011, by Cynthia S. Meyer of Atchison United Methodist Church

AUMC Weekly Update

Join us this Sunday in worship at 10:10 am as we begin our new worship series exploring the many Gifts of Grace.  This week we will consider Judgment and Grace. What does Jesus’ call to forgive really require of us?   Sunday School classes will meet at 9 am.

All are welcome to the first rehearsal of the CHOIR, tonight, Wednesday, September 7, at 7 pm.  We’d like to see lots of new members and of course to welcome back all former participants! Invite someone to join you in getting to know ournew Director of Music Ministries, Marta Myers. The Choir will sing in worship on September 11.  How exciting, to begin a reinvigorated music ministry! 

In the Coming Week: 

Today at 5:00 pm – Study Team (Library)

Today at 6:00 pm – MERGE Youth Group

Today at 6:00 pm – Staff Parish Relations Committee (Library)

Today at 7:00 pm – Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary/Choir Room

Thursday at 9:30 am – Seated Yoga (Fellowship Hall)    

Saturday at 9:00 am – Church Beautification Day and Lunch

Sunday from 11:15 am – Sunday School & Fall Ministries Kick-off

Sunday at 12:00 pm – Nurture Team (Library)

Sunday at 6:00 pm – Singsation Rehearsal (Sanctuary and Choir Room)

Monday at 6:30 pm – Seated Yoga (Parlor)

Monday at 6:30 pm – Girl Scouts (Fellowship Hall)

Next Wednesday at 6 pm – Church Council

Next Wednesday at 6 pm – MERGE Youth Group

This Saturday, September 10th we will have our All Church Beautification Day and Lunch.  We will get started at 9 am.  Bring your smile, some energy and basic supplies and we will have coffee and water.  We will conclude with a delicious lunch.  If you have questions, contact Peggy Harden or Nancy Wheeler from Trustees.

Sunday we celebrate the Kick-Off of Sunday School and many ministries this fall!  You will be able to purchase or order materials for an upcoming Bible Study on the Gospel according to Matthew, along with a Daily Devotionalrelating to our October Stewardship emphasis and inexpensive copies of the wonderful new Common English Bible.  We’ll also be taking orders for AUMC t-shirts and polo shirts to have in time for Oktoberfest!  Our Outreach and Nurture teams will have information about ways you can continue to live out your faith! 

We hope to order new AUMC T-shirts, polo shirts and possibly baseball caps soon.  Children’s and adult T’s, small through XL will be about $12, with larger sizes, polos and hats around $15.  We’d like to pre-order some soon.  If you plan to purchase some of these items, please reply to this email indicating quantity, sizes, etc. to help us order more accurately.  We hope everyone would wear these shirts for Oktoberfest, CROP Walk and lots of other times to promote awareness of our church around the Atchison community.

Let’s Form an AUMC Team (or 2!) for the United Way Amazing Race 2011! 

The Atchison Area United Way is kicking off its 2012 fund-raising campaign with the Atchison Amazing Race! Like the TV show, the Amazing Race is an adventure —a scavenger hunt mixed with team-building exercises and prizes.  But even better than the TV show, the Atchison Amazing Race also raises funds to help the community! 

The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Atchison Heritage Conference Center.  Each team of fivewill be given tasks that will take them all over Atchison.  To win, your group must be the first to complete all tasks and get back to the Conference Center.  After the race, all teams will be treated to goodies and soda.  The cost is $10 per person.  If you would like to join Pastor Cindy on our team for a fun time supporting our community, please contact the church office ASAP.

We have begun an intentional group to gather each week to share concerns and pray together.  Our weekly gatherings are on Tuesday at 9:15 am in the library.  All are invited to join us for about 30 minutes of sharing and guided prayer.  However, the group will NOT meet on Tuesday, September 13.

Middle School and High School Youth have formed a new group called MERGE on Wednesday nights from 6 to 8 pm.  This month we are exploring some BIG questions about the mystery of God.  Join us this week when we play “Are You Smarter Than a Youth Worker?”

Please keep in prayer all our members and the ministries of our church and especially these who have particular needs now:   Mary Robinson, Sue Reichle, Margaret McConnell, Dorothy Lutz, Joyce Andes, Caroline Shufflebarger and our nursing home residents.  If you are aware of other prayer or pastoral care needs, please contact the office with information.